Month: July 2023

Pet Adoption: How To Find A Pet Rescue?

Looking to adopt? Here are some helpful guidelines on finding a reputable pet rescue organization.

By Savannah Admire

two potential adopters choosing a shelter
PeopleImages: Yuri A / Shutterstock
You’ve decided to adopt a dog or cat, and you’re ready to find a new pup and give them a loving home. But how do you choose the right rescue organization or shelter? Are all organizations the same? Learn how to find the best animal shelters and rescue organizations in your area so you can give an animal in need a forever home.

What is an animal rescue organization?

An animal rescue organization is generally a nonprofit entity. These organizations are funded entirely or primarily by donations and often pull animals from municipal shelters to provide them with the medical care they need and help them find homes.

A shelter is usually funded by city or state tax dollars and is often where dogs and cats found as strays go. Shelter examples often include your local humane society or animal control department.

Both types of organizations have animals for adoption and work to help limit the population of homeless pets, educate the public about the importance of spaying and neutering, and match pets with loving families.

Why is it important to choose a reputable animal rescue organization?

Choosing a reputable animal rescue organization is just as important as choosing the right pet for your home and lifestyle. Local and national rescue organizations work hard to find homes for the animals in their care and deserve your support. You don’t want to give your money to an organization that is only looking to profit and doesn’t properly care for their animals. These groups give legitimate animal rescue organizations a bad name and can damage the cause of animal welfare.

How can I choose a reputable animal rescue organization?

When researching an animal rescue organization, look for a transparent and comprehensive website. The best animal rescue organizations have a board of directors, a large roster of trained volunteers, animals that appear well cared for and healthy, and clean and organized facilities. You can also look for the following:

1. 501(c)(3) status:

A reputable rescue organization will be a registered 501(c)(3) charity, which means they are a nonprofit organization exempt from federal taxes. You can find out if an organization is registered as a nonprofit by visiting charitynavigator.org or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

2. Transparency:

A good shelter or rescue organization will be fully transparent about their operations, facilities, and the care they provide. They will have a website or other online presence where you can learn about their mission, policies, and animals they have available for adoption. Staff will answer your calls and emails and be happy to answer questions about the number of adoptions they complete each year, their foster homes, their annual budget, and their spay/neuter policies.

3. Good reputation:

A reputable rescue organization will have a good reputation in the community. You can ask your veterinarian, friends, or family members for recommendations, and you should see the organization present at local adoption events and other community activities.

4. Foster homes:

The best animal shelters use foster homes instead of kennels so the animals in their care can get more attention and socialization before they are adopted. Some rescues operate entirely out of foster homes and have no facilities at all. The organization should comply with local restrictions on the number of animals allowed per household and any other laws around running a shelter.

5. Adoption fees:

 A reputable rescue organization will charge a reasonable adoption fee. This fee helps to cover the cost of caring for their animals and helps to ensure that they are going to a good home. The organization will also be open about what these fees cover, such as spaying or neutering and microchipping.

What are some signs of a reputable animal rescue organization?

A legitimate and reputable animal rescue organization should have a clear mission, and goals focused on animal welfare and work to advocate for the animals in their care at all times. They should also have complete transparency in their operations, policies, and financial information; adequate staff or volunteers to ensure individualized attention and care for all animals; and proper veterinary care and support from a local veterinary office. The organization should also be willing to collaborate with local authorities and other reputable animal welfare organizations and have a presence at adoption events and sound business practices.

A reputable organization’s adoption process should include screening potential adopters to ensure the animal’s well-being in their new home. They should also offer follow-up support for adopters and allow adopters to return their adopted pet if necessary.

Are there any warning signs or red flags to watch?

The biggest red flag for an animal rescue organization is a lack of transparency. If they are hard to contact or won’t answer questions about their organization or operations, you’re likely dealing with an unscrupulous individual or organization. You should also look out for signs of a bad animal rescue, such as poor living conditions for the animals, such as overcrowding, unsanitary environments, or neglect.

The adoption process should be thorough, and insufficient screening of potential adopters is definitely a warning sign of a less-than-reputable organization. In addition, if an organization charges high fees for all animals, regardless of age, or requests additional money from you, they’re likely not a registered nonprofit. They should be willing to answer your questions or address concerns and provide consistent information about their activities and the animals available for adoption.

“Look online before adopting from any shelter,” says Julie Sinaw, president and founder of Animal Lighthouse Rescue in New York City. “Look at their reviews to make sure other people are having good experiences. There are so many good shelters out there, but of course, there are always people in the world trying to dupe people and make money. If you can’t find any reviews of the shelter, move on to another shelter.”

How can I research and evaluate animal rescue organizations?

Start by reading reviews online and talking to others in your community who have worked with or adopted from a rescue to get an idea of their policies and operations. You should also consult your veterinarian to find out if a rescue is legitimate or ask what shelters and organizations they recommend.

How can I report concerns about an animal rescue organization?

Unfortunately, there is little oversight for animal rescue organizations, but you should definitely document any concerns in writing, as well as video and photos if possible. If there are any organizations that oversee the shelter, contact them first. If not, try contacting local authorities, such as the police, sheriff’s department, city council, or mayor’s office, to raise your concerns.

Once you have reported an organization to the local authorities, you can also report them to the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Some animal neglect or abuse cases can also be reported to the federal government under the USDA Animal Welfare Act.

Before you adopt a new pet, take the time to find a reputable rescue organization that is working to do the valuable work of finding loving homes for the animals in their care. Choosing the right shelter or rescue can ensure that your support goes to an organization that truly cares for their animals and strives to match them with the right families.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

How can I choose reputable animal rescue organizations?

Do as much research as possible by reading online reviews, talking to local friends and family, and speaking with your vet.

Why is it important to choose a reputable animal rescue organization?

You don’t want to support or give money to an illegitimate organization, and you want any pet you adopt to be properly cared for and socialized.

How can I research and evaluate animal rescue organizations?

Look up reviews online, ask your veterinarian for recommendations, and talk to others in your community.

What are some signs of a reputable animal rescue organization?

A reputable organization should be a registered nonprofit with a board of directors and staff of volunteers.

Are there any warning signs or red flags to watch out for?

Watch out for organizations that won’t answer questions or let you tour their facilities.

How can I report concerns about an animal rescue organization?

Reach out to local authorities, like the police, sheriff’s department, city council, or mayor’s office.

References

Rescue Me: Legislating Cooperation between Animal Control Authorities and Rescue Organizations

Ten Ways to Help Your Local Shelter or Rescue

Animal shelter Vs. Rescue

Red Rover: Choosing a Reputable Rescue Group

Pet Adoption: Why You Should Adopt an Animal

Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.

What to Expect When Meeting a Shelter Dog for the First Time

By Savannah Admire

woman meeting dog first time

Irina Polonina /Stocksy

Adopting a new dog into your family can be an incredibly exciting experience, and it can be tempting to pull your new pet into a big hug the first time you meet them. But many shelter dogs come from traumatic or difficult backgrounds, and even socialized dogs might not be ready for such affection from an unfamiliar person right away. Take the time to learn what to do when meeting a rescue dog for the first time so you know how to approach a dog safely and kindly.

How to prepare for your animal shelter visit

When meeting a dog at the shelter for the first time, keep in mind that every animal is unique, with their own personality and behaviors. Prepare to pay close attention to how the dog reacts to you and try to give off a calm, soothing energy. You can work to make a positive first impression by using the dog adoption meet-and-greet tips below.

How should you introduce yourself to a dog for the first time?

The best way to introduce yourself to a dog is simply to respect their space. Be patient and gentle in your first interactions with them, and observe their body language because this is how they will express their feelings.

Follow the tips below to ensure that your first time with a dog goes as smoothly as possible:

  1. Ask for permission. Always ask if it is okay to interact with a dog before you approach, whether meeting a dog on the street or approaching a rescue dog for the first time. This is especially important if the dog is not familiar with you. The rescue worker or foster parent will know the dog better and can help you know when the best time is to interact with a rescue dog. You may also want to take time before your first meeting to jot down some questions to ask the dog’s foster parents or shelter caretakers. If you are afraid of dogs, you should communicate this so the foster parents or shelter caretakers can help you meet the dog in a way that is comfortable for you.
  2. Be calm and confident. Dogs can sense fear, so it is important to be calm yet confident when approaching them to help to put them at ease.
  3. Get down on the dog’s level. Being lower to the ground when you greet a new dog will make you seem less threatening and encourage them to approach you.
  4. Let the dog sniff you. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, so let them sniff your hand before you try to pet them. Some thorough sniffing can help a dog get to know you better and is an essential part of the process of how to meet a dog for the first time.
  5. Pet the dog under their chin or on their side. These are areas where most dogs enjoy being petted, avoid patting their head as many dogs dislike this.
  6. Be gentle and respectful. Even if the dog seems friendly, being gentle and respectful when interacting with a new dog helps build trust and avoid any accidents.
  7. Pay attention to the dog’s body language. Dogs will often give you cues about how they are feeling, so if they seem uncomfortable or scared, back off and give them some space.

Are there specific areas I should avoid touching a dog?

Avoid reaching over a dog’s head to pet them because that can be interpreted as a negative or dominant action and could give off the wrong impression. The first time you pet a dog, stick to petting underneath their chin, but let the dog sniff you before you approach them, and make sure that they see your hand before you touch them so they don’t become startled. If the dog receives chin scratching positively, try scratching their ears as well.

If the dog expresses anxiety at any point, such as growling or pulling away, remove your hand from the dog and retreat a few steps to give them space.

How can you tell if a dog likes you?

