How to Adopt a Dog from a Shelter

If you want to experience unconditional love and meet a new friend who will treasure every minute spent with you, understanding how to adopt a dog without stress is crucial. We have answers to all your questions about adopting a furry friend and helping your pup adjust to new conditions. Follow FlatRover guidelines and ideas on Facebook to stay up-to-date with the freshest news about domesticated animals and to learn more about the adoption process in your area.

Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Dog

Why shouldn’t you adopt a four-legged furry friend? Practically, adopting a shelter dog comes with more advantages than buying a pet from a breeder. Adopters will make one of the finest decisions of their lives. In return, you will experience joy in the sounds of your footsteps and the presence of a trusted family member. Here are the key reasons for adopting a pet from your local shelter.

Adoption Is Life Saving 

More than 390,000 furry friends are euthanized in shelters annually in the United States, meaning half a million dogs don’t get to have their second chance. After you understand the severity of the situation, you will realize the importance of adoption. When you decide to adopt a dog from a shelter, you will not only get a new companion, but you will also give an unfortunate dog an excellent chance at life and a beloved family. 

Skipping the Time-Consuming Puppy Stage

Many shelter dogs have already overcome their youth’s destructive and hyperactive habits. It makes puppies suitable for families and individuals who prefer a calmer furry companion.

Unparalleled Companionship

Getting a dog from a shelter often comes with a surprising amount of gratitude and resilience. Shelter dogs can have experienced adversity, which makes them appreciate the care and love they receive in their new home. Furthermore, the bond that forms between the adopter and shelter dog is special and may bring immense joy to both parties.

Dog Adoption Costs Less 

If you are worried that you can’t afford to get a fur baby from a shelter, you are in for some excellent news. How much does it cost to adopt a dog for free? Adopting from shelters across the globe is much cheaper than purchasing a pup from a breeder; it may even be free. The cost of adopting is affordable, especially when you realize that rescue furry friends are already spayed, microchipped, neutered, vaccinated, and dewormed. The pretty adoption fee covers everything.

Adopting a Pet Is Humane 

How can I adopt a dog and save the animal’s life? Animal sterilization is mandatory for each pet in a shelter, which directly prevents them from contributing to the number of homeless pups in the world. When you come up with a pet adoption idea, you will reduce the number of shelter animals and help alleviate the problem.

The Adoption Process: Step by Step

It’s essential for shelters to thoroughly check individuals before they give them a furry friend to take home. The key goal is to ensure that the animal goes to a happy, caring family that will become a perfect match for their personality. So, how to adopt a dog for free near me? Most shelters come with standard rules for the dog adoption process:

• You should submit an adoption application.
• The next step is to conduct the dog shelter’s counselor interview and meet the pup.
• If you pass this interview and the four-legged friend you prefer is the right fit for your family, you may be asked to pay a small fee.

Understanding what to know before adopting a dog and clarifying the adoption system requirements will help you overcome challenges and provide the adopted dog with quality care and a healthy environment. You should be prepared for some of the essential questions:

• Are you ready to take on financial responsibility for your new furry friend? How long are your working hours, and will you be leaving your pup alone or hiring a FlatRover pet sitter?
• What is your family situation? Does everyone in your family want to adopt a dog from a shelter?
• What kind of property do you have? Are you planning to move in the future?
• Describe the previous experience with domesticated animals.

These questions shouldn’t be an exam for you. It’s essential to be honest with yourself and not agree to something you are unsure you may follow through with. Everyone wants an adopted shelter dog to be happy and well-cared in new living conditions.

Do Rescue Dogs Have Special Health or Other Needs?

Shelter life is stressful for domesticated animals. Even under the best conditions, dog shelters are inherently stressful and uncomfortable. Possible stressors include:

• Social isolation.
• Strange smells.
• Unpredictable events.
• Loud noises.
• Proximity to other animals.
• Dietary and routine changes.
• Absence of the familiar human contact.
• Irregular caregiving schedules.

So, how does being in a shelter affect dogs? In shelters, dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, frustration, and stress are more likely to become ill. Therefore, upper respiratory infections may be common. 

We should work to support the emotional and behavioral health of shelter dogs to provide a healthy environment in their new homes.

There are a few things to consider when to phone a shelter for professional help or advice:

• Any physical strength from the furry friend towards the child.
• Any signs that the fur baby is afraid of a child.
• When the dog is guarding its bones, toys, food bowl, or stolen items. In that case, the pet may freeze, growl, snarl, or stiffen at anyone coming near the items.
• Your fur baby seems to be disobedient and unruly around children who are playing.

