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Health & Fitness

Dog Adoption 101

Did you know October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet Month? If you are new to the process of dog adoption, here are some things you might like to know.

Recently, I've been seeing a lot of ads on animal shelter websites offering discounted or reduced adoption fees in honor of October being Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month. Some shelters even advertise a deep discount for adopting a pair of dogs or even a "two for one" special. Obviously, this makes October a great time to bring home a pet in need of a home. Fortunately, shelter procedures still apply, so that the regular screening measures are still in place.

So, if you've decided that now is the time to find your new furry companion, maybe you don't exactly know where to start or what to watch out for.  Fortunately, I happen to know Maribel Taylor-Mattox, who is one of the founders of A Forever Home animal rescue group.  She is quite knowledgeable about the subject of animal adoptions and she was kind enough to answer some questions I threw her way.

What is the very first step a person should take in starting the pet search?

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People adopting need to decide what qualities they are looking for in a pet and then research the different breeds. Adopters should also know what responsibilities are involved in taking care of a puppy versus an adult dog.

What are some things to watch out for in adopting from a shelter?       

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Whether you adopt from a shelter or a rescue be aware of what are the age appropriate shots that need to be done on your pet. Adult dogs should have a DHLPPC, a negative 4DX test, and been altered. Some shelters provide a certificate that allows you to get a free spay/neuter, but be aware of which vets take this certificate and exactly what expenses it covers.

If adopting a puppy, legally they can not be released until at least 7 weeks of age, but 8 weeks is preferable. It is also important to know what quarantine procedures are followed by the shelter/rescue to reduce the chance of adopting a sick puppy.

It is important to ask about the history of the pet you are adopting - why it was given up and if the breed is known or just a best guess. Be aware that is difficult to determine what size a puppy will be once full-grown, especially if they are a mixed breed. Rule of thumb is double weight and height at 16 weeks of age. At 8 weeks, although not as good of an estimate, you can assume 4x the weight and height.

When adopting an adult dog, having one that is being kept in a foster home is the ideal situation as you are able to know more about the dog's temperament. Always assume that you will need training with whatever pet you adopt. Even the most experienced pet owners can learn more by going to training and will make your adoption experience a much better one.

Inevitably, some families will still end up going to a  breeder - what should they be on the lookout for?                                                          

Never buy a dog or pup without having met the pet in person. Always insist on seeing the mother of the puppies and where the pets are kept. Dog should be living in an indoor, clean environment. They should also be well socialized, including the parent (s) of the pup. Be sure to research your breeder ahead of time. Ask for vet reference and references from others that have bought from them.

For families that have young kids, what are the main things to consider?

It is always good to wait until your kids are old enough to follow direction before getting a dog. That way if you give a direction like "never put your face in a dog's face," the child will understand and obey. If you have young children and do adopt, it is best to get a medium to large breed, as small breeds are delicate and tend to bite more often as a means of protecting themselves. Extra large breeds are also not ideal as they may step on small children or knock them over. Also research breeds that known to be good with children.

It is important to be sure that you have a place in your house that your pet can be seen, but can also get a break from the kids. Using a crate is ideal for this. Some families also have rooms that are gated off so the kids and dogs can be separated when needed. Training is extremely important for owning a dog, but especially when you have children. Training should be done while your a dog is still a puppy and again as they get older to deal with any issues encountered before they become serious problems.

Pros and cons of adopting senior pets?                                              

Senior pets are usually calmer and you already know their personality. They are usually housetrained and past chewing and other destructive behaviors. All dogs will eventually be a senior so you should be sure you have the financial means of dealing with whatever medical needs crop up. Senior pets often have difficulty with stairs and may have trouble with slick surfaces so be sure you are able to accommodate their needs.

We are seeing a lot of pet returns due to finances.  What is the approximate annual cost of pet care, assuming the animal is healthy?

$1,500 is an average cost. Costs will be higher in the first year of age because they require additional shots, need to have training, need a crate for housetraining, need extra chews and toys to keep them from destroying things as they go through the chewing stage.

What should you look for when meeting a potential pet?                    

 You want a pet that is friendly, well-socialized. If you have allergies, be sure that you adopt breeds recommended for allergies. Keep in mind how large your dog/pup will get ultimately. Don't adopt the first pet you meet. Take your time to be sure you choose the one that is right for the whole family. If you have any reservations, or the whole family is not 100% sure, go home and sleep on it.

What are some main differences between a shelter and a rescue?        

Shelters receive their funding from the government while rescues rely on adoption fees and donations. Shelters are required to take any dogs/pups that are brought to them from their local area whereas rescues can choose who they bring in. Rescues tend to be no-kill whereas shelters usually are not. When adopting from a rescue, you usually have to sign a contract requiring the dog/pup be returned to them in the event the adoption does not work out. If things don't work out, you are not condemning the dog to death as rescues will usually just find them another home. While shelters always take their dogs back, it is not uncommon for them to euthanize dogs that are returned.

 

Thank you Maribel! If you'd like to see who is available in our area and waiting for a new home, please go to A Forever Home for photos and descriptions. You can meet the pets in person on Sundays from 1 to 4 pm at the PetCo in Chantilly.  Check the website often as the pets and events are updated frequently. Petfinder is also a recommended website and a great place to start.   

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