Dogs are very good at using their body language to communicate with humans, and there are multiple signs that a dog likes you and enjoys interacting with you, such as a loose, relaxed body and an open mouth. Of course, the classic relaxed tail wag is also a good indicator that the dog is happy and open to interaction.

Once you understand how to know a dog loves you, you should also know what signs to watch for that indicate discomfort. Keep an eye out for any signs that may indicate the dog is in an aggressive or threatening mood, such as showing their teeth or holding their tail in a stiff, erect position. If you notice this body language, end the interaction and step away.

What should I do if the dog seems friendly and wants to play?

Dogs communicate a desire to play by bowing down with their front legs extended and their rear end in the air. If you meet a new dog and they exhibit this behavior, it’s perfectly safe to start a game of fetch by throwing a ball or toy or playing a gentle tug of war. Just pay close attention to any changes in the dog’s body language that could indicate a shift in attitude or mood and avoid any rough play.

Should I bring treats for the dog?

Yes, you should bring treats. Treats can help a dog relax and feel more comfortable around you, in addition to helping them build positive associations with spending time with you. For the first meeting, avoid letting the dog eat directly from your hand and just set the treat gently on the ground nearby. This gives the dog a chance to approach without feeling obligated to interact, which is an important step in how to meet a rescue dog for the first time.

Welcoming a new dog into your family is worth celebrating, but when you first meet a dog, be patient and help them get to know you. Understand that the dog may have had a difficult life, and it may take them some time to feel comfortable and warm up to you. But once they do, you’ll have a devoted friend for the rest of their life.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

What should you do when meeting a dog for the first time?

Be calm yet confident and let the dog approach you instead of approaching the dog, which can be frightening to them.

How should I approach a dog for the first time?

Get down on the dog’s level by sitting or kneeling on the floor and reach out a hand to invite them to sniff you.

What should I do if the dog seems fearful or aggressive?

If the dog seems fearful or aggressive, end the interaction and back away. Don’t try to approach them again.

Can I approach a dog that is eating or chewing on a toy?

Never approach a dog who is eating or chewing on a toy because dogs can be very defensive of their food and toys and may bite.

Are there any specific areas I should avoid touching on a dog?

In your first meeting with a dog, pet them under the chin, not on top of their head or anywhere else on their body.

Can I pick up a small dog without permission?

Never pick up a dog without permission. The dog will likely feel uncomfortable and could react with aggression.

What should I do if the dog seems friendly and wants to play?

If the dog indicates that they want to play, engage in a gentle game of fetch or tug of war and stop playing when they want to stop.

Should I bring treats for the dog?

Treats can help a dog warm up to you and encourage trust.

How should I pet a dog for the first time?

Pet a dog on the chin first after letting them sniff your hand. Avoid the top of the head and other areas of their body.

References

Dog to Dog Introductions

Your New Dog Tips

Dog Parenting 101

RSPCA Bringing Home a Rescue Dog

Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.

How To Get A Cat To Like You: Cat Adoption Meet & Greet

Preparing to visit the cat shelter? Learn more about the meet and greet process and how you can get a new cat to like you.

By Savannah Admire
woman approaching a new cat
Ana Luz Crespi / Stocksy
If you’re a cat lover, you know it can take some time for a new cat to feel comfortable around you. While every cat has their own personality, even well-socialized cats may hesitate to approach an unfamiliar person. If you’re planning to adopt a new feline friend, learn how to approach a cat for the first time and how to get a cat to come to you, to encourage trust and — eventually — affection.

How to prepare to visit a cat in a shelter

Cats tend to keep their guard up when meeting someone new and are very perceptive of your actions. Before you visit a cat in a shelter or rescue, take the time to learn how cats communicate their feelings and moods, as well as how to make friends with a cat.

How can I create a positive environment for the cat’s first meeting?

To start your first meeting off on the right foot, maintain friendly body language and avoid staring, as much as you may want to look at that adorable face. Cats will pay close attention to your movements to determine if you’re safe to approach.

You should also pay attention to the cat’s physical cues. Study the cat’s body language and look for positive signs like purring, slow tail waves, and a lowered head, all of which can indicate that the cat is comfortable with you. Signs like rapid head movements or staring may indicate overstimulation, while a tense body, hiding, and ears flattened to the head can indicate a frightened cat, letting you know that you should keep your distance and be patient.

How should I approach a cat during our first meeting?

When you first approach a new cat, you should do so on their level — literally. Standing can be intimidating, so kneel or sit on the floor, making yourself smaller and closer to the cat’s size. This will make you appear less threatening and give the cat a chance to study you and approach you on their own terms.

Once the cat comes closer, offer your hand for them to sniff. Don’t force the cat to touch you or make any sudden movements that could startle the cat. You may even have to sit very still and pretend to ignore the cat by looking at your phone or talking to someone else in the room. When the cat does approach you, you can hold out a loosely closed fist for the cat to smell so they can become better acquainted with you.

Make sure to speak softly and calmly. Cats are sensitive to loud noises and are more likely to approach you if they sense that you’re calm and safe. Give the cat space to come to you in their own time, and don’t try to pet the cat if they don’t want to be touched.

Above all, meeting a new cat for the first time requires an abundant amount of patience. You have to be willing to wait for the cat to approach you and give them space until they do.

Should I try to pet a cat immediately?

Never try to pet a cat before they ask you to. Cats will let you know when they want attention by giving you a light nudge with their head. This may come in the form of a gentle head bump, or they may rub against you with the side of their face or chin.

When a cat nudges you, let them sniff your hand, and if they nudge you again, feel free to reach out and pet them. For the first interaction, only pet the cat lightly on the head and avoid any other spots on their body.

Can I use treats to help the cat warm up to me?

Treats can be a good way to encourage a new cat to develop positive associations with being around you. A little snack can also help coax a more timid cat to approach you. Just make sure not to feed the cat from your hand, but instead, set a treat or two on the floor nearby so the cat can investigate and approach without having to come in direct contact if they’re not ready. This is also an effective tactic if you’re wondering how to approach a stray cat without scaring them.

Tricks for getting a cat to like you

The best way to encourage a cat to warm up to you is to allow them to approach you. Cats like to call the shots, and you can respect that desire by keeping your distance and only petting the cat when they give the okay, as well as knowing where not to touch a cat. You can also use treats and try playing with them; wand toys are also great for first encounters because they allow the cat to play without coming too close to an unfamiliar person. While a little playtime may not be the answer to how to make a cat love you instantly, it’s certainly a good start.

  1. Use a calm, soft voice
  2. Maintain relaxed body language
  3. Avoid loud noises and sudden movements
  4. Play with them from a distance
  5. Encourage them with treats

What if the cat seems fearful or skittish?

Many cats may seem a little fearful or even skittish at a first meeting, so be patient and don’t force the cat to interact with you, as this will only make them more frightened. Instead, give the cat plenty of space, allowing them to hide if they want or explore the room. They may even slowly draw closer to you simply out of curiosity. Maintain your calm and non-threatening posture by sitting on the ground and greet the cat in a soft voice to help soothe them.

What not to do when you first meet a cat

When you meet a cat for the first time, it can be tempting to scoop them up in your arms and give them kisses. But this behavior is guaranteed to frighten the cat and can even result in scratches or cause damage to the future relationship you were hoping to have. Instead, make sure to avoid these behaviors as you’re learning how to get a cat to like you:

  • Never stare at the cat. Cats can see staring as threatening or intimidating. Instead, offer an encouraging slow blink to show the cat you trust them.
  • Avoid making any sudden movements, which can startle the cat and cause them to run away and hide.
  • Never pick up a cat if they’re not comfortable with it. Being picked up can make a cat feel trapped and scared, and many cats don’t like being held at all.
  • Know where to touch a cat and where not to pet a cat. Avoid full-body petting and keep your first pets around the cat’s head and chin.
  • Don’t force the cat to interact with you if they’re not interested because this will only make them feel more stressed. Instead, give them space to approach you in their own time and on their terms.

By taking the time to understand a cat’s signs and how they communicate through their body language, you can ensure that your first interaction with a new cat goes as smoothly as possible. By starting off on the right foot (paw?) with your new feline friend, you can begin to develop a loving relationship that can last for years to come.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

How should I approach a cat during our first meeting?

Be patient, avoid making any sudden movements or loud noises, and let the cat come to you on their own.

Should I try to pet the cat immediately?

Never try to pet a cat until they ask you to with a nudge or head bump.

What if the cat seems fearful or skittish?

If the cat seems fearful, keep your distance and “ignore” the cat to allow them to grow used to your presence.

Can I use treats to help the cat warm up to me?

Treats can help coax a hesitant cat out of their shell and develop positive feelings about being around you.

Should I try to play with the cat during the first meeting?

If the cat seems willing to play, use a wand toy that allows them to interact with you while still keeping their distance.

How can I create a positive environment for the cat’s first meeting?

Offer the cat treats and toys to play with, but give them space to explore and warm up to you in their own time.

References

Maddie’s Fund: Cat Handling Handbook

Austin Pets Alive: Guide to Socializing Cats

Helping a Fearful Cat in New Home

Science-Backed Tips for Getting a Cat to Like You

How to Take Care of Your Cat

Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.

10 Most Popular Dog Breeds

Choosing what breed to adopt? Here are the 10 most popular dog breeds.

By Alicia Kort

woman snuggling with a popular dog breed
Luis Velasco / Stocksy
America can’t get enough of these 10 most popular dog breeds. According to data from the American Kennel Club’s registration numbers and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)’s survey statistics, in 2022, the most popular dogs in America were actually mixed-breed dogs. In terms of purebred dogs, the French Bulldog was crowned the most popular dog for the first time ever — dethroning the Labrador Retriever, who had held the title for a whopping 31 years. Below, you’ll find more information on each breed, including some predictable winners and a few surprises.

