Adopting a Rescue Dog: 9 Essential Tips and Questions To Consider

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

Adopting a rescue dog is a rewarding choice that gives a dog a second chance at a happy life. Not only will you gain a loyal companion, but you'll also make a beautiful difference in your furry friend's world. This guide will walk you through nine tips and questions to make the adoption process smooth and easy.

Why Adopt a Rescue Dog?

There are so many reasons to say yes to adopting a rescue dog, including:

• Save a life: Adopting a rescue dog saves lives. Shelters are often overcrowded, and adopting helps reduce the number of dogs in need.¹
• Build a special bond: You'll get a friend for life! Many rescue dogs show deep gratitude and devotion to their new owners, forming strong emotional bonds.²
• Lower costs: Many shelters provide vaccinations, spaying or neutering and microchipping, making adoption an affordable option.³

If you're ready to adopt a rescue dog, here are nine steps to help the process go as smoothly as possible.

1. Assess Your Readiness for a Rescue Dog

Before bringing a dog home, consider your lifestyle and responsibilities. Dogs can live for 10 to 15 years, so it's no small commitment.⁴ They need daily walks, playtime and training, so ensure you have the time and energy. In addition, some rescue dogs may require a little extra patience and love as they get used to their new home. Are you ready and willing to give your pup the time and training they need?

Discuss the decision with your family and make sure everyone is on board. Financially, dogs come with ongoing expenses such as food, toys, veterinarian visits and possibly pet insurance, so budgeting in advance is key. If everyone's ready (and you think your current pets would love a new family member too), then it's time to move to the next step!

2. Find the Right Rescue or Shelter

Start by researching local shelters and reputable rescue groups. Visiting shelters in person gives you a chance to see the living conditions, ask questions and observe how the dog interacts with others and you. Reputable sites like Petfinder can help you search for adoptable dogs in your area. Consider reaching out to breed-specific rescues if you have a particular breed in mind.

3. Pick the Perfect Dog

Selecting the right dog is crucial for a successful adoption. Consider these important factors:

• Match temperament: Consider the dog's temperament and energy level. Do they align with your lifestyle? Some shelters have matchmaker experts to help you find the best dog for your household.⁵ If you have children, ask the rescue to only suggest dogs that have a history of getting along with kids. Or research breeds that match the temperament you need and visit breed-specific rescues. German Shepherds and Border Collies, for example, often need "jobs" to keep them busy, along with lots of exercise and mental stimulation.²
• Consider other special needs you have: Be honest with yourself about other special needs you may have, and ask the shelter to help find a dog that matches best. For example, do you have allergies and need a rescue dog that doesn't shed as much? Do you need a dog who is already house-trained?
• Ask about the dog's history: Learn about the dog's past. Were they with other owners before you? How were they treated? How did they act around children and other pets? Do they have special needs? Ask if they have any pre-existing medical conditions or health problems.
• Consider age: Should you adopt an adult dog or a rescue puppy? Puppies require more training and supervision, while older dogs may be calmer and already house-trained.²

4. Prep Your Home

Before you bring your dog home, create a comfortable space to help them feel safe and secure.

• Set up a cozy space: Put together a comfy spot for your dog with a bed, food and water bowls.
• Dog-proof your home: Remove hazardous items that could be dangerous if chewed or eaten. This might include removing toxic plants, taping loose electrical cords, storing chemicals where your dog can't reach, keeping human foods away from your pup or removing anything that could be a choking hazard or is breakable.⁶
• Stock up on essentials: You'll want the basics like a leash and collar, food, toys, treats and grooming supplies. If you can, get the same brand of food your dog was already eating at the shelter, and change the brand slowly over time to avoid an upset tummy.⁶

5. Meet and Greet

Before adopting, bring your whole family to visit your potential new family member to see how everyone connects. Watch the dog's behavior to observe how comfortable they are around you. Some dogs might feel nervous around noisy children, while others will love the hustle and bustle.²

If you have other dogs at home, some shelters may let you introduce them to your potential adoptee before bringing your pup home. Ask the shelter about their policy. For example, a shelter in Austin, Texas, even allows trial adoptions with adult dogs in certain situations to ensure all the pets get along.⁵

