Many people wish to own a small dog but do not want to pay the high price from a breeder or aid the puppy mills with a pet store purchase. There are several ways to adopt or rescue a small dog. Most require a bit of patience as you wait for a dog to become available for adoption. People who choose to adopt or rescue a small dog should also be prepared to undergo an interview by the animal shelter or rescue group that has the small dog. Most organizations want to make sure that the dog is going to a "forever home" and will not end up seeking a new home again.
Instructions
1. Decide what breed of dog you want. Do you only want a small dog that is a purebreed or will a mixed breed prove acceptable? Try to decide what type of dog will fit your lifestyle. Decide if you want an active breed, sedate breed, small lap dog or independent dog. Just because a dog is small does not mean that it does not have its own unique personality. Many traits are breed specific, so research the breeds that interest you.
2. Look through the local paper or local area website for free small dogs. Many people do not wish to drop a dog off at an animal shelter because they are often charged a drop-off fee, so they advertise free small dogs. Finding a free dog in need of a home is a wonderful way to rescue a small dog.
3. Contact the local American Kennel Club in the area to locate breeders who provide rescue. Many breeders rescue specific breeds from animal shelters. The breeder will keep the dog at his house until he finds a suitable home. Then the breeder will handle the adoption process.
4. Go to the local animal shelters to see what small dogs are available for adoption. Many animal shelters will take your name and phone number to contact you when a small dog comes into the shelter needing a home. Other animal shelters are overworked and undermanned. These shelters will tell you to call or come down every few days to look for a small dog.
5. Once you locate a small dog be prepared to be interviewed. Most animal shelters and rescue organizations will want to know if the small dog will be a member of the family. They will want to know if you have a fenced-in yard or how you plan to restrain the dog when it is let outside to go potty. Many will want to know if you have children and what the ages are. Many small dogs do not do well with children, but many do. They will ask about other pets that you have. Many small dogs available for adoption do not get along with other pets. Each situation is unique. The interview process helps focus on the dog you are considering adopting and its special needs.
6. Provide the animal shelter or breed rescue with proof of home ownership or a letter from your landlord stating that pets are allowed. Most will not allow you to adopt without this information.
7. Be prepared to have a home inspection done by the breed rescue and some animal shelters. They will send a representative to your home to make sure that the small dog will be cared for in an acceptable manner upon adoption.
8. Spend time with the small dog before you make a final decision. Make sure the fit is right. Every dog is unique and has its own personality, so take a little time to know the dog before making a lifetime commitment.
Tags: animal shelters, small dogs, animal shelter, available adoption, rescue small