America’s most popular pup

Mixed breed dog mutt popular pet stands in grass
Stephen Morris / Stocksy

The Mixed-Breed Dog

You might be surprised to learn that mixed dogs are the most popular breed in America — 51.3 percent of U.S. family dogs are mixed. Mixed-breed pups are often shelter dogs, and their personalities can vary widely. After their initial adjustment period after adoption, and as they start to relax in their new homes, these pups’ personalities start to emerge. Mixed-breed dogs usually don’t have the health issues purebred dogs can have and are generally more affordable in terms of an initial fee.

Top 10 most popular purebred dogs

popular brown french bulldog walking on leash
Page Light Studios / Adobe Stock

1. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs have some of the most avid fans out of all dog breeds. Many people are obsessed with this small, smushed-face dog. The French Bulldog boasts bat-like ears, a wrinkled face, alert and intelligent eyes, and a little stubby tail. These affectionate and family-oriented pups can weigh up to 28 pounds and stand as tall as 13 inches at shoulder height. French Bulldogs make great pets for city dwellers because they don’t require much exercise, though they still need daily walks and time for play. They are flat-faced, so they can struggle to breathe during vigorous exercise, which should be avoided. French Bulldogs only require a weekly brushing, and pet parents shouldn’t forget to clean their face folds.

popular Labrador retriever dog on stairs
Raymond Forbes LLC / Stocksy

2. Labrador Retriever

It’s unsurprising that the Labrador Retriever, nicknamed “Lab,” earned a spot on this list. The Labrador Retriever is one of the friendliest dog breeds — these pups get along with just about everyone (except maybe squirrels and other prey). They make great family companions, are patient around young children, and generally mesh well with other pets. Labs can have black, chocolate, or yellow-colored fur, weigh as much as 70 pounds, and stand up to 24.5 inches at shoulder height. They are high-energy pups who need a lot of mentally stimulating playtime, walks, and other outdoor excursions. They have double-layered, water-repellent coats, which are relatively low-maintenance and allow them to enjoy swimming and dock diving.

two golden retriever buddies
Samantha Gehrmann / Stocksy

3. Golden Retriever

Much like Labradors, Golden Retrievers also score high on sociability. They are comfortable in multi-pet homes with young children and are big cuddlebugs who prefer to be with their humans whenever possible. Golden Retrievers, originally bred as Scottish gundogs, have lots of energy that needs to be released productively through play, long walks, or runs. Their famous double-layered, water-repellent golden coats are more high-maintenance than Labs’ coats: They go through a big shedding period twice a year and also shed throughout, so they need regular brushing if you want to keep their coats long.

Popular German Shepherd dog breed
Yan Krukau / Pexels

4. German Shepherd Dogs

German Shepherds are majestic working dogs who take on a lot of different roles in our society, thanks to their high levels of intelligence. These popular large breed pups are known as devoted dogs who will do just about anything for their owners and can grow protective and defensive of them if not trained and socialized young. German Shepherds are also famous for their wolf-like trot and high running speeds. They are one of the most high-energy dog breeds, so they need multiple hours of exercise per day, or they can grow bored or destructive. German Shepherds can weigh up to 90 pounds and stand up to 26 inches in shoulder height. They shed a little year-round and also have shedding periods twice a year and will need help with their undercoats.

popular standard poodle dog at beach
Sean McSeveney / Pexels

5. Poodles

These aristocratic-looking pups might be known as popular show dogs, but Poodles also make loving family members who are good with young children. Poodles can be three different sizes: Standard, Toy, or Miniature. Standard poodles can weigh up to 70 pounds and stand 15 inches tall at shoulder height. Poodles are a high-energy breed, no matter their size, so pet parents should count on devoting part of their day to long walks and play. This breed also has low-shedding fur that tends to mat at the root if not brushed daily. Most pet parents will have their Poodle’s hair clipped short every four to six weeks to avoid this.

Two english bull dogs on grass
kkgas / Stocksy

6. English Bulldogs

The English Bulldog is an eye-catching pup with many devoted fans. These low-slung dogs, famous for their wrinkles, jowls, and muscular bodies, might look tough, but they love lazing around with their humans whenever possible. Although they only reach up to 15 inches at shoulder height, they can weigh up to 50 pounds. Bulldogs need moderate amounts of exercise, consisting of walks and playtime, and can also get bursts of energy. Because of their flat faces, Bulldogs should be kept out of the heat during high temperatures because they might have trouble breathing. Despite their short coats, Bulldogs can still shed and need regular brushing. Pet parents should regularly clean between their face folds because infections could develop.

Happy rottweiler dog with pet parent
Jovo Jovanovic / Stocksy

7. Rottweilers

Rottweilers, nicknamed “Rotties,” are muscular working dogs who have often served as intimidating guard dogs. Unlike the other dogs on the list, Rotties are known for being aloof and confident, so it’s a big deal when you finally win them over. Their aloofness also doesn’t apply to their family and friends, who often see their affectionate and silly sides. These big pups can weigh up to 135 pounds and stand up to 27 inches tall, making them the largest popular dog on this list. Rotties need plenty of exercise and enjoy a variety of different activities, including walking, swimming, and obedience challenges. This breed has a coarse black coat with brown accents. They need to be brushed weekly to keep their coats healthy and have occasional baths.

popular beagle dog being pet by woman
Valeria Boltneva / Pexels

8. Beagles

Beagles are popular pups and famous for being excellent hunting companions — they traveled with hunters in packs — and for having a distinct howl. Because of their pack mentality, Beagles are devoted small pups happy to spend the day with their families and get along well with other pets and young children. There are technically two types of Beagles: One that stands up to 15 inches at shoulder height and one that stands under 13 inches. The taller variety of Beagle typically weighs between 20 and 30 pounds. This breed requires at least one hour of exercise per day and weekly brushing because they are prone to shedding.

popular dog dachshund
Vertikala / Stocksy

9. Dachshunds

Dachshunds are instantly recognizable, thanks to their small stature, floppy ears, little legs, and long back. They’ve got vivacious, sometimes sassy, personalities and shockingly loud barks for such little pups. Unfortunately, their distinctive back makes them vulnerable to a number of health issues, and they are a delicate breed who shouldn’t jump up or off anything to avoid injury. They still need exercise, though — at least two walks a day. Dachshunds can vary in grooming care because they can be Longhaired, Wirehaired, or Smooth-coated.

portrait of GSP popular pup stands in field
brixiv / Pexels

10. German Shorthaired Pointers

The German Shorthaired Pointer, originally an aristocratic hunting dog, is a famously friendly pup with tons of energy. This white-and-reddish-brown spotted dog has a high level of endurance, which can make them a great running or hiking companion, but it also means they need to get enough exercise, or they can grow destructive. Loving and cuddly, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a great pet for families with young children. This dog can get along with other pets but needs to be trained and socialized early on. The German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat must be brushed every few days to stay healthy.

The most common dogs in shelters

Some of the most popular dog breeds in America are also some of the breeds most commonly found in shelters. Some of the most common dog breeds found on Adopt a Pet are listed below, although note that these breeds are guesses because shelters do not often DNA test dogs:

Most common dog breeds in shelters:

Why are popular dog breeds surrendered?

Dogs, regardless of breed, are most often surrendered after they are out of their “cute” puppy stage and are entering adolescence. Nearly half (47.7 percent) of surrendered dogs were between the ages of five months and three years of age, according to a study by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy. And 18 percent of dogs are surrendered when they become seniors over the age of eight years old.

Pets might also be surrendered because they are not trained — 96 percent of surrendered dogs had never been to an obedience class, according to the aforementioned study — and/or are high-energy, so they become bored and destructive in the home. Many breeds commonly found in shelters are also large, working dogs who require mentally stimulating activities and aren’t content laying around the house all day and night. When adopting a dog, potential pet parents underestimate the time and care a high-energy dog requires.

When considering adopting a dog, look for a dog whose activity level, grooming requirements, and temperament are best for your family.

Alicia Kort is a writer and editor living in Brooklyn. She’s currently the senior commerce editor at Apartment Therapy. She’s been published in StyleCaster, Electric Literature, Newsweek, Interview, Brooklyn magazine and more. In her free time, she runs, reads, and spends time with her dog-nieces, Maya and Lady, and her cat-niece, Pepper.

The Top 4 Reasons Cats Are Surrendered to Shelters

By Lindsay Hamrick, CPDT-KA
surrendered cat
Lucas Ottone / Stocksy
If you’ve found yourself in the heartbreaking situation of potentially needing to surrender or rehome your cat, you’re not alone. Millions of cats and kittens are brought to local animal shelters and rescues each year, and while the reasons behind the decision to surrender a pet can be complex, there are ways to prevent the drastic action of rehoming a pet. Here are some tips for common pet issues that could make all the difference:

1. Housing

A lack of affordable and safe pet-friendly housing tops the list of reasons both cats and dogs surrendered to shelters or rehomed by their owners to family and friends. According to the American Veterinary Medical Associationus-pet-ownership-statistics, over 25 percent of U.S. households own at least one cat and an estimated 72 percent of renters have pets, making housing a major factor in whether cats stay with their families for the duration of their lifetimes.

f you’re potentially moving, start your search as early as possible. The more time you have to monitor websites for pet-friendly apartments and homes, the more likely it is that you’ll snag a good fit. It also gives you more time to negotiate with property owners who may be on the fence about allowing a cat.

