The day you hoped would never arrive has. Despite all your best intentions, it’s just no longer possible for you and your dog to share a home. Divorce, a family death, an illness, relocation, or chronic canine misbehavior commonly top the list of reasons a family dog must be relinquished to an animal shelter, rescue group, pet sanctuary, or a friend.
(Check out Rehoming Dog for Your Pet’s Benefit)
Whatever the reason, the decision is emotionally draining and trying. But don’t despair, you can always let someone adopt your dog. If you decide this route, just resist handing your pooch to the first interested person. To help you select the right new owner, obtain answers to the following guide questions during the interview process:
Make sure to screen all potential parents/family.
1. Why do you want to adopt this dog?
2. ?have you ever owned a dog as an adult before, and, if so, have you owned a dog of this breed?
3. Do you own or rent? If you rent, please provide contact information for your landlord so that I can verify that pets are accepted.
4. Do you have a yard? Is it fenced?
5. Do you live near a dog-friendly park or other safe place to walk your dog?
6. What other pets do you have, and do they get along with other dogs?
7. Who else lives with you? Do you have any kids – if so, how many and what are their ages?
8. Who will be primarily responsible for caring for this dog?
9. What type of training methods do you use on a dog?
10. Where will the dog live? Inside or outside?
11. Do you travel a lot? If so, what provisions will you make to care for your dog while you’re away?
12. What type of activities and exercises do you want to do with this dog?
13. If you already have a veterinarian, would you mind letting me contact him or her for a reference?
14. What’s your daily routine like during the workweek and during weekends?
It may seem that such questioning would deter an individual form adopting your dog, but you need to look at the big picture. If this dog actually means something to you, you want to be assured that six months from now, after all your hard work, your pooch doesn’t end up in a shelter because of a mismatch that could have been avoided.
