Adopting a dog: How to know if it's a good shelter
Find out how to recognize a good shelter that truly cares about animal welfare
It's unfortunate that we have to write an article on this topic, but it's a fact: not all shelters or associations are equal. In this article, we will offer you some points of reflection to help you make an informed decision if you are thinking about adopting a dog from a shelter.
Reputation
This first point is obvious. In the era of social networks, systematic online reviews, and constant feedback from people, it is very easy to have a quick first opinion on the internet regarding the reputation of the shelter or an animal protection association. The majority of them have Facebook or Instagram pages and often, you will find extremely useful information in people's comments. Indeed, most are authentic and take an informed look at the shelter in question. You can also talk to people who have adopted dogs from this shelter or who have worked there voluntarily.
At Goofy Goldens, we work with 2 quality local associations in particular and a Facebook group like hundreds of others:
Lou Chi is a shelter specializing in the rescue of breeding animals. It takes in puppies from a clandestine litter or that the breeder wants to get rid of because he can't sell it or the dog has a disability/"imperfection". But also older dogs, who have participated in breeding all their lives and who today are no longer useful to them and so they get rid of them. Lou Chi takes in the dogs, cares for them and looks for foster families before permanently entrusting them to adoptive families. It is through this association that we saved Ulane, our little staffie who found her family for life.
The CPA is also an association that is very active in the Loire, for example we saved Arès, Youki, Benji, Liroy and Chouquette. The particularity of this association, unlike associations or shelters that take in abandoned dogs or that are brought to them, is that this shelter fights animal abuse head on by going directly to get abused dogs from the abusers. It is a courageous association that often requires the intervention of the police at its side to get the dog out of its ordeal.
For example, we also recovered one of our dogs, Tosca, via a Facebook group that we have been following for a while. It is a group of enthusiasts who specialize in rescuing golden retrievers or golden retriever crossbreeds. The team is caring and very invested, however and certainly because of the number of rescues to be carried out, post-adoption follow-up is non-existent, this is what we could advise them.
Living conditions of dogs
We recommend that you visit the shelter before making a decision in order to assess the living conditions of the dogs. Ask questions about how the animals are treated at the shelter. This may include details about how they are housed, fed, cared for and socialized. It is important to ensure that the animals receive quality care and are treated with compassion and respect throughout their stay at the shelter. Unfortunately, many shelters are not up to standard or have forgotten their DNA by no longer protecting the animal or, others have made a business out of the misery of the dogs. Worse, some shelters in collusion with the pounds, euthanize on a chain. "No room for this dog? No problem, we do not try to find solutions, we euthanize".
Veterinary care
Make sure dogs receive regular veterinary care, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and treatment for illnesses or injuries. Most shelters and associations work with veterinary clinics with whom fees have been negotiated. Some shelters have veterinarians on site, but they are usually not very far away. A shelter or animal welfare association that does not have a partner veterinarian should be a red flag. It is even a red flag.
Adoption process
Find out about the shelter's adoption process, we have a dedicated article on this subject ( Adopting a dog from a shelter: best practices and procedures ). A good shelter should carry out proper checks on prospective owners to ensure that the dogs are placed in suitable homes. Some will come to your home, to check that your home is suitable. This is good, it is a sign that they ensure until the end that the dog will be safe in your home.
Commitment to animal welfare
Make sure the shelter demonstrates a strong commitment to animal welfare, by implementing socialization programs for dogs to help them adjust to interacting with humans and other animals. This can include supervised play sessions, regular walks, interactions with volunteers, and group training sessions. There are also education programs that provide ongoing education to potential adopters about the specific needs of dogs, including how to meet nutritional, exercise, and health needs. Canine behavior counseling may also be provided, which can help correct unwanted behaviors such as aggression, anxiety, or socialization issues, increasing the chances of a successful adoption.
A quality shelter will encourage responsible adoption by conducting proper background checks on prospective owners, asking questions about their lifestyle, experience with animals, and ability to care for a dog. They can also provide resources on responsible pet ownership, including the importance of spaying/neutering, microchipping, and committing to quality care throughout the pet’s life.
As for the associations, they act more urgently, so they rely largely on host families to socialize and educate the animal.
Transparency
Finally, a quality shelter should be transparent about its practices and policies. Ask questions about their procedures, animal handling policies, and funding policies. A quality shelter should be open to explaining its procedures and policies in detail. This may include information about how animals are received, assessed, and cared for once at the shelter, as well as the protocols followed for adopting animals. Policies regarding adoption requirements, associated fees, trial periods, and return policies should be clearly communicated to potential adopters.
A quality shelter should also be transparent about its funding sources and how the funds are used. This may include information about donations (kibble, collars , accessories, etc.), grants, adoption fees, and other sources of income. Transparent shelters are often willing to share financial reports or other relevant documents to demonstrate how funds are used to support the shelter’s operations and the welfare of the animals housed there.
By asking about these aspects, you can better assess a dog shelter's transparency and make an informed decision about your involvement with it, whether through adoption, volunteering, or financial support.
photos: www.freepik.com
Leave a comment