Tag: First Batch

How Long Does It Take a Boxer to Get Used to a New Home?

Many boxers are returned to a shelter or rescue after just a few days because the adopters say the dog isn’t fitting in, but just “how long does it take a boxer to get used to a new home?” It’s unreasonable to expect a dog to come into a home and immediately fall in line with all of the rules and routines. It can take weeks, or even months for a boxer, or any pet, to become comfortable in his new environment and to become his best self.

Why Does it Take So Long?

Typically when adopting from a shelter, the new owners don’t know the history of the dog. It’s important to remember that the dog was taken from his home and placed in an environment that was likely very frightening to him.

Then you came along and gave him a home, but he doesn’t understand that it’s permanent. It will take some time for him to understand that he is safe now.

Be patient with the boxer and understand that it will take the dog time to learn your routines and to know what is expected of him. 

You can help by:

  • Providing a crate or other spot where the boxer feels safe
  • Being realistic in your expectations
  • Working with a trainer, if necessary 

In It for the Long Haul

Some new pet owners give up on their dogs after a week or two while the dog is in an adjustment period. This is sad both for the dog, who now has to start from scratch with a new family, and for the family who gave him up too soon. With a bit more time, the right guidance, and a little patience, the boxer likely would have blossomed into a wonderful family pet.

If the boxer you adopted isn’t progressing as you’d like, don’t give up on him. Ask the shelter or rescue for advice or to point you to resources to help in training the dog. In the end, you’ll be happy you did! 

How Much Does It Cost To Surrender A Dog?

It usually costs somewhere between $50 and $150 to surrender your dog. The cost varies based on several factors such as your location, the type of facility, and the age of the pet. Certain facilities charge less per pet for those surrendering entire litters. Some private rescues do not charge a fee if they accept a dog for surrender, but this varies by organization.

Surrendering a Dog to a Shelter 

There are many reasons that pet owners may feel their only option is to surrender their dog to a shelter. These include:

  • Behavior issues
  • Financial problems
  • Feeling like they don’t have enough time to spend with the pet
  • The birth of a baby
  • An impending move

But is surrendering a dog to the shelter the best solution? Many times, the above issues can be overcome or something can be worked out that allows the dog to remain in the home. If that’s not possible, and every resource has been exhausted, consider rehoming your pet instead of surrendering the dog to a shelter. 

Benefits of Rehoming vs. Surrendering 

Once a dog is surrendered to a shelter, her or his fate is out of your hands. The truth is that many surrendered pets have a hard time finding new homes because the stress of being in a shelter or rescue alters their personalities. In the best cases, they find a new home—but wouldn’t you have more peace of mind if you had input into the type of family that adopted your dog?

Finding a new home for your pet is a better solution that allows you to be sure your dog goes to a good home, and there are tools that make the process easier. Rehome is a website devoted to helping responsible pet owners find new homes for their cats or dogs. It’s easy to use and in just a few minutes, your dog’s profile will be available to potential adopters all over the country. 

One of the many resources on Rehome is an application with detailed questions that will help you screen adopters to find the perfect situation for your dog. Rehome also provides an adoption agreement that allows you to specify what should happen to the pet if the adoption doesn’t work out.

The cost of surrendering a dog includes more than just money. Consider rehoming instead so you’ll have peace of mind about the final outcome. 

Do Wireless Dog Fences Work?

Though some people report that wireless fences work for their dog, we never recommend using them. These fences require a shock collar that shocks the dog anytime they cross the barrier of the wireless fence. There are other alternatives to this negative reinforcement technique that are more humane and work better in many cases.

Alternative Solutions  

  • Putting up a physical fence.
  • Only taking your dog outside on a leash.
  • Working on off-leash commands such as “stop” and “no.” 

We never recommend using a shock collar or any form of negative reinforcement. Finding an alternative to a wireless fence is the kinder choice.  

How Long Does It Take A Dog To Get Used To A New Home?

