Dog adoption process

It can be relatively quick to adopt or re-home a dog or a lengthy process. Sometimes it is important that the dog becomes part of a home in the near future.

It is not good for a dog to be in and out of a shelter, no matter how good that shelter and rescue service is.

We have adopted in the past from local dog rescue service Hessle Dog Rescue and the RSPCA. The process is similar between most re-homing organisations. Tinka came by way of Hull Oakwood Canine Services and this is what the adoption process can entail.

Home check and requirements

Although there are many animals in need of a new home it is important that it is not just any household. Some dogs are better in a child free environment whilst others will blossom in a home full of kids.

Make sure you are fully aware of what a particular dog may need from you and be totally honest with the rescue service. It will help the adoption be a successful one.

A representative of the rescue service will visit your home to ensure that you have a suitable environment for a dog. This usually means ensuring that you have a yard or garden with fencing or walls of a reasonable height.

Cost

The cost will vary but it could cost more than you imagine. This is to ensure that you are making a commitment to your new pet. The money helps cover any costs your dog has meant to the rescue charity, for example medical bills and food, with perhaps a donation to the charity included. These charities are always financially stretched.

Neutering or spaying

These days rescue dogs are always either neutered, if a male, or spayed if a female. This helps to prevent more unwanted puppies and heartbreak.

Your donation will include a fee for this and probably also for microchipping.

Additional costs

Whether your dog is large or small it will cost you in time and money. If you are not prepared to give the animal 110% you should not be adopting a dog. Instead volunteer at the rescue as a dog walker or become a fund-raiser.

So the basic costs could include:

• Pet Insurance
• Additional vets bills
• A bed, cage or crate for the dog
• Food
• Food and water dishes
• Lead
• Collar
• Name tag
• Toys
• Cost of anything your dog may destroy whilst he or she is settling in
• Training sessions
• Adoption fee

​Quite a list but not an exhaustive one.

You can sometimes utilise items around the home. An old curtain or blanket could provide comfort in a dog bed. The bed could be a sturdy cardboard box rather than a costly one bought from a specialist supplier.

It is lovely to treat your pet to a new purpose bought bed but that is not an essential requirement. Ask advice at the rescue service.

In truth though if money is very tight adopting a dog is not a good idea.