Responsible dog adoption may seem like an unusual topic, after all we would all likely assume that to adopt is in and of itself a responsible and conscientious thing to do, particularly light of the fact that there are more than 100,000 dogs currently seeking adoption in Britain’s rescue shelters and dog adoption centres.
The thing is, however, there is a responsible way to adopt a dog and, by definition, an irresponsible way to go about it.
The number of ‘boomerang dogs’ (dogs that are adopted and then return to shelters) is a real cause for concern.
Adopting a dog entails the same level of commitment as any other form of dog acquisition.
Committing to a dog means exactly that. The dog’s life will be in your hands until the end of its natural life.
Responsible Dog Adoption Checklist:
- Find out as much as you can about the dog’s background
- Speak at length to the rescue shelter about the dog’s personality
- Decide early on who will be the dog’s main carer and make a plan regarding time availability at home
- Budget for dog ownership (it can be expensive)
- Don’t panic if a dog develops a minor behavioural problem (they are easily fixed most of the time)
- Make contacts with dog trainers and responsible owners BEFORE you get the dog (they can be an excellent source of practical advice later down the line)
- Ensure the dog’s health is catered for by having regular vet checks
- Don’t expect shelters to just give you the dog of your choice – you will be interviewed and screened and you should view this experience as a positive thing
- Consider the type of dog that is going to best suit your lifestyle (as well as its age, breed type and personality)
Being a responsible dog owner is a joy and adopting a dog responsibly can double the enjoyment!
