The Process of Animal Adoption

Are you interested in adopting from an Animal Shelter?

Well, this article will tell you everything you need to know about the adoption process and bringing your new furry friend home! 

The first step in adoption is assessing yourself and your home. Some questions to ask yourself are: 

• What type of dog do I want?

  • High Energy or Calm, Small or Large, What breed?

• What are these dogs' needs?

  • Long walks, big backyard, separation anxiety, diet, cost in the long run

• Do I have other pets in the home?

  • How will adopting a new animal affect your other pets?

• What is my schedule like?

  • How long am I at work, what time do I get home, is this the right time for me to adopt?

These questions may seem overbearing but they are necessary to be prepared and conscious of the commitment when adopting an animal. 

The next step in adoption is finding a shelter!

 Once you’ve found your shelter, it is time to meet your future furry friend!

• When choosing an animal to adopt, try to be open minded to all breeds, personalities, and ages because you might be surprised!

• There is an initial application and a meeting with an adoption counselor to make sure that you are a good match

• Some adoption shelters have an adoption fee due to vaccinations or spaying/neutering 

The most exciting step is bringing the new member of the family home!

• Try to create a comforting environment that doesn’t feel too overwhelming

• Be aware of the dogs boundaries and/or anxieties

• Most of all remember to be loving and patient with your new friend, this is a completely new and unfamiliar environment for them

Bringing home a new member of the family is incredibly exciting and a great opportunity! Having an open mindset about adoption is also amazing to help with overcrowding and contributes to an animal shelter’s success!  

Some Supplies you might need for Dogs and Cats:

• Puppy Pads/Litter Box

• Toys

• Comfy Bed

• Blankets

• Treats/Food

• Dog Bowl which matches their neck height

• Leash/Collar

• Play Pen (optional for new puppies/kittens)

• Shampoo & Conditioner (Remember Dogs only need bath every 2-6 weeks, varies by a dog’s fur coat)