| There are many benefits to adopting a pet from a | | | | to wait for a required period before allowing you to |
| shelter. One of these benefits is that you can spend | | | | adopt a dog. |
| time with the dog before deciding to adopt it to get | | | | If you choose an intact dog to adopt, it will have to |
| to know the dog's personality. Take the dog out of | | | | be spayed or neutered before you can take it home. |
| its cage to observe how it interacts with people and | | | | Your new companion will also need to have a |
| other dogs. You don't have to adopt the dog | | | | complete veterinary examination and take all the |
| immediately, in fact you should take your time and | | | | necessary vaccinations before it is released. |
| visit other shelters to see what they have available. | | | | Adoption fees vary from $40 to $130 and you will |
| Getting a dog is a lifetime commitment and one you | | | | also have to pay for any spaying or neutering, |
| should be sure of before taking the leap. You should | | | | vaccinations and microchip if required. Adopting from |
| carefully consider whether you'll be financially and | | | | a shelter is much cheaper than buying a dog from a |
| physically capable of looking after the dog for the | | | | breeder or pet shop. Stay away from people giving |
| rest of its life. | | | | away puppies for free. |
| If you don't find the dog you want at the shelter, | | | | Check the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the |
| you can visit other shelters or ask to be put on a | | | | US for listings of reputable shelters and adoption |
| waiting list. Most shelters will call if they receive a dog | | | | homes. Most shelters function on a limited stay basis |
| that fits the description of a dog you are looking for. | | | | and many are government funded. Humane societies |
| Dog shelters and adoption homes often have both | | | | are non-profit, private organizations that offer |
| mixed bred and purebred dogs for you to choose | | | | veterinary care and obedience training and many |
| from. Many dogs are abandoned due to economic | | | | keep the pets in a home environment to ensure they |
| reason, their owners simply couldn't afford to care | | | | are well mannered in a home environment. Some |
| for them anymore and some dogs are abandoned | | | | rescue groups specialize in specific breeds of dogs |
| because their previous owner discovered that caring | | | | and cats and if you're looking to adopt a particular |
| for a dog is a commitment and didn't have the time | | | | breed of animal, you should consider checking these |
| or patience to commit to the unfortunate animal. The | | | | types of adoption homes. |
| majority of dogs in shelters are there due to no fault | | | | Some shelters provide adoption counseling to make |
| of their own and over fifty percent of shelter dogs | | | | sure the animal isn't abandoned again and they can |
| are euthanized because not many people are not | | | | even help with obedience training, veterinary care |
| considering adopting rather than buying a dog. | | | | and behavior counseling. |
| Animal shelters have different rules and some | | | | There are some things you should do before bringing |
| shelters will interview you before allowing you to | | | | a dog home such as dog proofing your house, buying |
| adopt a pet. Common questions are whether you've | | | | a collar and leash and a pet carrier to bring your new |
| owned a pet before, what type of house you have, | | | | pet home in. By adopting a dog from a shelter you'll |
| if you have a backyard or not and if you travel a lot. | | | | be literally saving his life. |
| Some shelters even ask for references or ask you | | | | |