These circumstances don’t require taking a dog back to the shelter. You can ask for help, a professional trainer, or a piece of advice. Remember that with proper dog care, your new pup will grow into a happy and healthy pet, providing you with companionship for years to come.

Helping Your New Dog Adjust

Consider the following details before you bring your shelter dog home:

• If you plan to crate train your dog, ensure you have a safe crate ready when you bring your new dog home.
• You should determine where your pup will be spending time. Choose the room that will work best for easy cleanup.
• Adopters should dog-proof the rooms where their pup will spend most time during the first few months. What to avoid when adopting a dog? Removing plants, installing baby gates, creating the crate, and storing chemicals on high shelves are essential for a safe environment.
• Training your shelter dog will start immediately. You can come up with a vocabulary list to help your fur baby learn the commands more quickly, or hire a professional trainer.
• It will be perfect to bring an ID tag with your phone number on it. This extra measure of safety will be ideal for the ride home and the first few uneasy days. Some shelters have already microchipped their animals, allowing you to add your contact information and other details.

Moving is stressful for both the adopter and the fur baby. How long does it take for a rescue dog to settle in? Give your new dog time to acclimate to unfamiliar conditions before introducing him to neighbors. Ensure your family and children know how to approach the furry friend without overwhelming him. Remember to ask about your dog’s schedule, dietary habits, exercise routine, and other details. 

Am I ready to adopt a dog and cover the pet’s adaptation correctly? For the first few days, remain calm around your new furry companion and limit excessive excitement. It will allow your pup to settle in with less stress and anxiety and provide you with more one-to-one time to understand your dog’s preferences.

With a trusted FlatRover community and honest reviews, you will find the best solution for dog adoption, training, or pet sitting. Whether you need a piece of advice when adopting a dog from a shelter, looking for the easiest way to adopt a dog, or want a reliable sitter for an adopted fur baby, the company has you covered. Register for the pet-loving platform to find the necessary information and make your four-legged furry companion as happy as possible.

FAQ

Am I Ready to Adopt a Dog?

You should clarify what to know before adopting a dog from a shelter, whether you are ready to train and socialize a pup, and how your dog would fit into your family. Sometimes, animals end up in shelters because of neglect and abuse, and never fully recover. Once adopters find a right furry companion, they can easily take the next step in their journey to changing their lifestyles through the beneficial shelter adoption process.

Taking a Dog Back to the Shelter: Can I Do This?

If you experience a disconnect, a sinking feeling, or a realization that an adopted dog isn’t going to work out, you will think of returning the dog to a shelter. Consider our guidelines on how to adopt a puppy to understand if you cover everything correctly. 

Taking the domesticated animal back is a common phenomenon, but it may not be as simple as you think. Explore the shelter rules and potential resources that can help you surrender the fur baby or provide alternative options, including professional training.

What to Buy Before Adopting a Dog?

You should also prepare your house to be your furry companion’s home and to transport them to their new place safely. There are some options that many shelter pets need, but aren’t a must on day one. Here’s a “what to buy before adopting a dog” checklist:

• Pet carrier or travel harness.
• Leash and collar.
• Dog poop bags.
• Comfy bed.
• Pee pads.
• Pet-approved toys.
• Multi-surface cleaner.
• Water fountain.
• Doorway gates.

This comprehensive checklist will ensure that you obtain everything you need before picking up your new shelter pup.

How Long Does It Take for a Rescue Pet to Settle in?

Considering our requirements to adopt a dog from a shelter, you will make the process safe, stress-free, and comfortable for both parties. Rescue pets undergo a settling period, and it can take up to three months for a shelter dog to become comfortable in a new environment. 

When rescue dogs come into their new homes, they may be overwhelmed, scared, and stressed. Some pets will come bombing in and around the house, exploring every inch, whereas others may be more reserved, requiring some quiet time to adjust.

How Does Being in a Shelter Affect Dogs and Influence the Adaptation Process?

Both behavioral problems and stress are common in shelter dogs. Behavioral problems can be the result of a sheltered life. These problems develop in dogs housed for an extended period in a suboptimal environment. 

Essentially, the stress of even short shelter stays may significantly compromise behavioral and physical health, negatively impacting dog welfare. You are welcome to subscribe to FlatRover updates to stay informed about the latest details on how to adopt a dog for free, dog training, walking, pet sitting, and other options for high-quality pet care.