Adopt-a-Dog Month: Tips to Find Your Perfect Match
October is National Adopt-a-dog/Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month! That means its dedicated to finding loving homes for dogs that are in our local shelters – and we love helping dogs find their “furever” homes! Most people have wonderful intentions when they adopt a dog. They want to give a dog a home, have a companion that will love them and their family, and find comfort in having a pet in their house. And it’s easy to walk into a shelter and want them all because of their cute faces! But, put some thought into the dog you’re adopting. Several things will happen when you do: you’ll find a better match for everyone involved, you’ll be more likely to keep the dog you adopt, and everyone will be happier in the long run! So check out these 4 tips to adopt a dog that will be the best fit for your family…
4 Tips for Adopting The Right Dog for You
- Tip #1: Discuss your lifestyle, needs, and wishes with shelter staff members. If the foster family is available to talk to, talk to them about how the dog is doing in their home and what they feel the dog’s needs are. Depending on how long the dog has been there, these people have been the closest to the dog you’re looking at. They will have a better idea on which one will be a good match for you. If you are a home-body, don’t get an active dog that will require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. On the flip side – if you are an outdoors type that wants a companion on hiking trails, don’t get a dog that can’t handle strenuous physical activity.
- Tip #2: Walk past the kennels, observe the dogs, and listen to your instincts. Look for dogs that appear comfortable, friendly, interested, and outgoing. Actually approach and walk up to the kennel in a non-threatening manner, and see how the dog reacts. If they appear fearful, shy, or overly hyper, just be aware they may have other behaviors that need work, too. BTW – these dogs can be great pets, but may require a bit more training to get there. So it’s good to know that time investment up front. Use your best judgement and the advice of the kennel staff, volunteers, or foster family if you think the dog has a friendly reaction or not. Use that advice to help make your decision.
- Tip #3: If you are adopting a dog into a home that already has pets, see if you can arrange a “playdate”. Some kennels will allow you to bring your current pets to their facility to see if all the animals get along. This can be helpful because the environment can be more controlled when introducing the animals. Heads up: even if they get along at the adoption facility, there will still adjustments at home. Once you bring the new dog home, your other pets will be back on “their” turf and there will be some “growing pains”.
- Tip #4: See if the adoption facility will allow you to “foster” the dog for a week. Some facilities will allow you to “foster” the dog for a week or more to see if the dog will be a good fit in your home. Typically, it will take a few days for a dog to get adjusted to it’s new home. But some may take longer than others. Remember: your new dog will exhibit some behavior/obedience issues that you don’t find favorable, but those can be trained. He’s just testing his boundaries and limits. You want to determine if the dog’s energy, exercise, and grooming needs will work for you and your family. And be honest with yourself and the rescue. If you honestly feel like the dog you adopted won’t fit your family and lifestyle, then he needs a chance to find his “fur”ever home.
Heading to the shelter/rescue soon? Grab our FREE “Shelter Lingo” PDF so you know if you need to ask more questions:
If you want a PDF of what some of those adoption terms used to describe potential pups, sign up below and we'll send you one 🙂
Local adoption shelters and Rescues:
These are just a few of the local rescues and adoption facilities in our area:
Many times, these local rescues list their adoptable animals on their websites as well as places like Petfinder.com and Adopt-A-Pet.com. These websites are helpful because you can filter your preferences to find the right match. Also look at local vets and groomers because they often have dogs turned into them that need to find homes, too!
I hope these tips and lingo are helpful with your selection from your local shelter! Rescues can make wonderful additions to any family, when placed with the right home.
Related: Want to Adopt Another Dog?
If you ever need help with some behavior issues, or helping your new dog adjust, give us a call!
Call today: 803-561-9090 FIRST VISIT FREE!
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