With the struggles of the economy and the job market, pets are often the first to suffer. Animal Control, Humane Societies and Rescue Groups are more crowded than ever. Our Second Chance Program also has some wonderful dogs that are in the process of being rehabilitated as we speak. If you are in the market for a new pet, by all means, check with your local shelters and organizations first, there is know telling what treasures you may find! With that in mind here are a few simple questions to think about when choosing the right pet and keep in mind, you may not get all the answers simply from lack of knowledge of the dog’s history.
1. Was the dog an owner surrender, a stray, or just a shelter save from animal control?
2. Do you know why the owner surrendered the dog?
3. How old is the dog or a guess of the age? Decide if you and your family want to go through puppy stages or have an adult dog.
4. How long has the dog been in foster care or in the shelter? If the dog has been in a kennel environment for a long period of time they may need remedial house training lessons. Or the foster can give a good history of the dog’s behavior if they have been working with the dog for a lengthy period of time.
5. Are there any medical or behavioral issues upon arrival?
6. What medical treatments has the dog recieved?
7. Has the dog recieved any training or more importantly socialization while in the shelter or foster care?
8. Does the dog have any behavioral issues that need to be addressed such as lack of socialization or dog aggression?
9. What is the dog’s activity level? Make sure they are compatible with your household.
10. Is the dog compatible with my lifestyle? Do you travel, stay inside, athletic?
11. Has the dog shown any aggression toward people or animals?
12. Does the dog show preference for certain types of people- men, women, children, or elderly?
14. Does this dog need a companion animal?
15. What is the return policy or trial period for the shelter or rescue group?
16. Has the dog been spayed/neutered and recieved all shots and de-worming?
These questions should allow your case worker at the adoption center to get a really good feel of what you and your family are looking for in a pet!
