For many owners of rescue dogs (including myself), the checklist of what a reputable dog rescue organization looks like is discovered long after the adoption takes place because the excitement of dog ownership takes precedent over the practicality of researching a rescue organization beforehand.
After doing a great deal of research I found a list of 32 signs of a reputable rescue from the Ohio Great Dane Rescue but this post would be too long if I listed them all so I've highlighted seven that I felt were the most important below:
1) A
reputable rescue makes sure animals are up to date on all vaccines, microchipped, heart worm tested, and has had all necessary vet care before
placement.
Most rescues obtain
an Intrastate Health Certificate which means it is only good for
transporting reasons. Be sure to ask which certificate your new dog has before adopting!
2) A
reputable rescue takes responsibility for the animals adopted through them for
the span of each animal’s life and not just for the span of foster care or
transport.
Many of my clients who have adopted
dogs from rescues STILL receive yearly or twice-yearly check-ups from their
rescue agency. Now, that's impressive!
3) A reputable rescue will never hurry the adoption process or waive requirements simply for the convenience of the rescue.
Putting
pressure on the public to adopt by a certain date is unfair to potential adopters
and equally unfair to the animals who have been transported to an
adoption site because the dog may not be right for the family and/or vice versa.
4) A reputable rescue will help adopters make decisions about which dog is a good fit for their home and will offer advice and assistance on meeting the correct one for the adopter.
4) A reputable rescue will help adopters make decisions about which dog is a good fit for their home and will offer advice and assistance on meeting the correct one for the adopter.
5) A
reputable rescue helps educate new adopters and may require adopters
to participate in training courses to assist in a good adoption.
6) A
reputable rescue keeps dogs in foster care to screen for health or behavior problems.
7) A reputable rescue is not for profit, and works on adoptions, not sales.
Before adopting from a rescue
organization be sure it is licensed to
operate as a shelter and not as a pet store store!
I would add they have a return policy when a problem that can't be corrected occurs. It's great when training and intervention can correct a problem, but when a mistake is made in placement, finding the appropriate placement for the dog should be the priority.
ReplyDeleteDiscover the truths before purchasing another canine for your youngsters. What are the best breeds and sorts of mutts?
ReplyDeleteDogs for Adoption