What is the process for adopting a pet and is it hard work to care for one?

Question

When I was a child growing up we always had a dog. Anyway the other day I went to the pet shop and saw this cute adorable puppy. At the time I was just looking around, but now I decided that I would love to have a little companion. I was told that its best to adopt. What is the process of adopting? how much is the pay, do i have to report to somebody?




Also , pet owners is caring for a dog hardwork? I want a medium to small dog that doesn't get so big. Its been a while since I cared for another animal and I am not aware of the responsiblity can you give me some feedback with your experience? I'm thinking of maybe getting something like a puggle.

Answer 1

There are different rescue groups that have different processes of adoption. Typically high kill shelters and state run shelters have lower requirements. They only care that you pay for the dog to 'set it free'.

No-kill groups and breed specific rescues tend to follow the following process:

The potential Adopter will submit an application, this may contain questions about how you punish a dog, your living situation, your financial situation, your experience and veterinary and friend references.

The rescue group will screen your application and tell you if you've been preliminarily approved.

A rescue group rep will visit your house to ensure it is suitable. For example, when we adopted our dog, we had to have a fence and safe surroundings. THe rescue rep checked for this and to make sure that we were responsible people.

You select a dog and 'meet' it to see if you bond.

Our rescue group did a 'trial' period in which you could see if the dog fit your needs and if you fit the dog's needs. If you couldn't handle it after two weeks, they would take the dog back and give you your check back.

My rescue rep checks in with me every once in awhile, but I don't report to her or anything like that. She's there for me if I need her for something, but she's not involved in our lives.

***As far as "getting a puggle", be careful about setting your hopes on one thing in particular. This is a mutt breed that may or may not come into rescue. Instead, have a list of things you are looking for. Your list may be something like:

Small dog (under 20lbs)
Short Hair
Loving
Not Abused
Known History
Good with kids

You get the idea.

Owning a dog *is* hard work. In fact, I'm home 'sick' today with my dog because she had a bad reaction from some anesthesia. We were up nearly all night because of it.

As with most small dogs, she can't be left home alone regularly for more than 4-5 hours. Small dogs love their owners. If you have to leave them for longer than that regularly, a small dog may not be a good match.

She needs at least an hour of play time a day. This may not sound like a lot, but it can be a lot if you have a full life. You can't expect a dog to be happy or healthy only seeing and playing with his owner on the weekends.

I spend about $1000 a year on my dog. This includes vet visits, food, treats, and other necessities. An emergency vet visit can easily be $1000+.

Basically, picture having a 2 year old child running around your house, and you'll get the idea of the work level.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Well don't get mad at me but I think the spay/neuter is'nt why people surrender their pets.I think that more money and donations should be giving to help these people care for a sick or injured pet..I believe food is a big one when it comes to helping people on low incomes or no incomes as the case may be.People can get on their feet in time and get their pets spay/neutered..People yes need help big time with the care of these animals and I believe all animals that are being adopted out from a shelter or rescue should already be spayed and neutered..I don't know what to suggest when it comes to housing..The only thing I can come up with is a temorary housing that the owner helps pay a little each month to care for the animal and should be based on their income.They should be required to help and work there once a week and take care of the animals..There should be a time restraint to get permenant housing where they can get their pet back with them..I know of a few vets that have given their time once a month and set up at a school gym or church basement to bring their pets for shots and wellness checks.I don't believe in the heartworm preventive as there is also a natural way to keep pets safe till again they are on their feet and can afford this themselves..I myself use Avons skin so soft and water on my pets each day..safe and cheapRabies and distemper shots are a must for all pets and again the clinic set up each month would handle that..There are many vets I'm sure that would be more than willing so these poor animals don't have to suffer anymore

Answer 3

Adopting is a wonderful idea. No you don't register...just chose a shelter or rescue group, do their required paperwork, pay required fees. That's the easy part.

Owning a dog is alot of work...but you get what you put into it. Dogs are pack animals and require training, socialization, stimulus, and companionship throughout their life. You'll also need the basic like money to pay for the adoption, routine health care, emergency health care, food, toys, etc.

But if you do it right, it's worth the effort!

Answer 4

You should adopt a dog from a shelter, they need homes before they are put to sleep. Or you can adopt from a breed specific rescue. Dogs aren't HARD work, but they are A LOT of work. They are just like kids. They need attention, love and to be cared for (food, walks, nail trims, shots, heartworm tests, etc...) And you shouldn't get a dog until you research vet costs. Good luck!

Answer 5

Well since you don't seem to have a lot of experience with dogs your best bet is to get a dog from a shelter that is housebroken.
Whatever you do do not go to a petshop- go here to see why http://www.prisonersofgreed.org
If you get a purebred reasearch is key. Try this breed selector because I find it to be the most acurate http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do Go here to see breed reviews http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/dogbreeds/index.html once you have done that go to that breeds club site. If you get a mixed breed shelter workers are very good at matching a dog with your life situation so just as them for help.

Puggles are active and shedders.
here is info on them http://www.pugs.org/ click puggles once you get to the page.

To find a dog go here
http://www.petfinder.com
http://www.petfinder.com/post/classifiedhop.html
http://www.1-800-save-a-pet.com

The adoption process depends on where you go and how strict they are. They are usually listed on the home page of the adoption agency. Here are some adoption process ideas
http://www.sdhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=adp_AdoptionProcess
http://www.adoptahusky.com/app/adoptionprocess.htm


The cost of owning a dog
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1671&articleid=1543

It may be difficult because I don't know how much knowledge you have on dog training. YES it is A LOT of work they are like children. Here are some training tips-
http://www.ddfl.org/tips_dogs.htm As a first dog your best bet is to hire a trainer to show you the ropes and give you a basic foundation. Here are good trainers to contact
http://www.apdt.com/ Here is a great link to a whole bunch of info on owning and getting a dog
http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/articles.html
Buy from a responsible breeder if you decide not to adopt
http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/breeding.html

Answer 6

yes caring for a dog can be hardwork, especially if you get a young puppy. But I think as long as you get off to the right start and begin training them and disciplining them right from the time you bring them home, things will be much easier in the long run. And you'll end up with a well behaved dog.

Answer 7

yes dogs are a lot of work. don't take it on unless you can really make a committment of time and affection. it's good if you can be home for a large portion of the day and night, particularly when you first get the dog and are house-training them. you can adopt dogs at your local humane society or there are probably many rescue businesses in your area (look up dog rescue, dog adoption, dog shelter in your city) petfinder.com is a good one. also educate yourself about types of dogs beforehand, like at the american kennel club website or at dog breed fan websites, so that you can be sure to pick one with a temperment that matches yours.

Answer 8

I can't answer your question, but i definatly think you should get a furry companion :0) pets are so much fun, and they really can be mans, or womans best friend!