It can take weeks or even a few months for a dog to get used to a new home. It takes some dogs longer than others, and pets who have spent time being shuffled around between homes and shelters may take longer to settle in. The good news is that in time and with the right guidance from you, your dog will learn to be comfortable with his new family.

The Sad Truth: Many Dogs Are Quickly Returned 

Shelter and rescue employees will tell you that one of the frustrating things about the work they do is the number of dogs that are returned within a week or two because the adopter says they aren’t fitting in.

It’s unrealistic to expect a dog to walk through the door and instantly know all the rules or understand what behavior is acceptable. When a dog has lived in several homes, like occasionally some shelter/rescue dogs have, the challenge can be even greater.

It’s your job as the pet parent to teach your new dog how to behave in the home and to teach him what is and what is not acceptable.

Most shelters will provide instructions on how to properly integrate a dog into your home. It’s extremely important to follow these guidelines in order to facilitate a smooth transition for you and your new pet.

These instructions will often be customized based on what the shelter or rescue organization knows about the dog’s behavior and background. If a reasonable amount of time goes by, you’re following the instructions, and still not seeing progress, talk to someone at the facility where you got the dog for additional support.

Most dogs are going to take a while to acclimate to a new home, but with patience and the right guidance, they’ll be a wonderful addition to your family in no time! 

How Long do Dog Bites Take to Heal?

A dog bite can take anywhere from several days to several months to fully heal. The length of time depends on the severity and location of the bite. Treatment may include home care as well as treatment by a doctor. The exact treatment will depend on many factors and will be determined after carefully evaluating the patient. Preventing infection is of the utmost importance in order to speed healing and to avoid secondary issues.

Dog Bite Treatment 

For minor dog bites, some prefer home treatment, but it’s always recommended to see a doctor anytime the bite punctured the skin. That’s because the doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics, a tetanus shot and, in cases of a dog with an unknown history, rabies shots.

Keeping the wound clean and dry will help speed healing and prevent infection. For minor wounds, you may be able to do this yourself. For more serious bites, wound care may have to be performed by a professional.

It’s worth repeating that you should visit a medical professional any time a dog bite breaks the skin. If possible, bring the dog’s medical records to show the doctor. This may eliminate the need for rabies shots and can help guide treatment.

Since dog bites range from mild to life threatening, it’s not possible to make a general statement about how long dog bites take to heal. Following all directions from the doctor will help to speed healing and is a must in order to ensure proper healing and minimize the chance for infection. 

How Long Does It Take a Beagle to Get Used to a New Home?

The length of time it takes a beagle to get used to a new home tends to be around three months. Of course, the amount of time can vary based on a wide range of different factors. Some will adapt to the new home sooner, while it might take some dogs a bit longer to become comfortable.

Primary Factors to Consider

As mentioned, many different factors can affect how long it will take your new beagle to get used to their new home. Age can play a huge role. Puppies tend to be more adaptable and should get accustomed to a new home in a matter of weeks, at most. Sometimes, it will take a bit longer, but younger dogs tend to adapt more easily. Older dogs will often take up to three months or longer.

The dog’s personality can be a factor, too. Sometimes, skittish dogs will not adjust to a loud and active household easily if they came come from a quiet house. Dogs that are used to more exercise and being outside for longer periods will take time to adjust to a more laid-back household.

How to Make the Dog Feel More Comfortable

You need to be patient when you are bringing your new beagle home. Expect to spend between one and three months getting the dog accustomed to their new home and surroundings and expect there to be some setbacks during that time. They are going through what is likely one of the biggest changes in their life. The people and places that they knew are gone. Be patient and gentle with them during this time.

Spend time with the dog when they arrive at your home. Don’t just put them in a room or let them wander the house. Essentially, you can give them a tour of the home, so they can see and smell everything. Show them the backyard, other animals in the home, etc. You don’t want to overwhelm them on their first day, but you do want them to have a sense of the home where they will be living.

Training and playing with the dog is always important, but you may find that you have to spend more time when you first bring the beagle into his new home.

