Adoption is a wonderful way to give dogs a second chance at a happy home. Animal shelters and rescues take the time to assess each dog’s personality, training, and energy level to find hopeful owners a perfect match. When selecting a dog to adopt, you’ll want to make sure that you can handle their temperament and provide them with proper pet care. The following guide will help you determine which dog would be the best fit for your family.

How to Choose a Shelter or Rescue Dog

1. Consider Your Lifestyle

If you’re ready to adopt, think about your home and lifestyle. Do you have enough room in your house for a larger dog? If you take an active breed home, will you have the time and resources to walk and play with them daily? These pet care considerations may help you narrow down your options before you even enter the shelter.

2. Observe Each Dog

Take stock of all the dogs in their kennels before making any decisions. Observe from a distance, watching how they react to you and others in the facility. Some dogs may appear nervous and hide in corners, while others might become aggressive. Most families are likely looking for friendlier dogs that wag their tails and seem excited to meet potential friends.

3. Give an Introductory Greeting

Once you’ve seen every dog, walk up to the pups you’re considering for a short introduction. Make eye contact as you kneel down and offer a friendly greeting. In a kind tone, say hello and watch how they react. If they look happy and ready to play, it may be time to test their temperament face-to-face.

4. Interact Outside of the Kennel

Ask the staff if you can interact with a prospective pet outside of their kennel. Ideally, the shelter or rescue will have a quiet room or space for people and dogs to get to know one another. As they’re led out by a volunteer, see how well they walk on a leash. When you’re in the room, you’ll have the chance to interact without any distractions.

5. Evaluate Certain Behaviors

This is the perfect time to evaluate a dog’s personality and needs. Remaining vigilant for any signs of fear or aggression, pet them affectionately and see how they react to handling. Some dogs simply don’t like being held, while others will jump right into your lap. Test out basic commands like sit, stay, and lie down. If the dog seems lively, try playing with them. This evaluation tests your compatibility, so it should be a pleasant experience for both you and the dog.

If you’ve just adopted a new dog, bring them to Dykes Veterinary Clinic for professional and compassionate pet care. These Foley, AL, veterinarians understand that pets are part of your family, so they prioritize preventative care to keep your companion strong and healthy. From pet vaccines and dental care to spaying and neutering, they provide various veterinary services for pets of all sizes and ages. To take a tour of the clinic or schedule your first pet care appointment, call (251) 943-3211. Visit their new patient center online to find out what you can expect from your first visit.