13th September 2023

What is the procedure for adopting a dog from a shelter?

The home becomes complete and truly wholesome only when a pet joins as a member. And when it comes to a pet, the most common choice is a dog. Although the responsibility of taking care of a pet is undeniably huge, surely the love and emotions you will get in return are worth it. However, if by chance you are unable to keep a pet at home, but you love animals and want to help them, you can choose a donation campaign from PavelAndreev.ORG and choose a cause to support with an amount of your choice. In addition to financial or material support, you can also volunteer for an organization or help at a shelter by feeding the animals; walking them or just playing with them.

How you can help animals in shelters

Increasingly, people are turning to adopting a dog from a shelter instead of buying one. However, some still prefer pedigree four-leggeds from well-known breeders. But there are also not a few who decide to take home newborns from a friend's pet.

Still, perhaps the option of adopting a dog from a shelter remains the noblest. However, it is possible in case you are not looking for a particular breed of kitten or dog. If you just have a desire to add a lively, wonderful and loving dog to your family as a new member, then adopting a dog from a shelter is the best solution.

The procedure itself is quite simple, except that before you proceed, we at the Pavel Andreev Foundation advise you to take the time to think about your expectations, care options and whether you are ready to take on such a responsibility.

If you decide that you will not be able to cope with the care, but would like to help, you can support a charity campaign published on our website for donations. Alternatively, if you have an idea that you think would be good to implement but don't have the financial ability to do so, give your cause a voice by setting up a charity fundraising campaign.

Steps in the dog adoption process

1. Assess your realistic options

Don't be in an emotional rush to the shelter, but rather sit down beforehand and think honestly about what your options are?

To care for a dog, you certainly need financial stability. Your good friend will need food, a bed, toys, regular vet check-ups, treatment for any health problems... These things will become your responsibility and you will have to take care of all these needs of your pet. In case you already have a dog and unexpectedly greater than expected financial needs arise /for example, the need for expensive surgery/, always keep in mind the possibility to seek help to raise funds on our donation site PavelAndreev.ORG.

Consider also how you are with free time. A dog doesn't just need a 10-minute walk in the morning and evening. It needs attention, and some breeds' needs are greater than others. Dogs need to expend their energy, and that doesn't happen if they are home all day. They also need time to be trained and play with their owner. Only in this way is the relationship between owner and pet complete.

An aspect you should not overlook is the mental readiness to handle a dog. Consider this as well.

Adopting a dog

If you come to a firm decision that you are ready to care for a pet, visit the identified shelter. If you've chosen a dog from a photo - make sure it's really right for you. After all, character / and sometimes size / are not clear from a photo.

The requirements for adoption may vary from shelter to shelter, but the following things are always repeated:

- Visit the shelter at least 2 times and meet the dog;

- Completing a questionnaire about your experience with dogs, your personal ability to cope and your preference for animals;

- Conversations to learn more about you and more easily refer you to a suitable dog.

When you have gone through these steps, the necessary paperwork will be prepared and you will be able to take home your chosen dog. You should know that there is a possibility that you will be denied the adoption of a dog in case they judge that you will not be able to cope.

Taking home

This is the sweetest moment of the whole procedure. First, however, it is a good idea to make sure that everything at home is prepared. Provide food, toys and a place to sleep for your new pet. If you live in accommodation check that your landlords are willing to allow pets.

Don't overexcite the dog in the first few days. Be careful with games and treats, also don't take him to excessively noisy or varied places. Give him time to get used to you and then to the environment outside the home.

Pet adoption charities

Such campaigns are common on the internet. They are very useful because dogs in need of a home get the opportunity to be found and adopted by their person much more quickly. If an unexpected need arises in the adoption process to fund expensive medical treatment, for example, you can always set up a donation campaign on pavel andreev and quickly raise the necessary funds.

Fundraising campaign for pet shelters

On our website PavelAndreev.ORG there is a special category where all active fundraising campaigns related to pets are separated. You can browse them at any time and if you decide, support any of them. You can also create your own donation campaign. If you want to support your pet, a homeless animal or even set up your own shelter but lack sufficient funds, the way to do it is to create a charity campaign on our donation site.

Raising a dog is undeniably a huge responsibility that not everyone is ready for, no matter how much they love dogs. So first make sure you have the ability to cope before proceeding to adopt a dog. Remember, you are far from having to own a purebred or a modern breed - a dog will always love you and make you happy, and that's what's truly valuable. It will expect you to reciprocate with the same.

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