Learn About the Dog’s Personality

When you are adopting a beagle, it is important to learn as much about the dog’s personality before you choose to bring them home. You not only need to make sure that she will get along well with your other pets or your children, but you also want to know if they have a skittish personality. This could make it more difficult for them to acclimate to their new home.

The most important takeaway is that you can’t simply give the dog a few days or even a few weeks and wonder why they aren’t fitting in and feeling at home. It takes time. Be patient with them, work with them, and they will start to adapt over time.

What is a Reasonable Rehoming Fee for a Corgi?

A reasonable rehoming fee for your Corgi would generally start at around $50 and would go up from there. The fees can vary quite a bit depending on a range of factors. The age of your dog, whether she’s purebred, and your location can all play roles in the price.

Determine the Usual Rehoming Fee in Your Area

When you’re trying to determine a reasonable rehoming fee, whether you’re the owner or you’re looking to adopt, you should consider what’s typically charged in your area. Take the time to look at the prices of other rehoming fees to get a better sense of the typical prices where you live. Generally, the rehoming fees will be quite similar to what someone would expect to pay when they go to a rescue or a shelter.

Corgis are popular dogs. They’re adorable and fun, and that means that the rehoming fee for a purebred Corgi might be higher than it would for another dog. However, rehoming fees shouldn’t be as much as buying a dog. The purpose of the rehoming fees isn’t to put money into the pocket of the owner or the organization. The fees are meant to serve other purposes.

Why Are Rehoming Fees Needed?

If someone has to give up their dog, you might be wondering why there should be rehoming fees at all. They should be grateful that someone wants to take their dog, right? Unfortunately, the world can be a grim place for pets. The rehoming fees are there to ensure that new owners are willing to invest in their new dog. They’re also there to help keep the dogs safe.

People will sometimes look for free and cheap dogs online or in their area so they can then sell them to labs. Other times, they might use small dogs like Corgis as bait and training for fighting dogs. Having rehoming fees helps to ensure that these types of people are less likely to get access to your dog.

Whenever an owner is rehoming their dog, they should charge a rehoming fee. This is something that those looking to adopt should expect. The only time that you wouldn’t need to charge a rehoming fee would be when you’re giving your dog to someone you already know and trust to be a good new owner.

Making Rehoming Easier

Many people worry about charging rehoming fees, even though they realize they’re important. One of the best things to do is to use Rehome, a platform from Adopt-a-Pet.com that helps to make the entire process simpler. The site, where you can create a profile for your dog, is free for owners to use. The adopters will pay a fee right to Rehome, so owners don’t have to worry about it. You’ll find that the fee is similar to what adopters would pay to a shelter or a rescue. Even better, you can be sure that the money paid goes into helping more animals get adopted.

Does Pet Valu Take Cats?

Pet Valu does not take cats from owners who want to surrender their pets. While adoptable pets are available in many Pet Valu stores, those animals are there through arrangements with local rescues, humane societies, and other organizations. Pet owners wishing to rehome their pet will not be able to take their cats to Pet Valu. 

Tips to Rehome Your Cat 

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of needing to find a new home for your cat, there are a few safe methods available. While dropping your cat off at Pet Valu isn’t an option, there are some avenues you can take to be sure your cat finds a suitable home.

Surrendering to a Shelter 

Shelters in your area may include humane societies, city animal control departments, and local branches of the SPCA. There is usually a surrender fee which varies by location. It’s also important to learn the organization’s adoption vs. euthanasia rate. Some organizations have euthanasia rates as low as 3% while others are well over 50%. 

Working With a Rescue Group 

Surrendering your cat to a rescue group is a great option as most privately run rescues are no kill and they work very hard to find safe homes for every cat. The downside is that many rescues are often at capacity, so it can be a challenge to find one with room to take your pet.

Rehoming Your Cat Yourself 

The best way to make sure you’re comfortable with your cat’s new home is to screen potential adopters yourself. This may take some time, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind you’ll have knowing your cat is in good hands. The Rehome website has lots of great resources to help you in your search. Create a profile for your cat right on the site and connect with people actively looking for a new pet. 

How Do I Find a Home For My Cat?

