What to Know About Adopting During a Pandemic
Photo by @adoptabledogsofnyc
It's no surprise that the past year has brought on an increased level of anxiety for people worldwide. We have noticed a massive spike in those looking to adopt a dog as a way to help with their anxiety, and we understand that wholeheartedly!
While dogs can be a huge help with reducing stress, anxiety, and loneliness, it's important to realize that bringing home a new dog can sometimes induce more stress and anxiety. Especially as the dog settles in, you get comfortable with each other, and the lifelong commitment to medical care, training, etc., begins to feel very real.
I'm first on a dog's waitlist! Should I take the meeting?
We understand that finding out you are first on the waitlist for a dog can be quite exciting, especially if you've been trying to adopt with us for a while. Still, there's a lot to ask yourself before jumping at the opportunity to set up a meeting.
We have seen a recent increase in dogs being returned to us, so we want to highlight some key things to consider when adopting during a pandemic.
Will the adoption process work for me?
Logistics
Am I able to take home a dog within the timetable set out in the email?
Virtual Process
Am I comfortable adopting a dog I have only met virtually? We completely understand if you are not and look forward to seeing you when we can resume in-person events!
Does my lifestyle match this type of dog?
Lifestyle/Work Schedule
What does my schedule look like now, and what will it look like in the future?
Will I be returning to the office, and if so, what is my plan for caring for my dog?
Age
If adopting a puppy, am I ready for this?
Puppies are often VERY energetic, a bit mouthy as they are learning to play gently, and require quite a bit of dedicated time and training - this link provides an overview of what to expect!
Size
Have I confirmed the breed and size restrictions in my building before adopting, and does this dog fit into those requirements?
If a puppy, consider how large the dog is estimated to be when fully grown.
Energy Level
Does the dog's energy level fit with my lifestyle?
Do I have a plan for providing sufficient physical/mental stimulation?
Personality
Will this be a good fit for everyone in the household, including other dogs, cats, children, etc.?
Training
Am I prepared to put time into training?
Are there areas this dog is still working on, such as leash skills or housetraining? If so, do I have the time to work on/feel comfortable working on these?
Medical Needs
Does this dog have particular medical needs, and am I comfortable taking that on?
Am I aware of the "Decompression Period"?
It's important to realize that all dogs go through a decompression period when moving to a new home and can take anywhere from two weeks to a few months to really settle in.
Some dogs may seem overly hyper and energetic due to the stress and excitement of moving to a new home, but calm down and become a lot more manageable after a few weeks of settling into their new home and routine.
On the other hand, some dogs seem lower energy and generally well behaved when moving to a new home, but may start to come out of their shell, become more energetic, and "test the limits" as they settle in and feel more comfortable in the home. This decompression period truly looks different for every dog!
Adopters should do their research on the decompression period and be aware that a dog's behavior, energy level, etc., will likely change throughout the first few months post-adoption. Setting up structure, routine, and training from the very start is important and can make all the difference for success!
There's so much to consider when you're thinking of adopting a furry family member into your household! Not only will it be life-changing for you, but the pup as well.
All pups at Muddy Paws Rescue are in foster care, and when you move forward with a meeting where you're not likely to adopt, it means that pup has to wait another week to find a forever home.
Have questions about adopting? Please feel free to reach out to our Adoptions Team.
