Do your research
At animal shelters, you won't have the 'pick of the litter' (so to speak) – that's the whole point – so don't walk in expecting to find the purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel of your dreams. But it does pay to do a little research ahead of your visit and to get a sense of the kind of dog that might be suitable for you. This latter point is especially pertinent if you have young kids. Research also helps narrow down the search if you get a little overwhelmed with options.
Don't be afraid to go old
While you might not want to pass up the puppy-eyed cuteness of much younger dogs, think about why you're adopting in the first place – and consider giving an older dog a second chance at life with you. Adopting a senior pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Often they're already well socialised and trained – not to mention less excitable – and many shelters will give a discount on older pets.
Take your time
If you're committed to re-homing a rescue dog, you should also be committed to the fact that it could take more than one visit for you to find the right pet for you. After all, a pet is for life – you don't want to risk a volatile relationship that could land the poor pup right back in the pound. Take your time and shop around. It's for the animal's benefit as much as your own.
Meet-and-greet, but follow the shelter's lead
It's important to spend a bit of time getting to know the dog you're considering taking home with you – this can involve playtime, treats or even a walk around the block. But these rules differ depending on where you go. Be sure to follow the shelter's lead and make sure you're not doing anything against their rules.