Create a cat resume, highlighting all the ways your cat is a great roommate. Ask your veterinarian to write a cat recommendation, highlighting that they’re up-to-date on vaccines, well-groomed, and well-behaved when they come in for visits. If you’ve previously rented with a cat, ask your prior landlord to write a letter of recommendation. Nothing convinces a new property owner like the opinion of a previous landlord.

2. Behavior

Behavioral challenges rank up there with housing as a leading factor for families who feel they have no alternative but to surrender their cat. The good news is behavioral science is improving, and there are so many resources to support you.

Cats really love their routines, so when we decide to bring a friend home for them, they aren’t always bursting with excitement. You can set them up for success by slowing this process way down. Rather than plopping a new kitten on the floor and hoping your cat takes it well, plan out a room in your house where the kitten can acclimate and your cat can get used to their smell and sounds before meeting nose to nose. Give a new cat or kitten at least 48 hours to explore their safe room before letting them roam the whole house.

When you’re ready to introduce the two cats, place a baby gate at the doorway of the safe room, grab some yummy treats and reward both the new and resident kitty for appropriate behavior, like sniffing, walking away, or even social behavior like purring and rubbing against the gate. If it’s all hissing and raised hair follicles, close the door, and give everyone more time in separate parts of your house.

3. Litter box issues

Maybe your cat is living solo or gets along just fine with theirs other residents but doesn’t use the litter box consistently. First, rule out medical issues like a cat urinary tract infection (UTI) or arthritis that might be preventing them from getting over the tall edges of a litter box. Your veterinarian can help determine a possible cause. If nothing turns up, do a litter box evaluation:

  • Do you have more than one litter box, including one that is not closed in?
  • Do you offer more than one substrate like pine shavings and clumping litter?
  • Do you keep the boxes super clean, scooping them multiple times a day and fully cleaning them once a week using gentle soap instead of harsh chemicals?
  • Are the sides of the box low enough so a senior cat can step in comfortably?
  • Is the box big enough for your cat to do their thing and cover it up afterward?

Litter box challenges can be an indication of broader behavioral challenges as well. Have you recently returned to the office, and they’re struggling to adjust to a quiet apartment? Is there a new neighbor in 2B with a very vocal cat? You can help reduce their anxiety with a pheromone diffuser, use a product that naturally attracts them to the litter box, or litter box train your cat. And don’t forget to reach out for help — your local shelter and cat behaviorists can help identify the root cause and build a realistic plan to address it.

4. Accessible vet care

Access to veterinary care can be a challenge for many pet parents, but particularly those living in areas without many veterinary clinics. From regular wellness care to unexpected emergencies, medical care for your cat can add up. Pet insurance may offset the costs but if you’re unable to afford a treatment or surgery, talk with your veterinarian about a payment plan option. Some veterinary clinics and local shelters maintain an emergency fund to help pet owners who find themselves in an urgent situation with their cat.

If transportation is an issue, ask your veterinarian if their state allows tele-health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some states authorized the use of virtual appointments, expanding how many animals could receive an initial consultation with a veterinarian without a trip to the clinic. Lastly, your community may have a low-cost option for spay/neuter, cat vaccinations, or other diagnostic needs. Your local shelter can help you find any available options.

We know that you intend to keep your cat forever but sometimes life can get complicated. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help — behaviorists, veterinarians, and local shelters are all here to support you.

Lindsay Hamrick lives in New Hampshire with her three dogs, chickens, and an assortment of rotating foster animals. She forces her elderly chihuahua, Grandma Baguette, on overnight backpacking trips, can diaper a lamb with one hand, and while she’s a long-time Certified Professional Dog Trainer, 66.7% of her dogs still won’t lay down when asked.

The Complete Guide To Rabbit Care

By Adrienne A. Kruzer, BBA, RVT, LVT

woman holding and taking care of bunny
David Prado / Stocksy
There are plenty of reasons rabbits have grown in popularity as pets (including the joy their big ears, soft fur, and fluffy tails bring), and there are now over 50 breeds of rabbits for bunny lovers across the world to care for. Some breeds have special considerations, but overall, caring for any rabbit breed requires the same basic equipment and knowledge. If you’re interested in adopting a rabbit, or even if you already have one, here’s your guide to what to know and have to keep your rabbit healthy and happy and make sure they live a long life.

Setting expectations

The lifespan of a healthy pet rabbit is between five and ten years, but for your rabbit to have a happy life, you’ll need to do your part in providing them with proper care. Rabbits have individual personalities and offer amazing companionship, but in exchange, they require space, regular cleaning, proper nutrition, mental stimulation, and veterinary care. They also should have a rabbit friend, so if you’re planning on getting a bunny, you should ideally plan on getting two. A rabbit requires more work than a hamster or guinea pig, so it’s important to know everything that’s required to properly care for them before deciding that a rabbit is the right pet for you.

What to feed a rabbit

Rabbits are herbivores, so they only eat plant matter, but the specific kinds and ratios of different plant matters are important. As a young rabbit, alfalfa hay should make up about 80% of your rabbit’s diet, with some dark leafy greens and fortified rabbit pellets making up the remaining 20%. As your rabbit matures into an adult, you’ll want to switch your adult rabbit from alfalfa hay to a grass hay such as orchard or timothy hay. Limit rabbit pellets to about 1/4 to 1/2 cup a day, but you can provide up to two cups of dark leafy green vegetables. If you have a dwarf breed or other smaller breed of rabbit, you may need to decrease the amount of vegetables and pellets you provide.

There are a variety of raw vegetables that can be fed on a daily basis to rabbits, including:

  • Alfalfa sprouts
  • Arugula
  • Basil
  • Beet greens
  • Bell peppers
  • Bok choy
  • Boston bibb lettuce
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Butter lettuce
  • Carrot tops
  • Cilantro
  • Clover sprouts
  • Cucumbers
  • Dill
  • Endive
  • Escarole
  • Fennel
  • Green leaf lettuce
  • Mint
  • Okra leaves
  • Oregano
  • Parsley
  • Pea pods
  • Radicchio
  • Radish sprouts
  • Radish tops
  • Red leaf lettuce
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Thyme
  • Watercress
  • Wheatgrass
  • Zucchini

The following vegetables and fruits can be fed on a limited basis (once or twice a week) to avoid digestive issues:

  • Apple (with the seeds removed)
  • Banana
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Broccoli (only the stems and leaves)
  • Calendula flowers
  • Carrots
  • Chamomile flowers
  • Chard
  • Clover
  • Cranberries
  • Cherries (with no pits)
  • Collard greens
  • Dandelion greens (pesticide-free)
  • Day lily flowers
  • Dianthus flowers
  • English daisy flowers
  • Grapes
  • Hibiscus flowers
  • Honeysuckle flowers
  • Kale
  • Marigold flowers
  • Melon
  • Nasturtium flowers
  • Nectarine
  • Orange
  • Pansy flowers
  • Papaya
  • Peach
  • Pear
  • Pineapple
  • Plum
  • Raspberries
  • Rose flowers
  • Spinach
  • Strawberries
  • Watermelon

Also make sure to provide fresh water from both a water bottle and a water dish. Rabbits will drink more water if you provide a water dish, but choose one that cannot be easily tipped over.

Spaying / neutering

Rabbits sadly have a high prevalence of reproductive organ cancers, so spaying or neutering your rabbit is a good idea to keep them healthy. Neutering males will also help decrease territorial behaviors such as aggression and urine marking, and if you have both male rabbits and female rabbits living together, getting them spayed and neutered will prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Not all veterinarians are able and willing to perform surgeries on rabbits, though, so you may need to do some research to find a vet near you that treats them.

It’s ideal to spay or neuter your rabbit when they’re between four and six months of age, but the procedure can be performed later in life as well. There’s always a risk when anesthesia is involved, so discuss the pros and cons of these surgeries with your veterinarian to determine what is best for your rabbit.

Rabbit enclosure and environment

Rabbits are not the kind of pets that can just sit in a cage. They require space to run, play and explore safely outside their cages, as well as an enclosed area to eat and sleep.

Depending on your home, your rabbit may be able to live outdoors year-round in a hutch, which can be made or purchased. Just make sure your rabbit’s hutch is secure enough that predators like hawks and raccoons cannot get inside them. If you want to let your rabbit run around outside, use a harness and leash or x-pen to give them some extra space — but always closely supervise them.

If you choose to house your rabbit indoors, purchase a large rabbit cage or make an enclosure out of a dog crate, x-pen, or large storage container. In addition to a cage, your rabbit should also have a rabbit-proofed room or area to run around when they’re not sleeping in their enclosure.

Rabbits don’t do well in environments above 77 degrees, so you’ll want to limit outdoor time when it’s hotter and ensure you provide them ways to keep cool. If you don’t have air conditioning, make sure your rabbit’s space has frozen water bottles, fans, and other things that help them stay cool.

bunny in hutch
Robin Deimel / AdobeStock

Exercise and enrichment

Rabbits love to run and play — activities that are also good for their physical and mental health. Provide your rabbit with ample space each day to exercise, as well as toys, food puzzles, and other forms of enrichment. Toys that your rabbit can pick up, roll, or throw are popular options in addition to toys that can be chewed. Keeping your rabbit’s body and mind busy is important for its overall well-being, so you can provide mental stimulation by stuffing hay and vegetables into empty toilet paper roll tubes, tissue boxes, and store-bought food puzzles.

