Ready to Rescue or Foster?
There is a lot to learn…
Whether you are considering rescuing or fostering, you have a huge responsibility in front of you. At Sprays for Strays, we want to ensure you have the resources necessary to ensure a smooth transition for our new fur friend. We will provide you with the necessary insight and training to ensure that you are ready to rescue or foster to a standard worthy of them. Take a moment to read through some of our tips, then, if you are ready, search for a dog near you.
What to Consider Prior to Adoption
It's critical not to underestimate how difficult your first few days with a new dog can be. The beautiful creature you are bringing home doesn't know you, it doesn't know your environment, and it will be confused and unsure what to expect.
The key will be setting up a clear structure within the family to help your new dog adapt. Constant care and attention are required to help create good habits and routines. This will seem like a lot of work at first but well worth the effort in the long run.
To ensure that adoption is suitable for your family, take an honest look at your schedule. Do you have the time to invest in genuinely caring for your new dog? It will be your responsibility to teach, train and love this animal. Does your work or family schedule allow for the time and care this new dog will need?
Also, consider your living situation. Each breed has its personality and unique care needs. Research the breed you are considering and understand its needs. Does your living situation offer a suitable space and environment? Is the environment safe for a dog? Are you ready to have a potentially rambunctious puppy inside your home or apartment?
All of these questions are worth consideration. Do yourself and your new dog a favor by researching as much you can before making the big decision.
What to Know About Fostering
Fostering a dog might be the right decision for you if you have a compassionate heart but cannot make a long-term commitment to new animals, or your work or living situation won't allow for permanent placement in your home.
However, fostering a dog requires careful consideration. It is important to learn as much as possible about the pet you may foster. Does it require medication or have any medical conditions that will need treating? Does the dog have behavior issues that will need special accommodations? How is the dog with children or other pets? Answering these questions will ensure that both you and the animal acclimate successfully.
Additionally, foster parents will want to ensure that their home is ready for a new animal. It requires preparing pets, ensuring that they are up to date on vaccines, and have the proper temperament to welcome new animals. Likewise, children must be aware of boundaries, routines, and rules associated with the new animal. Children must also be prepared to say goodbye to the dog once a forever home is found. Finally, the home must be prepared for a new visitor. Pet proofing is required in any room where the dog will frequent. This ensures that the dog (and your belongings) are safe. Pet finder offers a helpful list for each room.
Caring For A New Dog At Home
You may be an experienced dog owner or looking to adopt or rescue for the first time; either way, it's always good for a refresher on proper dog care. Good care makes for a happy home and an even happier dog!
Your home must be ready for your new dog; this means safe and equipped with food, water, leash, bedding, and space for proper exercise. Your dog must be fed; the amount will depend on the breed, age, and dog's size. Puppies require more frequent feeding than older dogs. Ask your vet for specifics on the type and frequency of meals.
In addition to feeding, dogs will need proper grooming and exercise. For a dog's health and comfort, grooming is essential. Each breed requires specific grooming techniques; research your dog's breed to ensure you groom them for their comfort and safety. Exercise is vital for a dog's physical health. Exercise also helps stimulate a dog mentally. Exercise is excellent for dog owners and can help create a bond between you and your dog. Once again, the type, frequency, and duration of activity are breed-specific. Check with your vet to ensure your dog exercises according to its needs.
These essentials are only the tip of the iceberg relating to dog care; Pet Finder is an excellent resource for learning more about this critical topic.
Find A Dog Near You
Ready to adopt? We trust Petfinder to place dogs in their future homes.
Simply click the image below and begin your search.