You can find a new home for your cat by asking friends or family to adopt him or by posting him to Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. To do either of these, you’ll need to get prepared with all of your cat’s important information, create a biography or story, and then start sharing that info with the right people and in the right places.

Preparing to Find a New Home for Your Cat

Make sure you have all of the necessary information your cat’s potential new family might be interested in knowing. This would include not only your cat’s medical records and health history, but also information on his temperament and personality. Is he good with other cats? How about dogs? Do you think he’d like living in a home with children? These are all questions potential adopters might ask. It’s also a good idea to have at least one or two engaging photos of your cat ready to share (for tips on how to take great pet photography, check out the Pet Photo and Video Tips section of our FAQs).

Create a “Bio” for Your Cat

Now you’re ready to get started. Start by writing a short description of your cat that will give would-be adopters an idea of why your cat would be a great addition to their life. Maybe he likes to snuggle and binge-watch Netflix with you, or perhaps his silly antics are known to keep you laughing for hours. Help others understand why he’s a great cat. This “bio” for your cat, along with those amazing glamour shots you took earlier, are just the thing your cat needs to stand out!

Share Your Cat with Friends and Family

Get your cat seen by adopters. Easier said than done, right? Actually, this part might be easier than you think. We always recommend talking with friends and family as a first step when you must find a new home for any pet. Oftentimes, a beloved pet can remain in your extended family by being adopted by a loved one who happens to be looking for a new pet just as you are looking for a new home for yours. They will appreciate the thorough information you put together on your pet’s personality and health and you’ll appreciate knowing they are in an awesome home!

Use Rehome to Find a New Home for Your Cat

If your family and friends are unable to take your cat, the team here at Adopt-a-Pet.com has a program called Rehome that is available for pet parents in exactly your situation. It’s free, simple to use, and will get your pet’s photos and bio in front of the millions of potential adopters who are searching on our site. Our team will provide guidance along the way including an application interested adopters can fill out right from your cat’s profile and tips on how to review applications for good answers and red flags. We’ll even help you to transfer your cat’s medical records to the new adopter! Get started with Rehome here.   

What Do I Do With A Stray Dog?

The first thing you should do with a stray dog is help to reunite him with his family. When you find a dog, you don’t know if he’s been lost, stolen, or abandoned, but always assume there could be an owner looking him. 

If you can capture the dog and are comfortable doing so, you can then take the stray dog to a veterinarian, some grooming salons, or shelter to get him checked for a microchip. If the dog is chipped, the owner can be contacted. If not, these organizations can help you with next steps.  

If you can’t catch the dog or are uncomfortable trying to, it’s best to call your local animal control. Providing information such as details of the dog (color, size, breed and sex), the exact location (street address or intersection) and which direction the dog is moving will be really helpful for animal control. Many will send an officer out to capture the dog.

Why Reporting the Dog to Animal Control Is Important  

Some people hesitate to call animal control when they find a dog because they worry the dog may be put down. If you’re willing to keep the animal or to rehome the pet yourself if no owner is found, let animal control know that. After the holding period, some shelters will let you be first on the list of adopters. Contacting animal control is a smart and necessary first step for two main reasons:

  • Animal control is the first place people look or go to when they are looking for a lost pet.
  • Laws about what you should do if you take in a stray vary by city and state. Call your local animal control to find out what the laws in your area are so you can follow them. 

If you do want to keep the pet, be sure to make that well known to animal control so that your name is at the top of the waiting list of potential adopters if this is an option the shelter offers. A typical holding period is 3 to 4 days, but this varies by location. Learn the exact date the dog’s hold will be up, and arrive at the shelter when it opens that morning. 

If you want to rehome the pet yourself, this is also an option. Sometimes, animal control will allow you to keep the dog in your house during the holding period. Once that holding period is over and no owner has come forward, you can begin the rehoming process. One tool that is especially helpful is Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.com. You can create a profile for the stray dog for millions of potential adopters to see. 

Knowing what to do with a stray dog is not easy, but if you follow this guide, you’ll do what is best for the dog and help him find a great new home!