| The decision to adopt a dog is not one that | | | | dog to be adopted who is not ready for such. |
| should be taken lightly. This is a very important | | | | If you want to adopt a dog, here are some tips |
| step in your life and in the dog's and it's important | | | | to help you: |
| that you are certain about what you plan to do | | | | 1. First, visit your local animal shelter. Inspect the |
| before you do it. If you're thinking of getting a | | | | place, look at their animals and ask any and all |
| new dog, it's important to consider all of the | | | | questions about their policies, care of the animals |
| options that are available to you. This is when you | | | | and the adoption process. |
| should consider adoption. | | | | 2. Talk with a staff member about what you're |
| There are a great number of homeless puppies | | | | looking for in a dog for you or your family. This |
| and dogs today. They are often housed in animal | | | | will help them choose among the dogs that they |
| shelters and humane societies who work hard to | | | | have to help you find the ones that may fit your |
| try to find homes for these animals. In some | | | | needs the best. |
| cases, the dog was abandoned or it could be that | | | | 3. Once you have selected a dog you are |
| the owner has passed away or become incapable | | | | interested in, ask to spend some time with him at |
| of taking care of them. It's not their fault that | | | | the shelter. Often you will be able to take him for |
| they are now homeless but you can help give | | | | a walk or play in the play-yard. This will help you |
| them a new start when you adopt a dog of your | | | | to determine whether or not this dog is right for |
| own. | | | | you. |
| However, you want to be sure you know what | | | | 4. Ask the shelter to tell you any and all |
| you're doing and that you make the right decision | | | | background they have on the dog you are |
| going in. You don't want to adopt a dog only to | | | | thinking of adopting. |
| find out it's not the right dog for you or to give it | | | | 5. Ask if there is a trial period in which you can |
| back to a shelter again. This can be very | | | | take the dog home and see if it's a right fit for |
| traumatizing to a dog that has already had a hard | | | | you. |
| life and been homeless. | | | | Some planning and foresight can help you with |
| You also want to be sure you get a dog that is | | | | your efforts to adopt a dog and ensure you get |
| right for you and your family. You want a healthy | | | | just the right dog for your needs and lifestyle. |
| dog that will be safe. The good news is that | | | | When you look at this dog adoption like an |
| proper, licensed shelters check their dogs for | | | | addition to your family, you will understand how |
| signs of disease or aggression and will not allow a | | | | important this decision really is. |