Litter training

No one likes to find urine and feces all over the place, plus having a designated area for your rabbit to eliminate waste matter makes your cleaning routine much easier. Choose a litter box with low edges so your rabbit can easily see and access the area and place it somewhere your rabbit already prefers to urinate, such as in a corner. A corner of an enclosure or room is a popular place for a litter box to be placed, but rabbits also often defecate while they eat, so you may want to place your rabbit’s hay hopper so that they have to sit in the litter box while they eat.

Place absorbent, dust-free substrate in the litter box, and put some of your rabbit’s feces and urine in the litter box if they eliminate outside of it during the training process. This will help attract and remind your rabbit of where they should go. Avoid cedar, pine, or other wood shavings which can cause health issues for some rabbits. And don’t use clay or cat litter either; they are unsafe for rabbits.

You can reward your rabbit with healthy treats if you see them using the litter box but don’t punish your rabbit if they don’t.

Rabbit proof your home

Choose a rabbit-proofed room or area in your home for your rabbit to spend time in each day. If you can’t rabbit-proof an entire room, an x-pen can create a large space within a room for your rabbit to run around in. Make sure there aren’t any carpet, strings, or wires in this area that your rabbit could chew on, get tangled in, or pull up. Also, keep dogs and cats away from the space and cover or close up any areas where your rabbit might be able to get stuck, such as floor vents, spaces under doors, tables, or shelves.

How to handle and pet a rabbit

Rabbits should never be picked up by their ears or scruffing. Both of these restraint methods are stressful and can injure a rabbit. To safely pick up your rabbit while also ensuring they feel secure, place one hand under their chest and the other under their hind end. Hold the rabbit close to your body while supporting them. If your child wants to hold your rabbit, have them sit on the ground to avoid the rabbit accidentally falling or being dropped. Don’t let your rabbit dangle while kicking their legs or restrain them so firmly that if they kick their legs hard against a surface, they’ll injure their back.

To pet a rabbit, gently stroke their fur in the direction that the fur naturally lies. Rabbits enjoy having their head scratched and their back pet, but specific rabbits may also enjoy having their chins scratched or even request a belly rub by flopping over onto their sides.

Socializing

While they can be held and cuddled, bunnies may respond fearfully at first, perhaps with a sudden movement that could startle a small child and result in the bunny being dropped. For that reason, a rabbit may not be an ideal pet for kids under five. If your rabbit is not well-socialized, gaining their trust may take some time. Tasty treats should be reserved to give to your rabbit during socialization time, but patience is the key ingredient. Move slowly and allow your rabbit to come to you, and avoid grabbing or startling them. Sitting on the ground in your rabbit’s play area encourages your rabbit to hop up to you but let them come to you — don’t chase them. You can also hand feed your rabbit their regular hay and vegetables each day if they aren’t used to being around people at all. This will help them learn to trust you. Rabbits can nip, but they are not typically aggressive and are more likely to run away if they are scared rather than bite.

Grooming

Some rabbits need more grooming attention than others, but your rabbit may require regular grooming, including brushing, haircuts, nail trims, baths, and ear cleanings. If your rabbit has fur that regularly tangles, has mats, or gets feces stuck in it, it may require regular brushing or haircuts. Most rabbits need nail trims unless they spend enough time on surfaces that will naturally wear their nails down. Your rabbit may also need ear cleanings, especially if they have an ear infection, mites, or floppy ears. They usually only need baths if they get dirty and special care should be taken not to stress, chill, or overheat them while bathing them.

Bunny check-ups

As of 2021, one vaccination is available for rabbits in most of the United States: Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2). This vaccine is not legally required like rabies vaccines are for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Because of this, many pet owners don’t think that rabbits need regular check-ups with a veterinarian, but this is not the case. Rabbits should receive annual physical examinations just like other pets so their vet can look for any changes in their health and hopefully address them before they become problems. Your veterinarian will listen to your rabbit’s heart, lungs, and gut sounds, look in their eyes, ears, and mouth, feel their body for any lumps or other abnormalities, watch them move around the room, and discuss their behavior, environment, and diet.

Consider adopting a rabbit

Since many people do not understand all the time required to properly care for a pet rabbit, many relinquish their rabbits to shelters and rescue groups. While you can purchase a rabbit from a pet store or breeder, you may want to consider rescuing a rabbit by adopting one instead. Contact your local humane society, SPCA, ASPCA, or rabbit rescue group to see if any rabbits are available for adoption. Even if you are looking for a specific breed or age of rabbit, you may be surprised to find that exact type of rabbit is near you, waiting for a new home.

References

Rabbit Diet: What to Feed a Bunny

Basic Rabbit Care Handout and Infographic

Practitioner’s Guide to Pocket Pet and Rabbit Theriogenology

How to Keep Rabbits Cool in Summer

Rabbit Vaccines: Everything You Need to Know

Adrienne Kruzer is an accomplished veterinary technician and writer with over 15 years of hands-on experience caring for domestic and exotic animals.

How to Help Shelter Animals Without Adopting

By Savannah Admire

volunteer feeding cats at shelter
Simone Wave / Stocksy
If you’re an animal lover but don’t have the time or resources to adopt a pet, you may wonder how you can help animals in need of a forever home. Fortunately, there are multiple ways that you can help, including volunteering your free time, skills, and even supplies to your local shelter. Learn about all the ways you can promote animal adoption by supporting a rescue organization in your area.

How can I help shelter animals without adopting them?

While every animal in a shelter deserves a permanent, loving home, not every person has the means to adopt a pet. But if you’re wondering how to help animal shelters, there are plenty of ways to support your local organization as a volunteer.

So, what do animal shelters need? Volunteering your time can help provide the shelter with much-needed support. Almost every shelter needs a little extra help, whether that means cleaning kennels, walking dogs, or filing paperwork. You may even want to take on a larger job, like transporting animals to other rescues and shelters where they are more likely to be adopted.

If you’re looking for ways to help animals that can make a major impact, consider fostering a pet. Shelters are always looking for foster homes for the pets they care for, and fostering makes room for another rescued animal. On a smaller scale, simply sharing the listings and photos of adoptable pets on social media can help animals in need find loving homes.

You can also donate supplies to your local shelter, such as toys, bedding, cleaning products, and food. “Anything you can donate will help save these animals’ lives,” says Julie Sinaw, president and founder of Animal Lighthouse Rescue in New York City. “Money is most needed, but items will be very helpful as well! Reach out to the organization you’d like to donate to in order to see what they need most.”

You can also make financial donations, which can go toward promotional efforts, purchasing supplies, and even helping with animals’ medical needs.

How do you volunteer at a shelter to help animals?

Reach out to your local rescue to find out how to help them without adopting, such as volunteering your free time. Here are just a few tasks that you may be able to do to keep your shelter running and help out adoptable animals:

  • Clean kennels, do laundry, and scrub floors to maintain a safe and healthy environment for the animals and the shelter workers.
  • Walk dogs in the shelter to provide them with outside time, exercise, and socialization, all of which can help improve their temperaments and make rescued dogs more adoptable.
  • Spend time playing with or grooming cats, so they can also benefit from human interaction and socialization.
  • Help out with shelter events, like fundraisers, adoption fairs, and other programs. Volunteers can help set up and take down equipment, provide information to the public, and work at booths.

“Go walk dogs or play with cats at your local shelter, or help work adoption events,” Sinaw says. “If you drive, many rescues need help transporting dogs to their adoptive homes or fosters.”

Can I donate to animal shelters?

Shelters often need donations of food, supplies, and other items, as well as financial donations, to keep their animals fed, healthy, and comfortable while they wait for their forever homes. Talk to your local shelter and find out what specific items you can donate, such as food, bedding, and toys, and whether there are any restrictions on the types of donations they can accept. Many organizations also have Amazon wish lists so that you can learn what to donate to animal shelters and make donations without even leaving your home.

Can I donate my professional skills to help shelters?

Shelters always need volunteers to help with various tasks, such as walking dogs, cleaning kennels, and socializing animals, but if you have any specific professional skills, you can also volunteer your expertise and knowledge to help animals find homes. For example, if you’re a photographer, you can volunteer to take professional photos of adoptable animals for the shelter’s website and adoption listings. This is a great way to give back to your community, support local animal charities, and make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Can I help with social media promotion for shelter animals?

Talking about the importance of supporting local rescues and animal organizations with your friends, family, and neighbors, as well as sharing the profiles and photos of adoptable pets on social media, can go a long way toward helping animals find homes. The more people know about shelter animals, the more likely they are to adopt one.

How can I organize a fundraiser to benefit shelter animals?

You can work with your local shelter to organize a large fundraiser or plan your own event, like a bake sale, car wash, or walkathon, and donate the proceeds to the shelter. The money your event raises can be used to help the shelter meet the needs of the animals in their care. Just make sure to promote your fundraiser on social media and throughout the community to encourage a large turnout.

Can I advocate for animal welfare laws and regulations?

You can show your support for rescues and shelters by advocating for laws and regulations that protect animals. Contact your elected officials and let them know that you support animal welfare legislation, and look for rallies and protests that you can attend to voice your support for these issues — or organize your own rally. Get involved in your community and help make a difference for animals by sharing information on social media and promoting animal welfare throughout your daily life.

Even if you aren’t able to adopt a shelter pet yourself, there are plenty of ways you can volunteer your time, money, and skills to help your local animal rescue. From cleaning kennels to walking dogs to donating supplies, you can help ensure that the shelter has everything they need to take care of their animals and prepare them for their forever homes. Find an animal shelter near you.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

How can I help shelter animals without adopting them?

You can volunteer at your local shelter to play with cats, walk dogs, or clean kennels, and make financial donations of money or supplies.

Can I volunteer at a shelter to help animals?

Yes, most shelters need volunteers to spend time with animals and help with their socialization and exercise, which can help make them more adoptable.

