100,000 animals are abandoned each year in France.
The reception capacities of animal shelters are reaching their limits.
Many dogs are waiting for a new family in shelters.
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Why adopt a dog from a shelter?
The
animal shelters
are run by animal protection organizations.
They only accept animals abandoned by their owner on site and animals coming from pounds.
Their objective is to have the animals of the refuge adopted or to accompany them until the end of their life.
Read alsoAbandon your animal: what does the law say?
Many shelters like the SPA (Society for the Protection of Animals) are saturated by the explosion of animal abandonment.
Adopting a dog from one of the many shelters in France saves two animals.
The happy dog who will join your family, and the one who will benefit from his place in the shelter.
Where to find an animal refuge?
First solution, you can do an online search to find the addresses and contacts of the associations closest to you.
There are a multitude of associations working for the protection and reception of abandoned animals, among them:
the
SPA
(Society for the Protection of Animals).
Second chance,
the Animal Assistance Foundation,
the
30 Millions d'Amis Foundation
.
You can also get closer to your veterinarian, he can give you information on local associations.
Also ask your friends, your family, your neighbors, your colleagues.
Some may have valuable information that will allow you to best prepare for the adoption of a new companion (fence, dogs in the neighborhood, etc.)
Finally, do not hesitate to contact your town hall or your prefecture, which can give you the telephone numbers of nearby shelters.
How do you find the right dog?
The
adoption must be a deliberate act
, take the time to learn about the needs and care that require a dog.
The shelter staff will guide you in your adoption plan.
Shelters prepare
"
identity cards
"
for dogs to be adopted.
The name and date of birth of the animal are collected there from the former owners or by a veterinarian.
The shelter staff also records information on the character and health of the dogs to be adopted.
This information will help you get to know your future four-legged friend better.
What questions should you ask yourself before adoption?
To
choose your dog
in a shelter, you have to ask yourself the right questions.
The team of volunteers present on site will accompany you in your search for an adoption and will advise you on the arrangements to be made in order to best prepare the arrival of your dog in his new home.
What size of dog to choose?
To answer this question, you will need to consider several factors:
your place of residence (house, apartment)
the activities in which you want your dog to participate (sport, travel, etc.)
Besides its size, you will need to think about the character of your future dog.
If you have other animals, or if you have a large family with children, you will need a calm animal that can be happy with this situation and find its place in this new home.
Read alsoDog: why choose a medium-sized breed?
Which age should be preferred?
Again, this will depend a lot on your own situation.
A puppy will need your full attention because it will need to be educated.
He will also have a lot more energy to burn than a slightly older dog.
An adult dog will have already learned important elements, such as cleanliness, but may also have more trauma related to its abandonment.
A senior dog will be calmer but may need more care and vet visits.
In any case, more than a question of age, the most important will be above all the chemistry between your character and that of your future dog.
Take the time to talk to the shelter staff, they will be able to refer you and help you find your rare pearl.
How to adopt a dog from a shelter?
Before starting a possible adoption process, a
first
physical
meeting
between the future master and his dog is essential.
Likewise, in some shelters, all family members must be present at the time of adoption.
And if you have a dog, it will also need to be introduced to the new dog before adoption.
Contact the refuge of your choice to make an appointment.
Read alsoAdopting a puppy: 5 things to know before you start
On the day of the visit, it is advisable to stay 1 to 2 hours on site.
This time will allow you to meet your future dog and
ask your questions to the shelter staff
.
Caresses, games and walks are the keys to getting to know your future companion.
Do not hesitate to take a step back on this adoption, because adopting a dog engages you and the choice deserves to be matured.
The ideal is to schedule a
second visit
after a period of reflection of a few days.
Depending on the shelter chosen, the adoption procedure may vary, but in all cases, you will need to complete an information sheet and provide several supporting documents.
You will usually be asked:
An ID
Proof of address
Proof of income
Note: you cannot adopt a pet for a minor or for someone else.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
To adopt a dog, some shelters require a financial contribution.
The
SPA
, for example, asks for 250 euros in adoption costs.
This sum corresponds to the contribution for the identification, vaccination and sterilization of an adult dog.
For the adoption of a puppy less than 6 months old, 300 euros of adoption fees will be requested.
Sterilization of the adopted animal is compulsory.
If your future animal is not sterilized, the refuge will ask you for a deposit check of 300 euros which will be returned to you once the castration voucher signed by the veterinarian has been sent to the association.
You have 3 months from the adoption to have your animal sterilized.
Finally, for the adoption of an "
SOS
" dog (old dog) or "
rescue operation
" (animals that have spent more than a year in a shelter), participation is free at the time of adoption.
How long does it take to welcome your dog home?
Once your dog has been chosen and the adoption formalities have been completed, you will be able to leave immediately with your animal, if the situation allows it.
Adult and senior dogs showing no contraindication and are allowed to be adopted as soon as the procedure is completed.
Only puppies not yet weaned may not be taken.
However, it is possible to reserve them and wait for the required age to pick them up.
On the day of adoption, don't forget to come equipped with a leash, collar or harness.
What are post-adoption visits?
In the months following the adoption, it is possible to schedule a
post-adoption
visit
to ensure that the adopted dog has found its bearings.
Abandoned animals can be fearful, stressed, or even aggressive, and need care and patience to make them feel good in their new home.
This visit will allow you to exchange with a volunteer on the problems encountered and to find solutions so that the acclimatization is done as well as possible.
Adopting an animal commits you, it's a decision that you will have to think carefully. Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian or the nearest shelter to you before starting. They will be able to give you advice on which cat breed is best for you.
