What should you know when adopting a dog from a shelter?

Are you considering adopting a dog from a shelter for the first time in your life? Are you wondering what the procedures look like and are they very complicated? How much do you have to pay? What to do to prove yourself as a dog handler? We invite you to read our article – we will try to dispel your doubts!

A dog from a shelter – an animal with special needs

Many of us dream about having a dog. However, it must be remembered that it is not only a pleasure, but also, and perhaps above all, a duty. The animal is a living, sentient being, so it cannot be treated as merchandise on a store shelf. Especially when we mean shelter dogs, as these animals have special needs and require gentle handling. First, you must remember that there was a specific reason why the animal ended up in the shelter. It is no secret to any of us that homeless or unwanted dogs end up in facilities. Perhaps the pet was gnawing the furniture, it was sick, or the owner was allergic to its fur. The reasons differ. Shelter workers do their best to provide the animals with decent conditions, a warm corner and basic medical care, but the dog takes time to trust its new owner. By adopting a dog from a shelter, you give him a second chance and shorten the queue of pets waiting for adoption, but you must remember that you take full responsibility for him/her.

Adoption procedures – what are they for?

“Adoption Procedures” – does this phrase sound disheartening to you? Don’t worry, they are not complicated and are very necessary. Their main task is to make sure that the dog is in good hands and the risk of his/her being rejected by his/her owner again is reduced to a minimum. Adopting a dog cannot be a whim. Conversations with caregivers and a questionnaire will help you get to know the animal and its needs better. The topics discussed in the adoption survey are those that make the future owner aware of his obligations.

Conditions for adopting a dog from a shelter – questionnaire

It is a special questionnaire that should be completed when applying to get a pet from a shelter. This is not a test, but the most important tool at the facility’s disposal to check whether a potential guardian is ready to receive a pet. Each center has its own list of questions to be answered. What are the conditions for adopting a dog from a shelter? They are formulated in various ways, but they always raise important issues related to the care of a pet. Which ones? You can find the list of the most important ones below.

Get to know the dog closer

In addition to the questionnaire, shelters also offer so-called socialization walks. Before adopting a pet, take time to learn as much as possible about it. A walk together is a great opportunity to start the arduous process of building trust. A previously abandoned animal can become our true, faithful friend, but remember that it needs a lot of patience. Talk to him/her in a calm voice, do not hold him/her down, wait for him/her to come to you. Spending a few afternoons with the animal, as well as an honest conversation with its caretakers from the shelter, will allow you to better understand its needs and make sure that you can cope with the task of caring for a given pet.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog from a shelter?

In fact, not much. Still, you must remember that a dog from a shelter is an animal that needs patience and love. He/She is a family member, so be prepared to receive him/her at home. You must provide him/her with appropriate living conditions in the house or apartment. Simply put, you should have a place for your dog, a mat or bed, bowls for food and water, food, a leash, a collar, as well as hygiene accessories such as a bath shampoo, a hairbrush, or a toothbrush.

Test for animals for the sake of their health

Does the animal from the shelter you adopted get sick? One of your primary responsibilities as a dog owner is also to provide him/her with proper veterinary care. Our company goes one step further. Elemental hair analysis EHAA is a non-invasive test performed with the use of the most modern equipment. Its aim is to determine the level of nutritional and toxic elements in the organisms of animals. Thanks to its results and subsequent analysis, it is possible to choose the best diet for the animal and supplement the excess or deficiency of minerals. Thanks to such comprehensive support, the animal from the shelter will be able to regain its full strength. This is the best we can do to show our love for him/her!

How to prepare for accepting a dog from a shelter?

As we have already written, you need to try to make the animal feel safe.

1. Give your pet time to acclimatize. A dog may need a few or a dozen days to get used to the new home and its inhabitants. Be patient so as not to make him/her afraid or feel threatened. Do not force him to be active as this could backfire.
2. Don’t expect too much of him/her. The dog may not understand basic commands like “leave” or “sit”. Certainly, he/she will not walk right away. All at the right time.
3. Don’t yell at the animal. The dog will not be able to properly signal its physiological needs at the beginning, it may pee anywhere or destroy any household equipment. You need to spend time with him/her to teach it correct behavior.
4. Reward your pet for good behavior. Try to focus on positive reinforcement. Reward every good behavior with a treat. Show with your gesture, touch, praise or play that he/she has behaved appropriately in each situation.
5. Take care of your daily routine. Constant feeding times or going for a walk will allow him/her to get used to the new conditions and reduce the stress level.

A dog from a shelter is your best friend

Remember that adopting a dog must be a deliberate decision. Having a pet is a big responsibility. He/She must be looked after while at work or on vacation. And give him/her a lot of love. If necessary, it is worth using the help of a behaviorist, who will help him/her to recover from the trauma and trust people again.