As of: March 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m
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Would you like to adopt a dog from an animal shelter instead of buying from a breeder?
We show how the process works and what you should definitely pay attention to.
German animal shelters are more overloaded than ever before.
According to a survey of 85 German animal shelters, 80 percent of the facilities are currently no longer able to accept dogs from private individuals.
This is due, among other things, to the end of the corona pandemic.
Animals purchased carelessly during the lockdown no longer fit into people's normal everyday lives.
So the animals end up in the animal shelter in droves.
Anyone looking for a four-legged companion today is doing something good by adopting one.
But how does this process actually work?
1. Dog from the animal shelter: The search and the first contact
If you want to adopt a dog, it's best to first check the local animal shelter's website.
Here you will usually find contact information and the address.
You can also click through the photos of the animals present.
But be careful: the homes can usually place the sought-after dogs so quickly that they don't even create an internet profile.
So it's best to stop by the animal shelter in person.
Talk to employees about their wishes and ideas.
You can then ask again at regular intervals whether an animal that is suitable for you has been added.
Many shelter dogs are waiting for new owners.
© Funke Photo Services / Imago
2. Adopting a dog: Getting to know each other
Once you've found a potential candidate, it's time to sniff each other out.
“Getting to know each other is extremely important,” emphasizes Dr.
Eva-Maria Natzer, head of the Munich animal shelter, “It is important to us that interested parties come to the animal shelter several times and interact with the animal.
For example, going for a walk, spending time with him, maybe even going on a short trip.” If you feel good, you can then take the dog home for a week or two.
This way you can find out whether the animal is right for you or not before adoption.
Also find out about the animal's history.
Unfortunately, some pets were abused, abandoned or otherwise traumatized by their previous owners.
Taking in such an animal is noble.
However, you should then have enough experience with dogs and be aware of the task you are taking on.
The animal shelter employees will be happy to provide you with information and advice here.
“Of course, we also make sure that we do not place animals with behavioral problems to people who do not have the relevant experience,” assures Dr.
Natzer.
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3. Taking in a shelter dog: The placement interview
If you have decided to adopt, the animal shelter will first check whether you are suitable for owning a dog.
“We will then have a longer mediation discussion,” explains Dr.
Natzer, “We are first interested in where the animal should be kept.
Is there enough space there?
How many people live in the household and how often are they out and about?
So would the animal often have to be alone?
What are the options for dog walking?
Does the landlord agree?”
You should of course be able to meet the financial obligations.
Because they don't stop with the purchase: food, dog tax and veterinary costs can add up to quite a considerable sum over the course of a year.
4. Placing a shelter dog: The nominal fee
If the animal shelter staff gives the green light, you can take the dog into your home.
To do this, you must sign the relevant contract and pay a nominal fee.
This is usually around 300 euros, but can also be cheaper for sick animals or animals with behavioral problems.
The fee only finances a very small part of the animal shelter costs and is primarily intended to prevent ill-advised purchases of dogs.
You can find even more exciting animal topics in the free newsletter from our partner Landtiere.de, which you can subscribe to right here.
5. The follow-up check
However, the animal shelter's duty of supervision does not stop immediately after the placement.
This is how Dr.
Natzer: “In the first three to four months after signing the contract, there is always an unannounced visit from our follow-up inspector.
He looks at the animal again and checks whether it is being cared for well.
In addition, the colleague is of course available to answer questions and can help if, for example, there are health or other problems.”
You are also welcome to continue contact with the animal shelter on your own initiative.
Most of the time, the employees are happy to receive photos and regular updates from their protégés.
This also strengthens trust in you as a dog owner.