“Fall” For A Shelter Dog

“Fall” For A Shelter Dog

October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month—created o to help canines in shelters find loving, forever homes. If you’re considering adopting a shelter dog, here are some tips to help you find the right match and make it stick:

• Budget for your new canine companion. Make sure you budget for your pet’s needs such as leashes, collars, ID tags, food, treats, toys, heartworm preventatives, flea and tick preventatives, and vet visits. Consider putting some money aside each month for your pet’s care.

• Involve everyone in your home. Kids, spouses, extended family members in the home and other pets should all be included in the adoption process. If you have other pets in the home, ask the staff at the adoption facility how to best introduce the new addition to resident animals.
• Find a dog that will mesh with your personality and lifestyle – A puppy has a lot of energy to burn and may not be a good fit for individuals that prefer a more calm, relaxed pet. In a case like this, a senior dog may be a better option. If you enjoy spending all your time outdoors, consider adopting a dog that would have the energy to enjoy being active with you.
• Schedule an appointment with us – Give us a call and set up an exam for your new companion(s). Ideally, you should have your pet seen within the first 1-2 weeks after the adoption. We also offer free exams for newly adopted shelter pets!

We encourage the adoption of shelter pets and are happy to answer any questions you might have about bringing a new companion into your home. To schedule an appointment for your new pet’s free exam, call us at (540) 832-1751.