The Humane Societies and Animal Shelters do their best to alleviate the pain and suffering of animals. However many of them are full and overflowing.
Adopting a rescue dog comes with a lot of challenges and we’ve compiled a checklist to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Do you have any other dogs and how will they react to a new dog?
Is your current residence suited to the dog you’re considering?
How will your social life or work obligations affect your ability to care for a dog?
Do you have a plan for your new dog during vacations and/or work travel?
How do the people you live with feel about having a dog in the house?
Are you (or your spouse, partner or roommate) intolerant of hair, dirt and other realities of sharing your home with a dog, such as allergies?
Do you or any of your household members have health issues that may be affected by a dog?
What breed of dog is the best fit with your current lifestyle?
Is there tension in the home? Dogs quickly pick up on stress in the home, and it can exacerbate their health and behavior problems.
What do you expect your dog to contribute to your life? For example, do you want a running and hiking buddy, or is your idea of exercise watching it on TV?
Can you train and handle a dog with behavior issues or are you looking for an easy-going friend?
Do you need a dog who will be reliable with children or one you can take with you when you travel?
Do you want a dog who follows you all around the house or would you prefer a less clingy, more independent character?
What size dog can your home accommodate?
What size dog would suit the other people who live in or visit your home regularly?