The process of adopting a pet isn’t always easy and many people become discouraged causing them to shop rather than adopt. This is a brief overview of what rescues and shelters look for when adopting. Please consider adopting first as so many pets are in danger of being euthanized and are waiting in shelters and rescues for loving homes. You could be that loving home.
Do you have other pets?
A rescue looks to verify that your current pets will get along well with any new adoptive pet. Often the rescue will ask that you to bring your other dog or dogs with you to come to meet your new pet on neutral territory. This will help them to see if the pets will interact well with one another before they place a new pet in your home.
Family
The rescue will sometimes ask that you bring the entire family to meet the new pet. The rescue will want to meet the family so they can assess if this adoption would be a good fit for this particular animal and their personality or situation.
Fenced in yard?
If you live in a home with a yard, the rescue will want to make sure that your new pet will have a safe place to run around and not get loose. Make sure that your yard is protected by installing a fence, or another option is to get a pet collar with a virtual fence that will help to keep your dog safe within your yard.
Family schedule
A rescue will also ask what the family's typical daily schedule looks like. They look to see how many hours a day the pet will be left alone, how many time’s a day the dog will be walked, and where they will do if you go away on vacation.
They may require a physical or virtual tour of your house and yard. Please keep in mind that these questions and regulations are in place to help foster a healthy life between your pet and your family.
Every rescue wants to make sure that the pet will have a safe, loving home for the remainder of it's life. Show them how you can be a responsible pet owner, and they will approve your adoption application!
Happy adopting!