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Acquiring A Rescue Dog
Purebred rescue groups are usually run by people with in-depth knowledge of a specific breed. Rescue groups keep adoptable animals until they can be placed in loving, permanent homes. These animals may come from failed breeding operations, arrive from boarding kennels and veterinarians, where they were abandoned, be rescued as strays living on the streets, or be obtained through the cooperation of local animal shelters.
Adoption fees vary, depending on veterinary and other costs that have been incurred. Follow-up counseling is usually available. When you contact a breed rescue what other adoption and post-adoption services are available
Purebred rescue groups are usually run by people with in-depth knowledge of a specific breed.
Rescue groups keep adoptable animals until they can be placed in loving, permanent homes. These animals may come from failed breeding operations, arrive from boarding kennels and veterinarians, where they were abandoned, be rescued as strays living on the streets, or be obtained through the cooperation of local animal shelters. Adoption fees vary, depending on veterinary and other costs that have been incurred. Follow-up counseling is usually available.
When you contact a breed rescue, what other adoption and post-adoption services are available? The decision to acquire a dog should not be an impulsive action. Shelters and Rescue groups are overflowing with dogs that were bought for the wrong reasons. Dogs are living creatures whose needs are the same as your own: food, shelter, love, and family. Most of the dogs bought on impulse or given as surprise gifts are dying by the thousands every day in shelters across North America.
Educate yourself on the breed you have chosen.
Visit the specific dog breed clubs online, read books, go to dog shows and talk to breeders, talk to pet owners, talk to people doing breed rescue.
Visit the specific dog breed clubs online, read books, go to dog shows and talk to breeders, talk to pet owners, and talk to people doing breed rescue. Join an online discussion group for that breed. Meet as many dogs, pets, and shows alike of this breed as possible. If you are looking at a mixed breed, educate yourself about the breeds it came from. If you are looking at a mixed breed, educate yourself about the breeds it came from. Do not choose a high-energy dog if you are a couch potato, and vice versa.
Make sure your chosen breed will fit in with your family and lifestyle.
A dog is a 10-20-year commitment, and you should be no less committed to your dog than to children. Both are dependent upon you for food, shelter and a loving environment. Are you prepared for all contingencies? How do you feel about dog hair over toenails or paying for those services?
What about veterinary bills? (Pet Insurance)
What about veterinary bills? What will you do if you move? Giving away your furry companion is akin to giving away your child because it is no longer convenient. Research and careful planning cannot be emphasized enough. If you think ahead and make contingency plans, you can save yourself and the dog the heartbreak of going to a shelter or rescue group.
WHERE Should you look for a dog?
The best place to acquire a puppy or adult dog is from an ethical breeder, rescue or animal shelter.
Do not buy your future companion from a local pet store, newspaper or internet classified ad. Puppies in pet stores come from big “puppy mills”. The puppies in pet stores are taken from their mothers too early, shipped across the country at a very young and impressionable age, kept in little cages, and when they grow older, have physical, emotional and mental trauma from such a poor start in life. No reputable breeder will send puppies to a pet store to be sold. Most responsible breeders will require you to “qualify” before allowing you to adopt a pup. If you have your heart set on a purebred puppy, make sure you do your homework and check the breeder out thoroughly. (Read the Guidelines for choosing a reputable breeder)
Rescue groups make every effort to ensure their dogs are healthy and free from defects and that they have a good temperament. If they have a health problem the potential owner will be told right up front. Adoption applications are usually required, as are personal interviews and references. Most breed rescue groups require the potential owner to fill out an adoption application and sign a contract. They will discuss lifestyle, work hours, children, other pets, and living situations, all in an effort to match the right dog to the right owner. Many require that references are checked and a home visit completed prior to introducing the prospective owner to the available dogs.
Animal shelters
Animal shelters house stray dogs and cats for a mandated period of time so they can be claimed by their owners. If unclaimed, they are put up for adoption. Unfortunately, so many people misuse shelters as dumping places for unwanted animals that they are overwhelmed, and many dogs and cats are euthanized because of a lack of space to keep them. Like rescue groups, most shelters require an adoption application and spaying or neutering within a specified period of time. For more information and guidelines on acquiring a new dog, see: Acquiring a New Dog or Puppy.
