Adopting a puppy from a shelter is a great option that can be forever rewarding. However, it can come with its challenges. The right puppy may be hard to find, and the first few days are crucial. Here are 10 tips everyone should know before adopting a puppy from a shelter.
- Be prepared to pay.
Before you can adopt from a shelter, you must pay an adoption fee. Based on the shelter, this fee can vary from $50 to $150. This fee usually covers the cost of your puppy’s necessary shots as well as pay for spaying and neutering. If a puppy is too young to spay or neuter, shelters will do one of two things. They will either give you a voucher for approved vets or require you to pay a deposit to be returned upon showing proof the puppy has been spayed or neutered. - Ask the shelter questions.
While shelter employees may not know all the answers, it doesn’t hurt to ask questions. Ask them about the puppy’s potential personality. They may know how certain breeds are prone to act. Ask them about the health of the puppy and where he or she came from. At times, the previous owner will have provided the shelter with these answers. - Understand the adoption process.
The adoption process for every shelter is different. It’s always best to be prepared. When it comes to adoption shelters, you’ll usually have to fill out an adoption form. Sometimes you may be requested to speak to an adoption counselor to go over the process. Sometimes you will receive your pet immediately, and other times you may have to wait. - Take your puppy to the vet.
Animals in shelters are usually healthy, but it never hurts to be sure. A week after adoption, carry your new puppy to the veterinarian for a health check and needed vaccinations. Inform your vet that the puppy has come from a shelter, and you want to be sure he or she is completely healthy. - Have a lot of patience.
Puppies generally take more work to train than adult dogs. You will need to have a lot of patience and to be able to invest a lot of time in your new adoption. Potty training and other types of training may take some time, though it depends on the dog. There may be times when the puppy seems defiant. Just remember that a puppy may not understand the difference between outside and inside just yet. - Invest in training.
Because puppies may be harder to train than adult dogs, you should consider investing in training classes. Businesses such as PetSmart or some cities’ parks and recreation departments offer these classes. The classes are usually once or twice a week for 30 minutes to an hour. Training your puppy will also strengthen the bond between pet and owner. - Understand your puppy’s nutritional needs.
Puppies need different food than older dogs. They need a steady diet that will provide them with adequate nutrition. A vet can help you figure out the best food for your puppy. A vet can also help you decide when you should switch your puppy’s food to adult-formula food and how to do so. - Have time set aside.
The best way to help your new puppy to adjust is to be with him or her for the first few days of arrival. If possible, try to be available for at least three days after adoption. You can implement any rules at home and watch for any signs of anxiety. If your new puppy hides under the furniture, don’t be alarmed. This is normal behavior. However, if you notice anything abnormal, such as lack of bowel activity, consider visiting a vet. - Have everything ready.
You’ll want everything to be ready when you bring your puppy home. Toys should be available for chewing, and dog beds should be on the floor for sleeping. Having everything ready will help your puppy adjust very quickly. Changing their environment after they’ve already been brought home may create undue stress due to the puppy’s perception of chaos. - Immediately establish a routine and rules.
When you bring your puppy home, set a consistent schedule for potty and feeding time. Consistency will help your new pet adjust to a new household. You should also establish rules and hold them firm. Never let your puppy break rules under any circumstances, and give him or her treats for good behavior.