6. Complete the Adoption

Once you've found the right dog, it's time to complete the necessary paperwork and pay any adoption fees. Ask the shelter about post-adoption support, such as training resources, behavior support or veterinarian assistance to help ease the transition.³

7. Welcome Your Dog Home

Now it's time to bring your fur baby home. Don't worry if your dog is a little nervous at first. It's not anything against you!⁶ Allow your dog time to explore and settle in at their own pace. Establishing a routine for meals, walks and bedtime can help create stability that lets your pup adjust faster.⁷

If you have other pets

If you have other dogs, introduce them slowly and in a controlled manner, watching their body language and not rushing the introduction. Do this on neutral territory, like on a walk, and stop the introduction if anyone gets stressed.⁷

If you're introducing your dog to a cat, the process may take even longer. You should separate them at first, feeding them on opposite sides of a closed door, before moving on to short face-to-face meetings with your dog still on leash. Your cat should always have access to a dog-proof room in case she needs to escape.⁸

Be patient

Slow and steady is key. For the first few days, keep the home environment calm so your dog can adjust. Wait until they're more acclimated before visiting a dog park or other locations with a lot of activity and surprises.⁶

8. Prepare for Challenges

Adjusting to a new home can be overwhelming for a rescue dog. Expect some hiccups, such as anxiety, accidents or the need for additional training as they get used to everything.⁶

If you want to crate-train your dog, start right away. This can make house-training (if needed) easier, and it can give your dog a safe space to decompress.⁷

Remember: Patience and consistency are vital to helping your dog adjust. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behavior and build trust. If you encounter behavioral issues you just can't resolve, consider seeking guidance from a positive-reinforcement professional trainer or behaviorist.⁷ The shelter you adopted from may even have behaviorists to help.⁵

9. Give Love and Care

Caring for a rescue dog goes beyond providing food and shelter. Keep the following in mind:

• Prioritize veterinarian checkups: Schedule regular checkups to monitor your dog's health and stay on top of necessities like vaccines and dental cleanings.
• Provide daily exercise: Daily walks, playtime and mental stimulation (such as puzzle toys) can help keep your dog happy and fulfilled.⁷
• Build trust: Show your dog love and patience to build a strong and trusting lifetime bond.

Embarking on a Journey Filled With Love

Adopting a rescue dog is the start of a beautiful journey for both you and your new family member. By providing a safe and caring home, you're giving a deserving dog a fresh start. Take the first step today by visiting your local shelter or exploring adoption websites.

Pets Best Can Help You Keep Your Dog Healthy

Pet insurance is a great way to possibly help you protect your dog from diseases and illnesses they may encounter growing up. At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans can be customized for your pet's unique needs. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.

Sources/ Citations

1. "Top 10 reasons to adopt from an animal shelter," (n.d.), Helping Hands Humane Society, https://www.hhhstopeka.org/adopt/top-10-reasons-to-adopt-from-an-animal-shelter/

2. "Giving a second chance: The importance of adopting from an animal shelter," (10/2023), Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, https://vetmed.vt.edu/news/2023/adopting-from-animal-shelters.html

3. "Adopt pets from animal shelters or rescues, not pet stores," (n.d.), Humane World for Animals, https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/adopting-animal-shelter-or-rescue-group

4. "Adoption tips," (n.d.), ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/adopt-pet/adoption-tips

5. "FAQs: Adopt," (n.d.), Austin Pets Alive! https://www.austinpetsalive.org/resources/faqs/site-faqs?section=adopt

6. "Dog adoption tips — bringing home a new rescue dog," (n.d.), Petfinder, https://www.petfinder.com/dogs-and-puppies/adoption/new-dog/tips-for-the-first-30-days-new-dog/

7. "10 tips for the first 30 days after adopting a dog," Rania Gollakner (9/2022), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/10-tips-first-30-days-after-adopting-dog?

8. "How to introduce a dog and cat," (n.d.), Animal Humane Society, https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/how-introduce-dog-and-cat