Adopt A Shelter Dog Month on October, 2024: proces of adopting a dog from shelter?

October, 2024 is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month 2024.

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I know it's been said twice, but it absolutely depends on the policy of the shelter. Private rescue groups tend to have more stringent policies about adopting, so it takes longer.

Large shelters, especially if they are city or county run, usually allow you to adopt same day.

My last dog was a pure shelter dog. I filled out an application online, they approved it, and within 24 hours of the application being approved, I had the dog in my house. I went to the shelter to meet him and make sure he wasn't insane and after about 15 minutes, walked out the door with him. Even though it is a public shelter, they did eventually do a home visit to ensure I was what I claimed to be and that the dog was being well cared for. I basically "fostered" him for a month or two and then went through with signing the paperwork!

Our other shelters allow same day adoptions with no home visit and no real reference check. County or city shelters especially seem to be like this.

The private rescue groups tend to have a fairly long process of applications, reference checks, a home visit, and then the matching to the actual dog. The benefit is that you tend to get a dog that really matches you instead of the shelter crapshoot. The dogs have usually been fostered (as opposed to having been in cages), which usually means a healthier dog, a dog that's housebroken, and a known dog, meaning the foster home can give you temperament info. Private rescues are FREQUENTLY owner release and often come with vet records and a known history.

Post adoption of dog blues or depression?

Five months old, yikes. Does the shelter have a policy on whether you can bring him back? In your situation, an older dog would probably be a lot better. My lab mix at 5 months was a big responsibility, and I didn't have a husband, house, or baby to take care of.

I would find this out first, but still work with the dog as much as you can in the time being. I think the shelter would understand what you're going through, and maybe pair you up with a better suited dog. Our lab mix is a year and 3 months, and her and our 8 month old puppy have been running laps through the living room and dining room for the past 15 minutes nonstop, and your puppy might not grow out of that 'puppy stage' until he's 2 years old, or older.

Training is going to be your biggest priority to make this work. I would get recommendations from friends, your vet, even try craigslist. There are many trainers willing to come to your house and work with your dog one on one, which is great when you have a baby to watch.

I'm not sure of your living situation, but if you have a yard or can set up an outside area, Josie (lab/aussie mix) loved being outside more than inside, she could wear herself out on her own terms (we live in an apartment now, and despite walks throughout the day, she still likes to run her laps). If you don't have a fence, you can set up a runner between two trees (they come as short as 8 feet and as long as 30 which is what I used).

I'd also start crate training your pup, your baby gets his own crib, your dog should have his own den as well. If done right, they're a positive tool that can give you relief when you get overwhelmed and keep him safe while you're not home (that chewing will ruin some shoes and furniture if you're not careful). You can find these a lot cheaper on craigslist, I found one for $25 that just needed some spray paint and works fine. If he's cautious of things covering him like Josie is, a wire pen would work great, you can find these wherever you can find crates, usually.

I'd also stock up on interactive toys like treat balls, kongs, raw hides, raw hide bones, etc. A kong you can fill with peanut butter or plain yogurt and treats and then freeze, this keeps your dogs attention longer and makes less of a mess. I also buy bone marrows from the grocery store, you get six for like $2.88, they're really cheap. You don't have to cook them, give them raw, they help clean your dog's teeth, work out their neck muscles, and keep them busy for a long time. Also a lot cheaper than other chews (like nylabones) which disappear. I then take the bone part, fill with yogurt or peanut butter, and refreeze as another treat. Just make sure to never give cooked or smoked bones. If you have a stroller for your son, you could walk him and walk your dog at the same time. If your dog pulls, in the meantime I'd use a gentle leader, it almost completely stops pulling, and is better for your dog's neck.

I'd also buy cheap tupperware and premeasure out his food weekly, that way it's less to do when he's hungry and you're hungry and your family's hungry, just something simple to make dinner time easier.

There's a great list of doggy proverbs on this Y!A question:

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But don't let yourself feel stupid or guilty for trying to do something amazing for a dog. It might not have been a week yet, but your dog is so happy that he's not stockpiled in a shelter with a bunch of barking dogs and barely any room to be himself. Think about how much better his life already is, and it's all thanks to you and your family. If there is even a sliver of chance that you can make it work, then I would go for it. I got Josie at 5 weeks old and when she was 5 months I was thinking of rehoming her, I was gone 12 hours a day because of work and she had so much energy it was overwhelming (my first dog), but as soon as someone showed interest in her I realized I couldn't do it, and I'm SO glad I didn't.

And at the moment we have two dogs in a 678 sq. ft. apartment, but overzealous me missed having cats, so I decided to foster two cats. We got them home and that whole first week I just kept thinking I was in over my head, my boyfriend wasn't thrilled, I had a litter box to clean, I had to figure out how to keep them out of sight (2 pet max, whatever), and make sure they were happy. It was a lot, but I love having them, and the altruistic feeling is one that can't be bought.

I hope you make the best decision for you and your family, which for the time being includes a dog.

Killing a 2 month old dog?

Most shelters will let you donate money to keep the dog alive longer... I think its around $15dollars for X amount of extra days.