dog adoption process

People who are considering adopting a dog in need of a permanent home are doing a great service to help save their lives. However, sometimes if they haven’t fully thought about the commitment, how it will change their lifestyle, the costs of having a pet, etc., they change their minds. And what initially started out as a way to help a pup in need ended up hurting him. How?

Most pet adoption organizations are completely voluntary. These people spend all of their free time rescuing dogs, grooming and caring for them, meeting with potential adopters, answering questions, working tirelessly day in and day out to complete adoptions. Therefore, it is imperative that you help by doing your part. Think carefully about your decision and be 100% sure that you are ready to adopt a dog.

The adoption process is long and it is annoying for rescue volunteers when they go the extra mile for prospective adopters, who call and say: “We’ve changed our minds.” Changing your mind so quickly means you didn’t really think about it and the rescue wastes hours of time and energy that could have been better used to help someone else or save another life.

Although each rescue center has its own way of doing things, here are the basic steps of the entire pet adoption process from start to finish.

Once you have contacted a rescue center to adopt a dog, you will need to complete and submit an application for review. A volunteer then carefully reads each submitted application, one by one, to find applicants who meet their adoption requirements. The applicant is then contacted for an individual interview. Volunteers spend hours on the phone interviewing and answering questions from potential adopters. Face-to-face meetings or home interviews are also held when possible.

During this time, the adoption contract is explained so that prospective adopters are fully informed of their responsibilities. All questions of the potential adopter are also answered. The dogs are cared for and prepared to go to their new family.

The adoption process can be time consuming, but it is worth it in the end for dogs that need to find a loving home. Dog rescues want to see their pets go to loving, permanent homes where they will be properly cared for by responsible owners. So take the time to make an informed decision. Make sure you’re really ready to get a dog.