Remember when I mentioned researching the type of animal you want in the Pre-Adoption Considerations? Well, it’s so important that I’ll mention it here again—research the species or breed-specific needs of the animal you want! Alright, so let’s start considering the animal adoption process specifics.
Know Your Options
There are multiple different ways to find a new animal companion these days and you should utilize any reputable resources you can find. But be aware that some avenues may afford different benefits and safeguards, and some may leave you shouldering all the risk.
Quick disclaimer: I’m partial to animal shelters and rescues. I’ve worked and volunteered in them for years, and they’re what I’m most familiar with. There are certainly great breeders out there, and honest, sincere folks using Craigslist to re-home animals, just as there are subpar shelters and rescues, but you have to use your discretion at every point in the animal adoption process.
First thing you’ll want to do is search for any nearby shelters and rescues in your area. Shelters will generally be best for sheer volume and turnover of animals. So if you’re not too concerned with pedigree or any specific breed, shelters are a great place to start. You will usually see new animals available for adoption quite frequently, so keep your eyes peeled.
If you’re dead set on finding a particular breed of animal more quickly, rescues and breeders are usually the way to go. Rescues are very oftentimes organized around specific types of animals. This can mean that they deal with a certain type of breed, but it can also mean they cater to certain age groups or dispositions also. Be specific when you search.
Shelters and rescues will generally offer you a decent set of safeguards—depending on what they’re able to provide, of course. This usually entails a wellness check, behavioral assessment, vaccinations, medications and medical procedures while they’re in care, a spay or neuter, a microchip, and a free post-adoption vet exam.
Oftentimes they will be able to provide you with some basic history of the animal. Some animals are surrendered by previous owners and may come with a wealth of useful information to get you started. And sometimes that information may be just what you need to know whether you should move forward with an adoption or pass on it. Even stray animals will usually have some sort of useful information gleaned from their interactions with staff and volunteers, and many animals spend their time in the facilities or foster homes being socialized and introduced to new people and animals.
Some facilities even provide vaccination clinics and other (usually low cost) services to help you out post-adoption. They will also usually have some sort of return policy in case something unexpected arises.
Of course, individual organizations will have different parameters, so always look over their websites to see what they offer, and what their adoption process entails. Some organizations require home checks, multiple visits, and lengthy adoption applications, so know what you’re getting into before showing up and expecting to take an animal home. And definitely look over the terms of adoption before you sign!
Breeders will usually be your easiest option for finding a specific type of animal that is also young. Reputable breeders should take care of any puppy/kitten vaccines that are needed while the animals are in their care, but they generally don’t offer the same level of post-adoption safeguards that shelters and rescues do—but again, check with you local breeders for specifics.
Purebred animals are usually more prone to genetic disorders and health conditions, so you must be sure to find a good breeder who is diversifying their genetic stock. They may also microchip their animals, but be aware that they might register those microchips to themselves! If you’re animal ends up in the shelter and the chip hasn’t been updated, they get the call, not you. Have your animal scanned at their first vet visit to verify if there’s a chip, ask the vet what brand it is, then call that brand and make sure your information is added.
Breeders may have lengthy wait lists and may not take animals back after adoption, so be sure to ask them what their policy is. Again, always make sure your potential breeders are reputable, licensed, and following guidelines!
Finally, we have Craigslist. Craigslist is where you’ll generally find the least amount of safeguards. Owners on Craigslist can sometimes have a vested interest in re-homing their animals quickly, either due to behavioral issues or lifestyle changes. I’ve crossed paths with many people who have gotten less than accurate information regarding their animal’s behaviors and disposition. Health care status of animals could be up in the air, so get records if you can, but be aware that you might not be getting a complete picture.
Again, I’m not trying to diminish any breeders or people using Craigslist. Wherever you choose to search for your pet, you need to look into each potential animal’s situation and consider it on a case-by-case basis.
Important side note: Sites like Petfinder.com will link you up all kinds of potential adoptions. You can search specific breeds, ages, and locations, and shelter and rescue animals should also appear in the results.
