How to save or adopt a dog?

Why is it worth adapting a dog?

• Puppies require a lot of commitment from the owner: training, learning discipline, cleaning up after them and paying as much attention as they need.
• When you adopt a dog, you will have a companion who is slightly older and more responsible, and sometimes even trained! May know some basic commands.
• The adopted dog will have specific habits and personality that will be familiar to you.
• After adopting a dog, you will skip the first few years of a puppy's life, which generate significant costs, such as: first infections, sterilization or microchipping .
• When adopting a dog, you can find one that best suits your lifestyle, home and family: dog adoption centers place great emphasis on proper pairing of people and animals.
• If you spend a lot of time away from home, adoption can give busy families a chance to care for your dog without having to raise it and accept any damage in the home.
• The boundless energy of a young puppy can be overwhelming, so adopting an elderly dog ​​may be a better option for older people.

Deciding to adopt a dog is always exciting, but there are many factors you should consider before deciding on a new family member.

Things to remember before adopting a dog:

• In some cases, dogs are brought into shelters due to neglect or mistreatment. Some of them may have unpleasant experiences. Staff will always be honest with you about your dog's needs: in this case, be sure you can be responsible when adopting a dog with a difficult history. If the dog has been used for reproductions or shows, he may have learned certain behaviors, it may be necessary to work to teach him new behaviors.
• It may take some time for the rescued dog to get used to the new home and build a bond with the owner. Don't worry about failures - the old dog can learn new tricks!
• Dogs need a lot of time and space. Make sure you have enough space in your living space before adopting a dog. You will also need some space and a reorganization of your daily schedule.
• Dogs need daily walks and interactions: you need to be sure you have enough time to spend on their behavioral, social, and physical needs.
• There are financial consequences when adopting a dog; such as, for example, adoption fees, which may vary by shelter. You should also think about the long-term implications of this type: vet costs, training, and daily care such as, food (average daily cost when you feed only dry food $ 2-15), grooming accessories, care or a dog hotel in case you are leaving on holidays.

Dog breeds

If you have allergy sufferers in your home - dogs that don't shed hair, such as schnauzers and poodles, may be a good fit for your family. If you are a runner or just like to exercise a lot, a hunting dog will be a suitable companion, e.g. pointer.

Otherwise, when you're just looking for a couch dog, you'll be most satisfied with couch dogs such as Shih Tzu. There are many different types of dogs, so choose your breed carefully. Remember that both purebred and purebred dogs are not predisposed to specific diseases and are often abandoned due to the high cost of treating them.

Dog adoption process

Find a dog adoption center you'd like to use - there are hundreds of options across the country, either online or locally. We recommend a program of safe and responsible adoption supported by PURINA®

Talk to the staff at the facility to find out which breed is right for you. You should be able to visit and interact with dogs before making a final decision about adopting one of them. Some centers visit future owners in their homes to ensure that the animal has the right living conditions. If you already have one animal, employees of the adoption establishment may wish to check whether both animals will be able to function in the common environment and that the new family member will not be returned to the shelter after some time.

First week at home

Here are some tips to prepare for your adopted pet's arrival in your new home.

Prepare your home in advance by buying everything your new friend will need:

• Dog collar and leash,
• Food and water bowls,
• Transporter,
• Bedding and blanket,
• Toys and (chew toys),
• Food (same as they are used to at the resort).

First day

• Take your new family member for hour-long walks to the same places - so he can learn where the toilet is.
• Let your dog acclimatize to your new environment before introducing him to your friends.
• Your dog may be restless at night - be patient and understanding.
• Be present, but give your dog some space. Don't leave him alone as he tries to acclimate to his new surroundings.

Second day

• Start following a schedule - structured activities such as feeding and walking at fixed times will help your dog feel safe.

Third day

• Reward correct behavior with delicacies. Positive incentives can quickly facilitate the integration of your dog into your family.
• If the dog suffers from anxiety caused by past experiences - be patient and remember that you can always contact the shelter and ask for advice and the appointment of a specialist (behaviorist) who has experience working with shelter dogs.

Fourth day

• Stick to the daily plan you have created and the repetition of habits will calm you down and help your dog settle in.
• Don't forget to play! Dogs are social animals, and a little fun will help them build a bond with their new owner.

The next days

• Be patient as it may take several weeks for your new dog to fully settle in and get used to his new dog's daily habits. Soon you will see the first spark of joy in his eyes!

The cost of adopting a dog

Many dog ​​adoption centers expect an adoption fee that varies or is voluntary. There are also centers that expect responsibility from you.

How to save a stray dog?

First, make sure the dog is stray. Post ads, visit the nearest veterinary clinic with your dog and post information about finding a dog on-line. Always check that your dog is microchipped and registered. Report finding the dog at the shelter.

When you are sure that the dog is definitely stray, you can usually take it home, and after two weeks you can officially register it. Take him to your vet immediately for a full checkup and microchip (if not present) before taking him home.

How long does it take for a dog to adapt?

The process depends on the case: it usually takes at least two weeks, but in a shorter time, even after a few days, you may find that your dog happily accepts your proposed rhythm and lifestyle. In the event that the dog does not adapt to the conditions that you have created for him for more than three weeks, exclude chronic diseases and painful diseases (at the veterinarian), and contact a dog behavior specialist to help you.