How to Choose a Pet Dog at a Shelter

So your family has decided to adopt a dog from a local shelter. Now you have to go to the shelter and find the perfect dog for your family. While all of the dogs might tug at your heartstrings, choosing the right dog for your family and lifestyle is important to ensure a wonderful adoption experience. It is helpful to do research before heading to the shelter in order to pick the perfect dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Local shelter
  • Pre-approved adoption application
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Instructions

  1. Choosing Your Dog

    • 1

      Decide as a family what kind of dog you are looking for. Are you looking for a puppy or an older dog? Small, large or medium-sized? High or low energy levels? These are all important issues to discuss before you head to the shelter. Picking a dog with a personality that matches your family is more important than choosing one based on looks alone.

    • 2

      Based on your family's answers to what kind of dog you are looking for, research what breeds and mixes could be good for your family. Websites such as dogtime.com and the Save A Dog application on Facebook have quizzes to help you determine breeds that are a good match. Tell the volunteer at the shelter what breeds and qualities you are interested in, and she can help you find a dog that has these qualities.

    • 3

      Ask questions about the dogs you are interested in. Learn about their background if the shelter has this information. Also ask what the volunteers have observed. Has the dog been temperament-tested around cats, other dogs and children? Does the dog show signs of resource guarding? Is the dog house-trained? Does the dog have any medical problems that they know of? Do not let the answers to these questions dissuade you from adopting a certain dog, but it is nice to know what you are getting into.

    • 4

      Meet the dog(s) of your choice. First approach them while still in their kennels and note their reaction. However, remember that shelters are stressful places for dogs and a dog that is shy or anxious in the shelter may relax and open up once established in your home. Ask if you can spend some time with the dog as a family. Does the dog play with you? Does it get along with all members of the family?

    • 5

      Reaffirm that all family members involved are on board with the responsibilities of caring for the new dog before you take it home.