“Window Shop” for a Little
If you’ve done any amount of searching you’ll know that there’re a lot of animals out there who need homes! It’s not a bad idea to “window shop” for a little and take stock of all the potential adoptees in your area. This might be less important if you’re looking for something very specific, but for more general adoptions it can save you some time and (potential) heartache. As you start the adoption journey, I can guarantee you that it’s usually harder to pass up on an animal in person than it is before meeting them. Make a list of potential animals before heading in and gather behavioral information on each one before meeting them. You can do this online sometimes, but many shelters will have more detailed information they can tell you that isn’t posted online. Call them or go in person to inquire. Talk to an adoption counselor and let them know any questions or concerns you might have before meeting.
Meet the Animal In Person (Obviously!)
Ok, remember that part about being familiar with the breed-specific needs? Of course you do! I’m going to need to add a modifier to that concept though—breed-specific considerations don’t always accurately describe the individual! Each animal you meet will have had its own set of circumstances that led them to where they are now. Breed guidelines are good for a general idea, but you must consider each potential new animal as an individual! You may cross paths with mellow Cattle Dogs, gregarious Chihuahuas, neurotic Golden Retrievers, the entire gamut of personalities. That’s why you speak to the adoption counselor or foster parents before meeting the animal and falling in love!
But once you’ve had that chat and decided that the animal seems like a good fit on paper, it’s time for the fun part—time to meet that animal! Spend as much time as needed with any animal you meet and consider how their personality will play into your lifestyle. Shelters will provide you with a space to visit, and most will allow you to take potential dog adoptees for a walk. Ask about any behaviors you notice and are unsure about, but be aware that the shelter environment will often affect how an animal behaves. Shelters are a foreign and sometimes scary place for many animals, so consider the amount of time that they’ve been there and what kind of conditions they came from. Consult with the adoption counselors, and, if you really need to, you can oftentimes get a behavior tech to come speak with you also.
Take the Time to Spend Time with Each Animal as an Individual and Consider Them on Their Own Terms!
Quite often if you find an animal through a rescue, that animal is in a foster home. Lots of rescues don’t operate out a central facility. You can’t just waltz in whenever, so be prepared to organize a time and place to meet with the foster parent and know that you might not be meeting that animal on the same day. Allow the foster parents and rescue a little extra time to coordinate things as the adoption process moves along, their resources aren’t always centralized.
If you’re looking for a new dog and already have an animal at home, ask how your potential adoption does with other animals! Many shelters will provide a rudimentary “cat test” to see how a dog might react to cats at home, and all of them should offer dog-to-dog introductions.
Be Reasonable and Do a Hold if You’re Unsure
Don’t rush any decision that you’re not reasonably confident with! Many shelters and rescues offer a hold period after you meet an animal so that you can mull it over and make the best possible decision. Utilize this service if you have the slightest inclination to. It might cost you a little, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind that comes with making a confident, well-informed decision. And if you decide not to adopt, the fee you paid for the hold just goes towards the animals. Win-win!
If you still have some minor doubts, consider the organization’s return policy. Many places will give you somewhere from a couple of weeks to a few months to try things out at home. It’s worth a try as long as you think it’s a reasonably decent fit. Even if things don’t work out, that month’s worth of information that you can provide regarding the animal’s transition and behavior at home could be very valuable to the organization and anyone who adopts that animal after you.
If you’re only 50% or less sure on an adoption, just pass on that animal for now. Give them the opportunity to meet with other potential adopters and hopefully they’ll find that perfect match instead. Remember, there are usually a lot of other options out there, and a solid chance that you’ll find a better match.
If you decide to pull the trigger on an adoption, just keep in mind that adoptions entail big changes in the life of the animal. Don’t expect them to be perfect on their first day home. Give them time to acclimate and use up that entire return period, if needed. Also, don’t hesitate to contact the shelter or rescue if you notice anything you’re unsure of regarding the animal’s behavior or health. They’re almost always happy to help!
