Adopting a Rescue Dog

Caring for a dog is one of the most rewarding activities. It’s not an easy task however. You have to make sure they are happy, healthy and well-behaved. You should be ready to give energy, money, space and time for your dog. Not being aware of such responsibilities is probably the reason why there are still stray dogs in Singapore. If you’re thinking of getting a dog, perhaps you might want to consider adopting a rescue dog instead of buying a puppy from pet shops.

Here are some things you need to know when adopting a rescue dog.

Visit Dogs at the Rescue Centers

You can look up dogs available for adoption at Adoptadog.sg but it’s important to get to know the dog before you decide. Action For Singapore Dogs (ASD) has an adoption and rescue center. Volunteer groups such as Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD) and Causes for Animals Singapore (CAS) also exist. Finding the dog that will fit in your family will take a visit to one of these rescue centers. Dogs also have unique temperaments and idiosyncrasies like humans. Adoption procedures require a bonding session to determine if the dog and its new family have chemistry.

The Conditions for Adopting a Rescue

There is a screening process for every person who wishes to apply for adoption. You will need to fill out a form to provide the details of your experience with dogs, to assess your means to take care of the pet, and other personal information. Then you are given time to get to know the dog of your choice. Make sure that you have thought this through with your family after you have visited the dog. Rescue centers also provide help in training if your dog has not yet adjusted to its new home. Learn about the HBD Regulation as well. Apartment owners are allowed only one dog from certain breeds or sizes. According to Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Singapore, there 62 HBD approved dog breeds.

Giving a Rescue Dog Another Chance

Stray dogs are culled due to rapid urbanization. Some are abandoned by irresponsible owners who found out that taking care of dogs is not like keeping stuffed toys while some have endured abuse and neglect. Most of these dogs are eager for a new loving home. Unfortunately, rescue centers and volunteers often tell stories that there are always more dogs to be rescued than can be re-homed. Sheltering dogs need a lot of resources. Adopting one can help save a life.

Rescue Dogs are Usually Healthier

Rescue and rehabilitation centers take good care of the rescue dogs. They are given food and medical attention, especially updated vaccinations. This is better than getting a puppy at the pet shop not knowing if it got all the required shots. Rescue dogs also undergo sterilisation. Male dogs are neutered while females are spayed. It lowers the risks of reproductive complications and unwanted behavior like aggression and territorial marking. Some dogs also undergo behavior training. Being around with rescue volunteers and survivor dogs like themselves also make them more socialized dogs who will know how to behave around humans and dogs.