In addition to being a vehicle for rescuing dogs, shelter and rescue group adoptions offer potential dog owners the opportunity to choose from variety of types and ages. Remember that puppies must be taught how to learn, whereas adult dogs are already housebroken, know how to learn and have developed personalities.

 

If you think you prefer a certain breed, read up on it before making the commitment. Ask the shelter about local rescue groups dedicated to that breed. Mutts, or mixed breeds, generally have a better, varied gene pool and a sturdier constitution, but there’s never a guarantee. Shelter personnel may be able to conjecture which breed is dominant in a mix by color, coat or face.

 

A purebred’s genetic tendencies toward temperament and medical problems are more predictable. For example, greyhounds and Labrador retrievers tend to be gentle; chow-chows may be hard to train, and lively, irrepressible West Highland terriers crave attention.

 

Adult size is sometimes an unknown with a young shelter dog. You know from the beginning that a Chihuahua stays tiny, while a bull mastiff needs plenty of paw room. You’re never quite sure what genes a mixed breed may have. Females are usually smaller than males. Still, that cute puppy could shoot past 50 pounds.

 

Before you bring the kids, make sure that you explain the rules; Don’t pet the animals without asking permission of the handlers first, don’t feed the dogs, don’t expect to bring a dog home the same day, and don’t make too much noise that could startle the dogs. Also, consider how your child may react if she ends up leaving the shelter without “rescuing” at least one little creature. The sight of animals in need will be tough to bear. That’s why you prepare yourself with the facts.

 

Are personnel knowledgeable? Observe the professionalism and sensitivity of shelter or rescue group staff. Do they consult with animal behavior professionals and veterinarians?

Are you willing to answer questions? You may be asked for proof of identity and residence; the name of your landlord or condo board to verify that pets are allowed; the number of children and pets in the household; a history of pets you’ve owned; the name of your veterinarian; whether you have a fenced-in yard. Your work and travel schedule help determine if you could manage a puppy that needs socialization.

 

Are you willing to complete an application questionnaire and sign a binding contract?  Most animal rescue groups will require that you cooperate in making sure that the dog gets it’s spay or neuter at a specific vet and by a specific date.  The adoption fee usually covers the cost of sterilization, but you may be asked to take the dog for the procedure and pick it up afterwards.  You may also be required to surrender the dog back to the rescue group if you are unable or unwilling to keep the dog in the future.

 

Shelters and rescue groups try to provide a background on every animal that comes in. In the case of a stray, an experienced volunteer or animal behaviorist interacts with the dog to evaluate its personality. Is it used to people in general? To children? How does it react to cats and other dogs? If a shelter advisor recommends against placing an animal with children or an inexperienced owner, don’t argue.

 

Notice how the shelter or rescue group assesses the health of its animals. Are there veterinary records on the pet? Did it receive its shots? Some shelters provide a list of vets who provide introductory discount services to their patrons.

 

Everyone in the household should meet the animal before it goes home. Ask the volunteers to show you a limited number of animals, to prevent the kids from instantly “bonding” with an inappropriate animal. “Test drive” a few. Take the dogs for a walk; hold and play with a few before making your final decision.