Adopting a Pet

Where to Go

There are many options if you are looking for a new pet.  Almost every county or city has a pound, there are rescue groups devoted to specific breeds, and local rescues.  There are breeders, local, across the country and on the internet.  Your first step is to decide what type of pet you are looking for.  Do you have it narrowed down to dog or cat?  Dogs are generally more social, cats require less work.  If you want a dog, think about your lifestyle.  Do you go for a jog every day or are you more sedate?  Does someone in your home have allergy issues?  Are you willing to brush a long haired dog or cat, or would you prefer the easy care of a short hair?  Some dogs need to be groomed every few weeks.  That is an expense to be considered against the benefit of a dog that sheds less.( No dog doesn't shed at all except a stuffed one.)

I want a puppy!

Puppies are adorable.  No question.  They are also a huge amount of work.  If you are willing and able to devote a large amount of time and effort into house training and basic obedience you will have a dog that you know is trained and socialized.  For many households, an older dogs makes more sense.  You will know what you are getting, size and temperament wise.  Especially these days, many wonderful family pets are being surrendered for economic reasons.  There are also dogs with behavior and health issues.  Sorting out which is which can be the tricky part.  Adopting from a rescue group can take some of the surprise out of the process.

It's easier to adopt a child

Reputable rescue groups generally keep their dogs in foster homes or other closely observed facilities so that they can evaluate the dogs temperament and health before they adopt it out.  Bringing a healthy dog up to date on shots and spaying or neutering can easily cost several hundred dollars.  If the dog has even a minor sickness, that will increase greatly.  Rescue groups do not know you.  Their application is the way they try to decide not only if you will take good care of the pet they have loved and cared for but if you are a good fit for this particular dog or cat.  Some groups only require that your current pets be up to date on rabies vaccines.  Other groups want to see that you have given distemper vaccines and heartworm prevention.  Some will want to see the area where your pet will be housed.  We have even heard of groups asking for a criminal background check for adopters wanting breeds like Pit Bulls.  Decide how much information and effort you are willing to put out for a life-long companion.  There are plenty of pets available.  Find a group you can work with and keep looking.  Your life-long best friend is out there waiting for you.

High or Low Energy

The dog's energy level is probably the single biggest factor in determining whether he will fit in well with a family.  Breed plays a part but individual dogs can vary widely, especially mixed breeds.  A high energy dog without focused exercise is a timebomb waiting to go off.  He will leave a path of destruction behind him and confused owners asking "what happened?"  Digging, barking, chewing and aggression are all possible.  The same dog, in a family of joggers, will thrive.  The owner has a running buddy that never complains and everyone is happy.

Health concerns

Parasites are a major concern with rescue dogs.  Intestinal parasites can usually be taken care of with a simple dewormer.  Heartworms are another story.  You cannot look at a dog and see any sign of heartworms.  A blood test is the only way to know if your dog is infected.  Treatment can easily cost $600-$800.  If you adopt an adult dog that has not been heartworm tested, know that you are taking a very big chance.  Puppies should be started on prevention at 8 weeks of age and we recommend testing at 6 months if they have not been on prevention.
Many shelters offer a free vet visit so your new pet can be checked over for any other problems.  Even if it's not free, this is a really good idea.  Even if you are not willing to return the pet, you should at least know what you are getting into.  As usual, you get what you pay for.  Shelters are usually the least expensive place to get a dog, and there are lots of great dogs in pounds, but you will know the least about them.  Rescue groups have higher adoption fees, but usually you will have the peace of mind of some vet care.