Looking for a new pet? If so, you should consider adopting a dog. While the dog adoption process will vary from shelter to shelter, many of the basic tenets are still the same. No matter where you go, the staff at your local animal shelter or humane society will walk you through the process.

Getting Started

Before you go look at dogs, you really want to take the time to consider the implications of dog ownership, especially if you are a first time dog owner. Depending on the age of the dog you adopt and the breed, it could live anywhere from 8 to 18 years. This is a long term commitment, and if you don’t think that you can provide care for that long, you should not adopt a dog.

If you are ready to welcome a dog into your family, then take a few minutes to call your humane society or look at their website. Ask them, if you call, what their dog adoption process is like. Do you need to fill out an application? Is there a home visit? Some shelters like to visit you to see what kind of home and yard you have to offer your new dog. Before you visit the dogs, take the time to gather the materials that you need and fill out any required forms.

Visiting the Dogs

If the shelter is only open on the weekdays, take an afternoon off to go visit the dogs. Finding a new dog or puppy takes time, and you don’t want to rush into a decision. If possible, take your whole family so that everyone can meet the potential candidates.

If you can, take the dogs that you are interested in out of their cages to see what they are like. Many times dogs in shelters are housed together, and you want to get the dog alone to see how it reacts to you. Shelters are busy, loud environments, so don’t dismiss dogs that are very excited or very timid. They might simply be reacting to the stressful environment.

You do not have to make a decision that day, and you can take some time to think about which dog works best with your family. Having pets is a joyful responsibility, and dog adoption is a great way to find your next pet.