Five things to know about adopting a dog in a refuge

Are you planning to expand your family by adopting a 4-legged companion? If you have a dog or a purebred cat do not mind, think of the thousands of animals waiting for a second chance behind the bars of shelters.
By adopting an abandoned dog, you save two lives, that of your new companion, but also that of the one who will come to take his place in the refuge.
Unfortunately, the public is often not sufficiently informed about shelter adoption. How does it cost, how much does it cost the animals in the shelters to be healthy and balanced? Here are some things to know about adopting an animal in a shelter.

1. Stop the received ideas!
   There are still far too many prejudices about the animals of the shelters, the only fault of which is that they have been abandoned or not born in the warmth of a home. But do not worry, no, the dogs and cats of the shelters are not all sick, ill-educated, aggressive, disturbed, traumatized ...
   No, not all shelter dogs were abused, many of them simply abandoned because they had become cumbersome, too expensive to feed and maintain.
   No, all dogs in shelters do not have serious behavioral problems making them unpredictable. And all are not sick and infested with fleas! Volunteers and veterinarians take care of their animals, which are all vaccinated, sterilized and identified before being entrusted to their new families.
   Animals in shelters simply need attention and affection, sometimes also a little education, but they are certainly not nasty, sick or degenerate dogs and cats!
   Bd5 things to know about adopting a dog in a refuge
   (@Flickr - melchsedec)
2. Before adopting the
   We will never repeat it enough, adopting an animal is a real responsibility that engages for many years.
   If you are enamoring to adopt an animal, make sure you have the means, financial first but not only. Will you have enough time to spend? Will it always have its place if children come to enlarge the family? How to keep it during the holidays? Do all members of the family agree to host an animal and take care of it? All the questions that any future adoptive parents must ask themselves before making a decision.

The Right Questions to Ask Before Adopting
You do not take an animal into a refuge to bring it back a few days or weeks later because you suddenly realize that it takes time and money.

1. Take your time
   If you are decided, take your time before choosing your future companion. Volunteers are there to guide you, guide you to an animal that will adapt to your lifestyle. If you are rather patachon, the most sporting dogs will be to avoid for example!
   Do not hesitate to inquire about the past of the animal. For his behavior and the education you will have to provide will depend on it. Come visit the dog or chat several times to get to know and test your complicity.
   Bd5 things to know about adopting a dog in a refuge
   @Flickr - Chris Perello
2. Adoption in shelter, how is it going?
   When you go to the shelter to adopt your companion, you will have to come with several documents: your identity card, proof of residence and proof of income.
   Some shelters may also ask you to fill out a questionnaire and offer you a pre-adoption visit, the opportunity for you to ask any questions that pass you by the head!
   Once the application is accepted, you will sign an adoption contract. Finally, you will be asked to pay the costs of adoption, namely vaccination, sterilization and identification of the animal. Count about 150 euros for a dog, 200 euros for a puppy and a hundred euros for a cat.
3. After adoption
   Some associations come to visit their former residents to ensure that everything goes for the better in their new family. And those who do not will of course be delighted to hear from their protégés. Do not hesitate to send letters, photos and videos of the new life of your loulou.