There might be reasons to consider dogs that others have rejected

There might be reasons to consider dogs that others have rejected
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Some people write off certain breeds or don’t think they want a dog with a disability or medical condition, but when they meet a dog in the shelter they rethink all their preconceived notions. “Our three-legged dogs tended to fly out of the shelter quickly,” McMillan says. She adds that one of the best dogs she’s ever owned was a senior with cancer: “She only lived 18 more months, but I made sure they were the best months of her life, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.” Chavarria says her team prides itself on being transparent about any special needs that dogs have so people are aware and prepared. “It takes a special adopter that can provide financially and commit the time needed, but those adopters are out there,” she says.

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Adoption fees aren’t meant to discourage adoptions

Adoption fees aren’t meant to discourage adoptions
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Fees generally cover food, water, bedding, enrichment, sterilisation, vaccinations and a microchip, says Chavarria. “We care for more than 4000 animals a year, and the average length of stay for each one of them is two weeks.”

Be careful about adopting a pet as a gift

Be careful about adopting a pet as a gift
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Some shelters don’t allow this at all, but Chavarria and McMillan both say it actually can work out, as long as you’re totally sure your giftee actually wants a pet. “Adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment and we want to be sure that everyone is on board for that promise,” Chavarria says. “We have seen pets make great gifts and even be incorporated in engagement proposals!”

If you do adopt a dog, stay in touch with the shelter

If you do adopt a dog, stay in touch with the shelter
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Workers who’ve cared for, cuddled and romped with your dog at the shelter will actually miss him when you take him home – they love getting reports and photos back from you about how happy he is. They’re also ready to help you if you run into any problems. “If you’re having difficulty post-adoption, reach out to the agency where you adopted,” Chavarria says. “They have a plethora of knowledge and resources.” They’re invested in making sure your dog is happy, so they’ll gladly offer advice on training, supplies and health issues.

If you need to return a dog, bring it back to the same shelter

If you need to return a dog, bring it back to the same shelter
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Maybe, despite all your preparation, you find that you really aren’t up to the task of caring for the dog you’ve adopted. (Or maybe you’ve discovered that you’re allergic to her, or that your cat isn’t able to acclimate to having a dog in the house.) If you can’t make it work, don’t try to find her a new home on your own. Call the shelter you adopted her from – they will want to take her back and try again. “If the dog is not a good match for you, the time in your home will allow us to know them better, and make a good match next time,” McMillan says.

If a shelter says you can’t adopt, find out why

If a shelter says you can’t adopt, find out why
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It used to be common practice among animal shelters and rescue organisations to reject adopters if they had unvaccinated animals at home, worked long hours, or didn’t have an unfenced yard, among other reasons. McMillan says there are still organisations that have strict requirements, but most progressive shelters now follow a ‘conversation-based’ approach, where staffers discuss the dog’s best interests before allowing him to be adopted but don’t have hard-and-fast policies about who qualifies. “Turning people down for adoptions often just sends folks to the pet store or puppy mill down the street,” she says.

Staffers will check to make sure adopters don’t have a history of animal abuse, but if you pass that hurdle and you’re anxious to take a dog home, they’ll usually work with you to make sure the dog you adopt will be a good fit. “Each adoption situation is different and we always err on what is in the best interest for the animal,” she says. In other words, they probably won’t let you take a puppy if you work 14-hour days, but they’ll try to help you find a less energetic adult, and they’ll make sure you’re aware of the time commitment the dog’s going to require.

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Source: RD.com

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