Dogs for adoption | Pets4Homes (2024)

FAQs

How to pass a dog adoption interview? ›

Provide as many details as possible about your living situation, family experience and how you plan to care for the animal. Explain your previous experience with raising an animal, including training and exercise regiments. The more information you're able to provide, the better you'll look on your application.

At the end of our application we also ask, “Why are you looking to adopt a dog/cat?” We aren't looking for a novel, but writing a few sentences about the life you can provide for the animal (previous experience, routines, activities you will include your animal in, etc.) is helpful in our decision making process!

Black Dog Syndrome

Most experienced shelter workers will tell you that black dogs are often adopted less than any other coat color. Be it black Labrador Retrievers, Shepherds, Rottweilers, etc., they are often passed over by potential adopters. This discrepancy in adoptions is referred to as “Black Dog Syndrome.”

Rescue groups are picky — and for a good reason. This helps ensure a good match from the start, making it easier for you and your new dog to adjust. In some cases, the rescue you're adopting may have been previously rehomed due to a traumatic or stressful situation.

Be Honest About Yourself

The rescue agency is probably going to ask questions like “Why do you want to adopt a dog?” and “Do you rent or own your home?” Rescues aren't looking for perfection in your answers. They're looking for a full picture of what you'll be like as a dog pawrent.

It is a statistical fact. Black dogs and cats wait four times longer to get adopted from shelters and rescues as their lighter coated and more colorful counterparts. This phenomenon even has a name: Black Dog and Cat Syndrome.

Staffordshire Terriers (Pit bulls) are the most often adopted shelter dog simply because they are the most surrendered and the most found as a stray by Animal Control Officers.

In general, however, the best age to adopt a puppy is eight to ten weeks. This will give your puppy plenty of time to work through the developmental stages that take place while the puppy is still with its mother.

South Dakota has among the fewest regulations around animal adoption of any state. There are no state laws determining how long a found animal must be held by a shelter before being adopted out, nor are there laws regulating how old a young animal must be before adoption.

Adoptable animals are generally held and placed with a new family; animals that are too sick, old, or unsociable to be adopted are euthanized. Once a shelter gains title to the animal, it can do with the animal as it sees fit, and its decision will be upheld by courts as long as the shelter complied with state law.

Is dog adoption regret normal? ›

If so, know you are not alone. This phenomenon is very common and even has a name: Adopter's Remorse. It's a feeling of sudden panic, guilt, or regret one experiences after adopting a pet.

Consider a doggy diaper if concerned, especially for older dogs. Take the dog to doggy day care or a run through the park before the interview. Make clear that you will pay for any damages the dog might ever cause. Check with your vet if you are considering using a sedative.

For example, the counselor may ask what type of food you plan to feed or who will care for your pet when you're out of town or in an emergency. They may also ask if you're prepared to handle unexpected veterinary expenses. If you're adopting a dog, there is almost always an in-person meet-and-greet.

Pet interview questions to ask

How old is your pet and how long have you had him or her? Can you provide documentation from your vet that he or she is up to date on required vaccinations? Has he or she been spayed or neutered? Is he or she house-trained?

Have you personally witnessed their care and treatment of animals, and do you feel that they would be a good and responsible pet parent for the pet's entire life? Do they currently have any other pets and how many of each type? Are you aware of any history of rehoming or abuse/neglect to animals?