Adopting is a wonderful opportunity to give a homeless dog a loving and secure life, while you get a loyal and devoted friend. But it is also a big responsibility and a decision that affects your life for many years to come. Before you take the step, there are therefore several things to consider. Here we answer the most common questions about adopting an adult dog or puppy, and give guidance for making the best decision for both you and your future four-legged friend.
Why adopt a dog?
Adopting an adult dog or puppy from a shelter or a rescue organisation gives homeless dogs a second chance at a loving home. There are organisations that work with this both in Sweden and abroad, and the reasons a dog needs a new home can be many. Abroad it may be a street dog, while in Sweden it is more common for dogs to be rehomed because of, for example, behavioural problems, a previous owner who cannot keep the dog, or the dog having been taken into care due to neglect.
A rehomed dog may carry past experiences, and it is therefore extra important to be prepared for the work and patience that may be required.
What should you consider before the decision?
Before you make up your mind, it is important to do a careful self-reflection. Think about your lifestyle, your time and financial resources, and how a dog would fit into your everyday life. Puppies require extra time and training to develop into secure and balanced dogs.
It is also important to consider which breed or mix suits your situation, since different dogs have different needs and personalities. Be honest with yourself and assess what you can handle. Many dogs may carry stress, fears or other behaviours that require an experienced dog owner and plenty of time and patience, and may not suit someone getting their first dog.
What does it cost to adopt a dog?
The costs can vary depending on where you adopt from, what type of dog you choose and whether it is an adult dog or a puppy. Usually the adoption fee includes vaccinations, neutering and a basic health check. There may also be a fee that covers the costs of the shelter or rescue organisation. However, many rehomings happen privately, from the previous home to the new one via ads, where the cost varies.
Keep in mind that the cost of the dog itself is always the smallest, regardless of where it comes from. What costs money in dog ownership is veterinary care, insurance, food and everything else a dog needs to feel well. You therefore need to have the financial means not only to get the dog, but also to give it a secure life for many years to come.
Where can you adopt dogs?
There are several options. Shelters, rescue organisations and rehoming organisations can all be places to find dogs that need a home. There are also online platforms that specialise in matching homeless dogs with potential owners. If you are looking for a particular breed, the breed clubs sometimes have dogs for rehoming, for example dogs that have been returned to their kennel and are looking for a new owner.
Things to consider when adopting from abroad
If you choose to adopt a dog from another country, there are a few more things to keep in mind. Make sure you choose a responsible and reliable organisation with an ethical approach to animal adoption. The organisation should be serious and able to answer all your questions, as well as tell you about their dogs and how they work. Before you adopt, you should also be aware of the risks and challenges of international adoption, such as transport and quarantine rules, disease prevention and vaccinations.
Summary
Adopting a dog is a rewarding and meaningful experience that can be life-changing for the dog. It is also a big responsibility, which is why it is important to prepare carefully before you take the step. It may take a lot of work with a dog that carries difficult experiences, but that work pays off many times over once you win the dog's trust and love.
Want to read more? Take a look at the first dog - which breed suits best? and the 8 smartest dog breeds.