| So what's the next step? Fret not; we've got you | | | | Some breeds may require a fenced yard or certain |
| covered: | | | | number of square feet to be comfortable, so don't |
| Step 1: Do Your Homework! | | | | take it personally if the rescue declines your |
| Before you drop by the local rescue or shelter and | | | | application based on the fact that you live in a studio |
| fall in love with a dog that may outgrow the weight | | | | apartment. |
| restrictions of your apartment building, invest some | | | | Step 5: Pay An Adoption Fee/Sign An Agreement |
| time researching breeds that will best fit your | | | | No shelter or rescue dog is "free to a good home," |
| situation. Consider the dog's weight (and what he will | | | | and you'll be asked for an adoption fee that can |
| weigh when fully grown), age and temperament. A | | | | range from $50 to $400 depending on the breed, |
| puppy will require housebreaking, obedience training, | | | | age of the dog (puppies tend to be more expensive |
| while an older dog may be better adjusted. Some | | | | as they're in demand more often than older dogs), |
| dogs have temperaments best suited to a family, | | | | the kind of organization you adopt from and what |
| others won't do as well with children, and so on. | | | | part of the country you live in. This fee is usually a |
| Step 2: Hunt for a Dog that Fits Your Criteria | | | | pittance compared to the work that's gone into the |
| Visit the local pound or shelter if it's open to the | | | | dog you are adopting – usually it offsets the |
| public. Search online as well—researching | | | | price of spaying/neutering the dog, feeding and caring |
| breed-specific rescues in driving range and Dog | | | | for it, as well as ensuring it has all the right |
| Adoption websites that allow you to search by | | | | vaccinations. Dog adoption fees are also a screening |
| breed, age and gender within your zip code. | | | | measure used to weed out people who are unwilling |
| Step 3: Have Your Family Meet the Dog | | | | or unable to spend money on their pets. Once you've |
| If you come across a dog online that fits the bill, | | | | paid the fee, you'll be asked to sign an adoption |
| arrange a visit. Some dogs may be in temporary | | | | agreement, guaranteeing that the dog will be looked |
| foster homes and will either be transported to the | | | | after and cared for indoors (rather than chained to a |
| main rescue location or to your house for a home | | | | tree in the yard). |
| visit. Make sure all the members of your household | | | | Step 6: Take Your Dog Home! |
| get to meet the dog. The same goes for shelter or | | | | Congratulations, you've done the research, found the |
| pound dogs. | | | | dog and successfully wooed the shelter/rescue |
| Step 4: Fill Out The Application/Prepare for Screening | | | | folks! You are ready Adopt A Dog! Be sure to buy |
| Whether you find a dog from a rescue online or a | | | | a crate your dog will be comfortable in (and a soft |
| shelter dog, you'll have to fill out an application. This | | | | blanket or bed to go inside it), as well as a leash and |
| may just be a formality for some places, but others | | | | collar and a supply of food and treats before taking |
| will want a closer investigation – be it a reference | | | | him home. Don't forget to get him tagged and |
| check, extensive interview or a home visit to see | | | | microchipped to assure his safety. Then, give him |
| the conditions in which the rescued animal is to live. | | | | plenty of hugs! |