Can I donate to animal shelters?

Check with your local shelter to see what specific supplies they need. You can also make financial donations or help contribute to the animals’ medical expenses.

How can I organize a fundraiser to benefit shelter animals?

You can organize a car wash, bake sale, fun run/walk, or yard sale, and donate the proceeds to the shelter.

Are there specific items shelters often need?

Many shelters have Amazon wish lists or lists of items that they need and will accept as donations. Contact your local shelter to learn what items you can donate.

Can I foster animals from shelters without adopting them permanently?

Yes, many shelters have programs that allow people to foster animals, which provides them with a temporary home and makes more room in the shelter for other animals.

Are there educational programs I can participate in to raise awareness about shelter animals?

Contact your local humane society or shelter to see if they offer any educational programs that you can participate in or help organize.

References

10 Ways to Help Your Local Shelter or Rescue

7 Ways You Can Help a Shelter Without Adopting

Ways to Help: Volunteering

Volunteering With AnimalSave

What Do Volunteers Do?

Volunteers are the life force of PAWS Chicago

Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.

Are Shelter Pets Healthy?

By Amy Fox, DVM

woman examines shelter pet
Boris Jovanovic / Stocksy
If you’re thinking about adopting a shelter pet, you may be wondering, “Are shelter dogs healthy?” Shelter medicine has made incredible advancements in making life in the shelter better for these pets, so their health problems are usually quickly identified and treated. Many veterinarians even do specialized residencies in this field to become experts in caring for shelter pets.

Not all shelters are created equal, however, and it’s important to choose to adopt from a reputable shelter or rescue organization. A reputable shelter is more likely to have trained staff and resources to properly care for their animals, including everything from clean, comfortable kennels, to adequate medical care, to considerations for their animals’ behavioral health and wellness. You can get a sense of these factors as you walk around a shelter; the animals there should look clean, and there should not be a bad smell in the kennels. Ideally, the animals should have beds, hiding spaces, and toys. There should be approachable staff members who can answer questions about the animals and provide you with information about their health and histories.

Read on to learn all about how shelter pets are cared for and monitored before adoption.

Adoption Q/A: How to evaluate an adoptable pet’s health

Any potential new pet can come into your home with a health problem or develop one shortly after you bring them home, whether they’re from a shelter, a backyard litter, or a reputable breeder. Just like people, animals can be born with certain congenital health problems, get sick from infectious agents in the environment, and/or develop health conditions over time. This is especially true of very young puppies and kittens since they don’t have all of their vaccines yet and have immature immune systems.

Different illnesses can have very different symptoms, but, in general, sick animals may be quiet and lethargic and have a decreased appetite or no interest in food at all. They may also show signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, eye or nasal discharge, limping, or areas of hair loss. Any of these signs should be checked out by a vet, as should any sudden changes in their behavior or overall health.

If an animal is displaying any of these symptoms, it does not mean they shouldn’t be considered for adoption since they will often recover quickly with the right treatment, but you should take that into account if you have other pets at home and plan to budget for additional medical expenses.

It’s also important to keep in mind that most, if not all, animal shelters operate on very tight budgets, so the level of care they can provide to their animals may vary depending on their funding, how many animals they have at a given time, and if they are adequately staffed. All of these factors can play into how they care for the animals in their facility, and it is important to have a realistic expectation of what a shelter can or cannot do. The good news is that many common conditions pets may acquire in a shelter are easily treatable and may be easiest to treat in a home environment when the pet is getting all of your undivided attention and has a more stable routine.

Here are some important questions to ask when considering a new rescue cat or dog.

What was the animal’s family history before getting to the shelter?

If an animal is surrendered to a shelter, the surrenderer is asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire regarding the pet’s behavioral and physical health and why the pet was surrendered. Sometimes, the pet is placed in a shelter because their family simply could not care for them, while other times, they may be surrendered due to a health problem or behavioral problem that the family was unable to treat.

Minimal information may be available for animals found as strays, however. The shelter may be able to tell you basic information about where they were found and any obvious health issues they had at the time of rescue, but they will not have a complete history of the animal’s past.

What is the dog’s medical history?

A well-run shelter or rescue group should be able to provide detailed information regarding the medical history of animals in their care. This should include any health problems the animal had when they arrived at the shelter and details of any illnesses that happened while they lived there. There should also be clear information on the preventative health care these animals received while in the shelter, including vaccines, dewormings, flea treatments, spay/neuter surgeries, and/or dental procedures.

It’s also important to ask questions about the dog’s behavior, such as: “Are they active?” and “Do they have a good appetite?” This can give you a sense of their general well-being at the time of adoption.

Are there any behavioral issues?

In large animal shelters, there is often an animal behaviorist and/or trainer on the staff who tries to evaluate each animal’s temperament. Some tests are controversial, especially if they are used to evaluate an animal in a single session because animals in shelters are stressed; they are in a new place that may be loud and are surrounded by lots of other animals. The way they behave or react to certain tests under these conditions is often not representative of how they will act in a home when they are more at ease and have a consistent routine and affection.

Still, the shelter may be able to tell you if they observed specific behaviors over time, such as being aggressive towards other animals or being particularly treat-motivated. Just note that much of this information may differ from how the animal will behave in your home.

Smaller shelters or rescue groups may not have a specialized trainer on their staff, so their evaluations will be informal and more observational. They may also be able to provide information on any behavior issues the pet expressed in their previous home if they were surrendered and their former family provided that information.

Also note that at times of the year when the shelter is very crowded, such as spring and summer when lots of kittens and puppies are born, animals may be moving in and out of the shelter very quickly. The staff may have less time to observe their behaviors and therefore have less detailed information about each animal.

Has the dog been spayed or neutered?

For most animal shelters, spaying and neutering the animals in their care is part of their mission. Spaying and neutering reduces the number of unwanted litters and, therefore, homeless animals that may end up in the shelter. It also decreases the risks of certain health problems related to being reproductively active. Many shelters have a policy of only adopting out animals after they have been spayed or neutered. Other times, the shelters require altering the pet to be part of the adoption contract and allow adopters to arrange the surgery after adoption.

How are the pets kept healthy during their stay at the shelter?

Shelter staff typically put enormous efforts into keeping pets healthy in the shelter. This includes taking measures to prevent infectious disease, including routine vaccinations, dewormings, flea treatments, and treating any pre-existing health problems. Shelters may routinely screen animals for common health conditions seen in strays, including ear mites, kennel cough, heartworm disease, ringworm, Feline Leukemia and FIV (for cats), and tick-borne illnesses.

If the shelter identifies these conditions, they’ll likely take precautions to isolate these animals from the healthy pets to prevent further spread of illness and begin treatment. Depending on the pet’s diagnosis, these animals may be placed on a hold until they are recovered and will then be made available for adoption. If the condition is expected to be more chronic and the pet is stable, they may be adopted out to potential pet parents who are counseled on their condition and the care they will need.

Many modern shelters also have creative living spaces designed to provide pets with mental enrichment, including play spaces, music, toys, opportunities to socialize, and quiet spaces to hide and feel safe. These features are meant to reduce stress and create an environment that promotes good health.

Do shelters provide medical records to adopters?

Many animal shelters do provide medical records to adopters. For healthy pets, this may be as simple as a list of the vaccines and dewormings the pet received, as well as the dates of treatment. For animals treated for more complicated health problems, there may be more lengthy medical records that include test results and the details of treatments such as medications or surgeries. Some shelters work closely with specialty veterinarians and may send an animal for evaluation and/or treatment at a specialized hospital if the shelter cannot provide all of the care on-site and if they have the budget to do so.

What happens if a pet has a health issue at the shelter?

Most animal shelters have trained medical staff, including nurses and veterinarians, that routinely examine all the animals to screen for signs of illness and who are available to evaluate any animal that seems ill. Many shelters have a medical treatment area that includes a variety of diagnostic equipment and medications. Some are very high-tech and may have everything from x-ray machines to operating rooms on-site, while others may have only basic facilities.

The first step in all cases where a sick animal is identified will be for a veterinarian to perform a full physical exam. Based on those findings, additional tests may be needed to make a diagnosis. Most routine infections and simple ailments can be treated at the shelter; the pet may be placed in a medical ward or isolation ward if the condition is contagious, and they may be on an adoption hold until they recover.

Animals with more serious conditions may need to be transferred to a specialized veterinary hospital for more intensive care if there is one nearby and if the shelter has the budget for this level of care. Animals who have a very poor prognosis for recovery or who are suffering despite the best care available may be humanely euthanized in extreme cases.

Are shelter pets tested for diseases?

Shelter pets are typically screened for infectious diseases known to occur in strays, and shelters work very hard to contain disease outbreaks and keep the overall population healthy. Not every shelter has the budget to run multiple tests routinely, though, and they may treat animals for the most likely diagnosis based on physical exam findings alone. It may be a better use of a shelter’s limited funds to use that money for treatment instead of lots of tests.

What diseases are shelter pets tested for?

Shelter pets are mostly screened for infectious diseases since these may pose a risk to other animals in the shelter and themselves. For dogs, this may include heartworm and tick-borne illnesses. Cats are often tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV. Animals showing symptoms of other common conditions may also be tested for diseases such as intestinal parasites, ringworm, or skin mites. Sick or injured pets may have further tests performed, including bloodwork and/or x-rays, depending on their symptoms.

Are pets for adoption at shelters and rescues healthy?

Pets adopted from trusted shelters and rescues often are very healthy, and you can look for signs of good health, including bright clear eyes, a full shiny coat, lots of energy, and a good weight.

