Instructions
Your first step in the process of rescuing a Maltese should be deciding whether you are ready for the commitment of a dog. Think about owning a dog in terms of how it will affect you and your family's lifestyle. A dog is a long-term commitment, just like any relationship. There are also serious repercussions should you not be able to care for your dog. In Illinois, a pet owner is required by law to provide veterinary care for the pet and if he/she doesn't they could be fined or sent to jail. (anticruelty.org)More specifically, you need to check your city ordinances as well; Chicago, for instance requires a dog license for dog owners.
Once you decide you are ready to make the commitment, make sure a Maltese is right for you. Look at your lifestyle. Are you active or more leisurely? Do you have a lot of space in your home, or very little? These are all factors to consider before deciding on a Maltese. There are dog-match quizzes you can find at Petfinder.com that will help you decide.
You have decided on the Maltese. Now decide how old a dog you want and what gender. You can look at petfinder.com, type in your city, state and "Maltese." A number of Maltese will appear with their ages and sexes listed. There are also other websites pertaining to those just in Illinois. Some Illinois animal rescue sites are: save-a-pet-il.org, and anticruelty.org.
Once you have selected your match, there is an adoption process you will go through with the animal shelter of choice. Petfinder.com is a website listing dogs and cats of all breeds and all locations from different shelters. The adoption process varies shelter to shelter but usually involves a donation fee, a home examination, all family members to be present at the time of the adoption, and sometimes past veterinarian references.
After you have completed your adoption application it can take some time to find your companion. If there is a waiting list for the Maltese you have chosen you might not even get to rescue the one you wanted, so be prepared to keep looking.
How to Rescue a Maltese in Illinois
If you want to adopt a Maltese in Illinois there are a few things to consider. Examine your lifestyle, consider your wants and needs in a pet, and think about rescuing a Maltese rather than buying from a pet store.