Did you know?

Shelter dogs make great companions. Many shelters have an array of dogs ready to be adopted, but prospective adopters should prepare for their visits before going to the shelter so they can be sure they end up with the right dog for them. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers the following advice to men and women considering adopting a shelter dog.

Decide what you’re looking for. No two dogs are the same, and the ASPCA advises that prospective adopters identify what they’re looking for in a dog before visiting the shelter. Parents of young children may want a dog that’s great with kids, while single men and women may want a dog that does not require a lot of maintenance. Knowing what you’re looking for before you visit a shelter and fall in love with a dog will ensure you get a dog whose behavior and needs are compatible with your lifestyle. Adopting a dog that does not suit your needs can prove problematic for both you and the animal.

Learn about the dog’s past and personality. No shelter wants to arrange an adoption and then have the pet owner return the pet in a few weeks, so many are open about the dog’s past. Ask for information about the dog’s intake, including the reason its former owner surrendered the animal. Ask for medical records and if the shelter conducted a behavior evaluation on the dog. Prospective adopters should also be as observant as possible upon visiting the shelter, paying attention to how the dog interacts with staff, shelter visitors and other dogs. Ask staff members about the dog’s personality if you’re having trouble observing it on your own.

Spend time at the shelter. Adopting a dog is something to take seriously, so prospective adopters should expect to spend ample time at the shelter before choosing a dog. Walk around the shelter, picking out a few dogs you find appealing. Then observe these dogs for signs of friendliness, such as pawing and wagging their tails and pressing against the front of the kennel. Some dogs may be shy, but the ASPCA notes that dogs that stay in the back of the kennel may need more time and training to adapt to a new home, which might make them more suitable to adopters without children. Before adopting a dog, spend significant time with the animal so you get a better feel for how it interacts with you.

More information about adopting shelter dogs is available at www.aspca.org.