Most organizations employ trained medical personnel to evaluate the condition of each animal upon arrival and perform routine screenings on all animals in their care. Sick animals receive appropriate diagnostics and treatment for their ailments. Furthermore, most shelters keep animals current on their vaccinations, routine dewormings, flea and tick preventatives, and often spay or neuter pets before adoption.

Like any new pet, however, animals from shelters can also become sick once in your care. Whether it is due to an infection, injury, or congenital problem, their signs may not have been evident in the shelter, especially if they were only there for a very short time. It is always important to have any new pet evaluated by your own veterinarian and to monitor them closely for signs of illness as they settle in.

How can I minimize the chances my newly adopted pet will be or will get sick?

The best way to prevent your pet from getting sick is to do routine preventative care as recommended by your vet. Once you decide to adopt a pet, make an appointment with a veterinarian to get established as a new patient, have a thorough exam, and discuss any additional preventative health measures your pet needs to stay healthy, including additional vaccines, dental work, and/or spaying or neutering if that was not done at the shelter already.

It is also very important to provide your pet with a consistent routine, good nutrition, and plenty of exercise and mental enrichment. Not every illness can be prevented, but you can sometimes take steps that can help; for example, brushing your pet’s teeth can slow the process of dental disease. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with conditions associated with your animal’s species and breed, even if your pet is a mix.

Be sure to take your pet to the veterinarian at least once a year for routine exams (more frequently if advised), and make sure they receive the proper vaccinations and health screens your veterinarian recommends. You should also see your vet as soon as you notice something is amiss to prevent your pet from getting sicker.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

How do shelters ensure the health of the pets up for adoption?

Shelter staff take measures to screen for and prevent infectious diseases, treat pre-existing health problems, and address animals’ behavioral health.

How are the pets kept healthy during their stay at the shelter?

They’re routinely screened for signs of illness and treated with preventative health measures. Sick animals are isolated to control the spread of infectious diseases.

Are shelter pets tested for diseases?

Shelter pets are mostly screened for infectious diseases that pose a risk to themselves and other animals, including heartworm, tick-borne illnesses, and FIV for cats.

What happens if a pet has a health issue at the shelter?

Most animal shelters have medical staff who evaluate sick animals and either treat them at the shelter or transfer them to a specialized veterinary hospital.

Do shelters provide medical records to adopters?

Yes, most animal shelters provide medical records to adopters

References:

What is Shelter Medicine?

The Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters 

Behavioral Assessment in Animal Shelters 

People, Pets, and Policies: Towards Community Supported Animal Sheltering

Shelter Care Checklists: Putting ASV Guidelines Into Action

Amy Fox, DVM is a small animal veterinarian in New York City. She has worked in many different settings including shelter medicine, emergency medicine, general practice, and animal cruelty and forensics. She is especially interested in nutrition, preventative medicine and care for senior pets. Dr. Fox also enjoys writing about veterinary medicine and teaching. In her free time she loves to cook, garden, and go for long runs.

How to Prepare Children for Adopting a New Dog

By Savannah Admire

family introduces child to newly adopted pitbull dog
Maria Manco / Stocksy
Adding a new four-legged member to your family can be a big adjustment, especially if your children haven’t lived with a dog before. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to include kids in the pet adoption process and make adopting a new dog a family event.

How to involve kids in the pet adoption process

First, spend time talking to your children about what having a dog in the home will be like, and ask them about their ideas for pet names. Introduce kids to pet parenthood by explaining the responsibilities of caring for a dog. You may even want to encourage them to take care of a stuffed animal by pretending to feed it and play with it as they would a real dog.

When it’s time to go shopping for supplies for your new pet, bring your children along. They can help pick out a collar and leash and even choose a toy to give to the new dog.

How do I explain the idea of adopting a new dog to my children?

Let your kids know that the new dog will be a member of the family and will require time to adjust to your home. Discuss how to behave around and treat the dog, establishing clear boundaries and expectations for children based on their age.

“Before getting your own dog, teach your children how to properly interact with dogs,” says Julie Sinaw, president and founder of Animal Lighthouse Rescue in New York City. “Let your children get used to dogs by visiting friends with dogs or even babysitting a friend’s dog or fostering. When your children are around these dogs, teach them how to move slowly, be gentle, and that the dog should always come up to them first.”

Another great way to teach them more is video games. There are many video games all about dogs for kids that simulates caring for a dog, which can help children understand the many responsibilities involved.

What should my children know about the dog’s needs and care?

Before bringing a new pet into the home, it’s important to explain how to take care of a dog for kids. Encourage children to be gentle with the dog when petting and avoid touching the dog’s eyes, ears, tail, and feet. Also tell them about the warning signs a dog exhibits when they want to be left alone, like snarling and growling, and explain how these behaviors are the dog’s way of saying “no” or “don’t touch me.”

If you are new to pet parenthood, take time to learn about dog behavior and communication with your kids and discuss how you can apply what you’ve learned to your interactions with your pet.

“There are a lot of great books out there to help prepare you and your children,” Sinaw says. “Read them together!”

Once your new pet is home, make sure to supervise your kids anytime they’re around them, and tell them to avoid rough play. Children’s pets can have a huge impact on their self-esteem and empathy, but first kids need to learn how best to interact with them.

Here are a few more tips for teaching your children about caring for a dog:

  • Establish house rules for the dog around discipline and emphasize to your kids that you never use physical punishment.
  • Make sure to notice and reward good behavior from the dog and positive interactions your children have with the new pet.
  • Instruct children to keep toys and clothing picked up so the dog doesn’t chew on these items — and avoid giving the dog any toys that resemble the children’s toys or clothing.
  • Create a role for each child in caring for the pet and develop a schedule of responsibilities.
  • Make sure your dog has their own space in the house where they can escape from everyone, and remind children to leave the pet alone when they’re in this space.

How can I help my children bond with the new dog?

Learning to care for a pet can have an incredibly positive impact on a child’s mental and emotional growth. As children develop bonds with a dog, they can enjoy the many benefits of having pets, such as building self-esteem, learning empathy, and reducing stress. Caring for a dog can also encourage kids to be nurturing and teach them responsibility, helping them grow into more confident adults and offering multiple benefits for pets and families.

Kids should have plenty of opportunities to bond with the new family pet. Help your children establish a relationship with the dog by playing supervised games like fetch, blowing bubbles, or hide and seek. You should also find ways to involve the child in caring for the dog by helping to feed, groom, or even walk your new pet.

Top 10 lessons to teach your kids about a new dog

Keeping both your children and your new dog safe should be your highest priority. Teach your kids how to safely interact with your dog and any dog they meet before bringing a new pet into the home through these lessons:

  1. Always ask an adult’s permission before approaching a dog or petting them.
  2. Respect a dog’s space. Canines can be protective of their property, so do not enter the dog’s area or follow them into their space.
  3. Be wary of other dogs. If you see a loose dog, don’t approach or chase them, especially if the dog is trying to get away from you. Tell your parents, neighbors, and other adults you trust about the loose dog so that they can help.
  4. Never surprise or suddenly stir a sleeping dog. If your dog or someone else’s dog is resting, let them sleep and gently wake them up without scaring them.
  5. Don’t tease dogs with food or toys because this can entice them to use their mouths. Especially don’t tease a dog who is behind a fence or gate and don’t reach in to pet them.
  6. Stay away from any group of strange dogs, and don’t stand in the middle of a bunch of dogs. Steer clear of any fighting that may occur. Please don’t try to break up a fight and instead find the nearest adult to help.
  7. If the dog is eating or chewing on a bone, it’s best to leave them alone. Don’t try to grab the food or toy or even touch the dog at that time. Let the dog enjoy their goodies first, and then you can snuggle with them. Remember that dogs aren’t toys, so there will be times when they don’t feel like playing.
  8. When you meet a new dog or are spending time with a dog you don’t know well, avoid making direct eye contact or staring. Turn your eyes and look from the side to let them know you come in peace. Also, please don’t put your face close to a strange dog’s face. Remember that dogs communicate friendliness by respecting space.
  9. Try not to run, shriek, scream, or make big fusses around dogs you don’t know well. It could make them nervous or afraid, which can affect their behavior toward you.
  10. Last but not least, if you see a stray dog, do not run toward or away from them. Calmly walk to a safe place and try to ignore the dog. Please tell adults immediately and let them handle finding the dog’s family or trying to help them.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

How can I prepare my children for adopting a new dog?

Set clear house rules, establish a pet care schedule, and teach your children how to be gentle with the dog.

How do I explain the idea of adopting a new dog to my children?

Let kids know that the dog will be part of your family and will need time to adjust to their new home.

How can I involve my children in the adoption process?

Talk to your kids about potential names for the new dog and take them with you when shopping for pet supplies.

How can I teach my children to be gentle and respectful toward the new dog?

Explain the proper way to pet a dog and let children practice on a stuffed animal.

What should my children know about the dog’s needs and care?

Discuss how to care for a dog and let children know how they can help with things like feeding, walking, and grooming.

How can I help my children bond with the new dog?

Encourage supervised playtime with the dog and your kids to help them bond and experience the unexpected benefits of having a dog.

References

Before You Adopt Children and Dogs

HSSV Kids and Dogs

Children and Dogs

I Really Want A Dog: An Introduction to Dog Ownership for Children

Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.

How To Prepare For A Dog Adoption Home Visit

Preparing to adopt a dog? You may need to demonstrate that your home is ready for a new pet. Learn how to prepare for an adoption home visit.

7 tips for acing your inspection and bringing your new pup home.

