Do Your Homework Before Adopting

“Oh, that dog is so cute! I want to adopt that one!”

As the Adoption Coordinator for a local rescue agency, this is something I hear often. I think it is wonderful that people want to adopt; however, I would like for people to do a little research prior to adopting.

After adopting a couple of dogs out recently, people have decided it is not right for them. The rescue organization I volunteer with typically pulls dogs out of County Animal Controls where euthanasia rates are 60-70 percent. 

In other words, the shelter will hold a dog the three days required by law and after three more days the animal is put down, due to lack of space for the next strays and surrenders being brought in.

The rescue aency does not want these dogs to end up in that situation, so it is in the contract, if you have to give the dog up for whatever reason, the dog contractually has to be returned to us. 

There have been a couple of dogs returned to us, which makes me want to talk about finding out if it is the right time and dog for you. 

I hate to see these babies get attached to an owner who has to give them up.  Please understand I know that our lives change, and things happen, but sometimes, it is just putting a thought in prior to the action, and that is what I am hoping for.

A lot of people want to adopt just because the dog is cute, or it is a status symbol. This is not a good reason for adoption. It may be something that attracts you to that dog, but one needs to look further into their lives to see if it is time, and the right one.

Some things to think about:

1.  Are you home enough to give the dog attention and training that is needed?
2. Are you patient if the dog needs some type of training or do you need to rescue a dog that does not need much training?
3. If you have other animals, are those animals tolerant to a new one coming into your home?
4. Is the dog you are looking at the same activity level you are?  If you are not active, and the dog is very active, it is not a good fit, and vice versa.
5. Do you have the funds to take care of the dog?  This includes food, preventative treatment, illness, emergencies, and accessories such as leashes, collars, etc.
6. Do you see a lifestyle change coming up?  Children growing up getting busier, marriage, relocation, etc.

Some of the things above come at us in an unforeseen circumstance, but some of the aforementioned can be thought through.

I am just asking that you make the right decision, as it can be emotional on a human, it can be downright depressing to a dog.  This is a lifetie commitment to the dog you are adopting.  If you are not ready for that responsibility, please wait until you are.

To find out how you can help rescue animals in and near Gulfport, contact:

• Limbo Chihuahuas-Chihuahua Rescue, Gulfport
• Get Rescued in Gulfport, Gulfport
• Pet Pal Animal Shelter, St. Petersburg
• VIP Rescue, Clearwater
• SPCA Tampa Bay, Largo
• Pinellas County Animal Services, Largo
• Humane Society of Pinellas, Clearwater

Learn more about Gulfport Patch's and see if you can provide a forever home for a furry friend.