Adopted Dog Day

September 23^rd is Adopted Dog Day! You may have seen or heard the slogan ‘Adopt, don’t shop’ going around over the past few years. We love seeing dogs get second chances! A local Rockwall, TX vet offers some information on dog adoption in this article.

Facts About Dog Adoptions

According to the ASPCA, about 6.3 million pets are admitted to shelters annually. That breaks down to about 17,260 pets each day! Every year, around 3.5 to 4 million pets are adopted. Though those numbers are pretty staggering, there is some improvement there. Campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering have helped, as those numbers have declined since the 70’s. There are also more shelters going no-kill. Currently, about 70% of shelters are no-kill. That number represents an increase of 15 percent since 2018.

Adopting A Dog

Adopting a dog is a big decision: after all, you’re promising to care for Fido through the rest of his natural life. If you’re interested in a specific breed, try online searches. Many rescues work with specific breeds, and quite a few will arrange for transport to out-of-state adopters. There’s also something to be said for just following your heart. Just find out what you can about Fido, and spend some time with him. It’s important to ensure that he’s a good fit!

Bringing Fido Home

That Gotcha Day is a lifechanger for you and Fido. It can also be pretty overwhelming for your pooch. Have all of the doggy necessities, such as food, toys, bedding, and dishes, ready and waiting. Take Fido for a walk around the block before bringing him in, so that he can get his bearings and process the fact that he’s been adopted. Don’t be surprised if your dog sleeps a lot at first. Being in a shelter is stressful, so it takes a while for Man’s Best Friend to decompress and settle in. The average rule of thumb is that it takes dogs three days to get the lay of the land, three weeks to feel comfortable, and three months to really feel at home. Be patient, and focus on offering great care.

Celebrating

Did you adopt your canine pal? Get Fido’s cute tail going by offering him a yummy treat or perhaps a fun toy. You can also share your pup’s photo on social media. Or, better yet, share pictures of adoptable dogs.

Do you have questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Rockwall, TX veterinary clinic, today!