By Tim Barribeau

preparing for an adoption home visit
So you’ve found a pet to bring into your family and filled out the adoption application. Many people don’t realize that when adopting from a rescue or shelter, there is often another step before you bring your pup home: The dog adoption home visit, where a representative from the rescue or shelter visits your house or apartment. Learn all about how to prepare for this step in the adoption process and what to expect from a home visit.

What is a home visit for adopting a dog?

You may be wondering why this step is necessary after you’ve already filled out an application. Shelters and rescues want to find the right home for each animal and ensure you will be a good pet parent. A home visit is their opportunity to make sure your home is suitable for a pet and remind you of the commitment and responsibility you’re accepting. In most cases, a home visit for dog adoption is just confirmation that your new pet will be safe, loved, and cared for as a member of your family.

Why do shelters do home visits?

Rescues and shelters often schedule a home visit to help them determine if your living environment and lifestyle are ideal fits for the particular dog you want to adopt. It’s important that new pet parents have the time, resources, and knowledge to provide for their pet’s needs, and a home visit allows the shelter to make sure that the dog will have the loving home they deserve.

Why is preparing for an adoption home visit important?

Your adoption home visit is your opportunity to demonstrate that you can properly care for a rescue pet. Think of the apartment pet interview like a job interview — if you don’t prepare ahead of time, you likely won’t put your best foot forward.

Preparing for an adoption home visit

Everyone in your household, whether other family members or roommates, should be involved in preparing for a home visit and new pet. You should talk to children about how to help take care of the dog and how to behave kindly toward animals.

To make a good impression on the adoption agency representative, you should also come prepared with your own questions to ask to show how invested you are in the process and how much thought you’ve given to taking care of a pet.

What should I do to prepare my home?

You want to show the shelter representative that you understand the responsibility of caring for a pet and will provide your new family member with everything they need to be happy and healthy. Take time to learn how to prepare for a dog and purchase all the required supplies, like a crate, water and food bowls, a collar and leash, and plenty of fun toys.

What questions will a shelter ask me during adoption?

When asked, “Why do you want to adopt a dog?” answer truthfully and openly. A home visit is often more of a conversation than a formal interview, and while your answers may not determine the shelter’s final decision, the shelter representative will still ask you multiple questions to gauge your ability to care for a dog. Be prepared for the following dog adoption interview questions and answers:

  • Have you had experience with this particular type of animal before?
  • Does everyone in your household agree to get a new pet?
  • Do you have children? Are they comfortable and responsible with pets?
  • Do you currently have any pets? Are they compatible with other animals?
  • Do you rent or are you a homeowner?
  • Do you have a yard? Is it fenced in? If not, how do you plan to provide exercise, and how often?
  • Where will your pet be kept during the daytime? And at night?
  • How do you plan to care for your pet if you need to leave town?

No matter how much you prepare, you may receive some questions during the home visit that you aren’t sure how to answer. Give an honest response, and if you don’t know the answer, admit it. The shelter representative won’t expect you to know everything, and it’s better to admit your lack of knowledge than to make up an answer.

What can I do after the home visit to further support the adoption process?

An adoption home visit is also a chance for you to ask questions of the shelter representative about your potential new pet’s history and temperament. Below are some common questions to ask when getting a dog that can help you prepare for your newest family member:

  • What is the dog’s history?
  • Are there any health issues or concerns that I should be aware of?
  • Do you know what breed(s) the dog is?
  • What have you noticed about the dog’s personality?
  • Is the dog house-trained? Do they already know any basic commands?
  • Does the dog get along with children? With dogs? Other animals?

Knowing the questions to ask before adopting a dog shows that you are engaged in the adoption process and lets the shelter know that you care about providing a proper home for the dog as much as they do.

What are some common mistakes to avoid during an adoption home visit?

Like any other kind of interview, one of the worst things you can do during an adoption home visit is to give the shelter representative the answers you think they want to hear. Be honest and open with your answers — and with your home. That means giving the representative a full tour of the house, including where your pet will eat and sleep. You should also already have supplies for your dog before the home visit to show your preparedness and commitment.

What to expect during a home visit

Your adoption home visit is a chance to show that you can and will provide your new pet with a safe and loving home. We asked Melissa Giordano, Adoption Coordinator of the Sato Project, to fill us in on what to expect during this step of the adoption process, so you can better prepare to make the best possible impression.

1. It’s all about state of mind

Giordano emphasizes that shelters and rescues are looking for people who want to do best by their animals.

“We’re not looking for you to have a spotless home with perfect everything because that doesn’t exist,” Giordano says. “We just want to make sure that the dog is going to be safe and that the people are open to suggestions and are going to be thinking through things that could potentially cause a problem.”

So the first thing you can do is take a deep breath and frame the visit in your mind as a chance to have a better and safer environment for a pet.

2. Think like a nervous dog

Giordano emphasized that a major part of her organization’s work is making sure there are no easy ways for a pet to escape their adopter’s home because animals may try and make a break for it if they’re in a new space and spooked. That means making sure that all windows and doors close securely and that you’re not relying on a screen for preventing escape; that any air conditioning units are properly anchored and the soft closures around them held firmly in place; that fences and gates (if present) are fully secure; and that there are no easily accessible tables or chairs for them to get high enough to jump over.

3. Tidy up

Your space doesn’t need to be spotless, but you need to do a decent clean-up. You want the shelter to know that you’re capable of keeping your home clean and that there’s not anything dangerous for the dog to easily get into. That means securing any garbage containers so they’re not easy to knock over and rifle through; making sure any plants you have around are pet-safe; and, if you have cat litter, making sure the dog can’t get into it. Giordano points out that things you might not even think of could be a problem: “Kids’ toys — sometimes you don’t even think about it, but puppies will chew those apart and could potentially get injured or swallow something that could get stuck.”

4. But don’t be too precious with your belongings

Animals, unfortunately, can be destructive — even if they don’t mean to be. A newly introduced dog may make messes regardless of how house-trained they are as they struggle to get used to a new place. And they may chew or scratch if they’re particularly nervous. So go into the adoption process with the knowledge that there might be some damage around your home, and if you have any rugs, furniture, or extremely precious belongings that you can’t stand to see possibly hurt, put them away until the animal is totally settled and you know how they’ll behave.

5. Introductions, please

The agency will also want to meet whoever currently lives in your house — people and animals. Not every animal is suited to every living situation, so this helps them ensure that the pet is going into an environment where they will be comfortable. They’ll probably want an introduction to your family members, roommates, and any other animals onsite.

6. Be prepared for in-person or over video

In large part because of the pandemic, you may be asked to do a video home visit rather than one in person. This entails dialing into a video chat where a staff member can talk to you as you walk around the house and reveal anything they need a closer look at. Or they might just want you to video a home tour on your own and send it in, which can be easier to coordinate with everyone’s schedules.

7. Be open to change

Above all else, remember that this isn’t an adversarial visit. The shelter wants you and the animal to be the best possible match so that everyone can be happy and fulfilled with one another. Any suggestions they give are so that an animal you adopt will be safer and happier — so go into the process with an open mind and a willingness to adapt, and you’ll be fine.

“The people that are coming to do the home visits are not going to judge them,” Giordano says. “We are not looking for a perfect house. We are just getting a sense for the person or the family to make sure that it’s a match for our dog and that they’re able to give our dog the best, safest, and most loving home.”

What are the reasons for denying pet adoption?

Not every pet adoption application is accepted, and shelters have a number of reasons for denying an adopter. For example, if you work long hours, the shelter may be worried that the dog will spend too much time alone and won’t get the love and care they need.

Some other reasons for denying pet adoption include:

  • Your home doesn’t have a fenced yard or is too small for the dog
  • You already own several pets
  • You are too young (in college or younger) and may not have time to commit to a pet
  • You are too old and may not be able to properly care for a pet
  • You have young children in the home
  • Your current pets are not up-to-date on vaccinations and care
  • None of your current pets are spayed or neutered

Remember that every pet and every situation is different. The shelter just wants to find the best possible home for each dog in their care, and reasons for denying an adoption are in the pet’s best interests.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

Why is preparing for an adoption home visit important?

Preparing for your home visit shows that you are ready for the commitment of caring for a pet.

What should I do to prepare my home?

Prepare your home by purchasing the supplies you need to make your home safe and comfortable for your dog. Get rid of anything that could be dangerous to a pet.

How can I make a good impression on the adoption agency representative?

Be enthusiastic about the process, answer questions honestly and openly, and ask your own questions.

Should I involve my family members in the preparation process?

Family members should be involved because everyone in the household should be on the same page when bringing a pet into the home and should know what to expect.

What are some common mistakes to avoid during an adoption home visit?

Avoid giving answers you think the representative wants to hear. Instead, give accurate and honest answers.

How can I handle any unexpected questions or situations during the visit?

If you don’t have an answer to a question or are unsure, admit it. The representative will appreciate your honesty.

What can I do after the home visit to further support the adoption process?

After your home visit, continue to prepare your home for a new dog by purchasing supplies and asking the shelter questions about your new pet.

What are the reasons for denying pet adoption?

There are multiple reasons for denying pet adoption, including a lack of space, too many current pets, young children, and pets that are not spayed or neutered.

References:

How to Adopt a Dog

Muttville – How to Adopt a Dog

Korean K9 Rescue – Adoption Process

Rescue Dogs Rock NYC – Application Process

Sample Interview Question for Screening

Guidelines for Screening Potential Adopters

Home Visit Check List

Tim Barribeau is a freelance writer, editor, cat dad, and “help your boyfriend buy a suit that actually fits for once” consultant. He was previously the Style and Pets editor at Wirecutter, and has bylines at a bunch of publications that don’t exist anymore (and a couple that still do).