| So, you've decided a dog would be good for your | | | | factors, amongst others: |
| family and you've found a dog adoption centre. You | | | | * Is the garden large enough for the dog you have |
| may even have talked to them. What comes next? | | | | chosen? |
| Matching dogs with owners. | | | | * Is the garden secure - is there an unbroken fence? |
| Most good adoption centres will try to match their | | | | In the case of dogs who can jump, is the fence high |
| animals with prospective owners. Obviously, in order | | | | enough? |
| to do that, they will need to ask a number of | | | | * Is the garden 'manicured' and, if so, do you |
| questions so they can learn about you, your family, | | | | understand that some breeds can dig - not |
| your lifestyle and your needs. So be prepared, | | | | necessarily where you want them to? |
| answer honestly - and don't take offence. | | | | * Where will the dog sleep / be fed? It's important |
| Here are some of the types of questions you may | | | | dogs have their own space, and know where it is. |
| find yourself being asked, either in person or in | | | | How to prepare for a dog in your home. |
| writing. | | | | * Register your new pet with your vet. You should |
| * Do you have any prior experience of re-homing a | | | | know before your dog arrives his or her name, breed |
| dog / what type / how long for / where was it | | | | and age - that's enough initial information. |
| from? | | | | * Once registered, and when you have been given a |
| * What do you know about this particular breed? | | | | date you can pick your dog up, make an |
| * How much exercise do you think a dog like this will | | | | appointment with your vet for the dog to have a |
| need, and do you have the time and energy to | | | | general health check. |
| devote to it? | | | | * Buy a bed and make space for it before the dog |
| * Are you or a member of your family at home | | | | arrives. It's important this is in a quiet location where |
| during the day? | | | | the dog can retreat to if he / she feels the need, |
| * For about how long will the dog be left alone? | | | | especially in the first few days. |
| * Where will the dog live / will he or she be allowed | | | | * Make sure you have a collar, lead, dog tag with |
| in your house / are there any parts of your house | | | | your telephone number, feeding and water bowls, |
| the dog will not be allowed? | | | | travelling water bowl if the dog wil be going in a car, |
| * Do you have a fenced garden area? | | | | brush, a supply of its favourite food, and some |
| * Do you have children / how old are they / are | | | | treats. |
| they used to dogs? | | | | Other pointers. |
| * Do you have other pets? | | | | * Never, never say you'll have a dog on impulse. Do |
| * How often do you intend to take your dog to your | | | | your homework. Make sure you know about the |
| vet? | | | | breed, if you're looking for a specific type of dog, |
| Questions you may want to consider asking the dog | | | | and whether it will be a good fit with your family's |
| adoption agency. | | | | lifestyle. |
| This is not a one-way process. You need to consider | | | | * If you have a vet already, be aware that the dog |
| the questions you want to ask when you are thinking | | | | adoption society may want to contact him or her to |
| of adopting a dog. Some examples of these might | | | | make sure you take dog ownership seriously. |
| be: | | | | * If you have a very young child - say under five |
| * Why is this animal in need of re-homing? | | | | years old - be very careful about re-homing a dog. |
| * Is he / she good with children? | | | | Young children have no concept of how to treat |
| * Is the dog used to living with other animals? | | | | animals and can often harm them in play without |
| * Does the dog chase other dogs, or cats? | | | | meaning to. Be very sure that the dog you're taking |
| * Is the dog known to have any history of | | | | is used to children and never, ever leave a child alone |
| aggression, either with people or with animals? | | | | with a dog. |
| * What is known about the dog's health? | | | | This sounds like a lot of work. Is it worth it? |
| * Are the dog's inoculations up to date? Is he / she | | | | Absolutely! We have rescued a total of six dogs, |
| microchipped / neutered / spayed? | | | | some pedigrees, some not, and they have given us |
| * What sort of food is the dog used to? | | | | years of enjoyment and companionship. Rescue dogs |
| Adopting a dog - the home check. | | | | can become loyal, devoted friends and will give many |
| Most if not all dog adoption centres now insist on a | | | | years of enjoyment. |
| home check. This is to make sure that your home is | | | | Answering a few questions to make sure you get |
| suitable for the particular animal you have chosen. | | | | the right animal really isn't much to ask in return. |
| The home-checker will be looking for the following | | | | |