Want to adopt a dog but don't know how?

Do you want to adopt a dog but don't know how? Do you know where to go when you want to adopt a dog? We provide you with some simple guidelines so you can choose your dog and know the steps to follow.

You have finally decided to adopt a dog, but you still don't know all the necessary requirements for adoption or which associations to call, or what paperwork is needed to soon have your adventure companion in life.

There are many animal shelters, associations, and rescue centers that already have websites where you can consult available pets, so you can get an idea of all the animals they rescue and who are waiting for a second chance. You can also visit a local shelter to see the available animals.

Requirements for adopting a dog:

1. Be of legal age. You must present your ID.
2. Have a stable home. You will need to provide a regular address where the dog will live.
3. Adoption contract. You must sign paperwork in which you commit to caring for, microchipping (getting the mandatory chip with your data), and keeping your dog in the best health conditions. Take it periodically to the vet. Do not use it for breeding (most are spayed/neutered, and if they are still puppies, you sign a commitment to spay/neuter them when they are adults).
4. Notify the loss or death of the animal.
5. If for any circumstance you cannot take care of it, you will never abandon it; you will return it to the association.

What you should know about adopting a dog:

- The shelter has the right not to give you the dog if, after the interview, you do not meet the required criteria.

- They may ask that the animal be delivered to your home to see its future living environment.

- They don't just give you the dog; you are in a foster period, during which a follow-up is carried out to see how well the dog adapts to the family and to ensure the acquired commitment is met.

- If, on the other hand, you have found an abandoned dog, there is a waiting period before you can officially adopt it, in case the owner claims it.

There are different ways to collaborate with associations or shelters that take in street animals:

The most common is to make donations, either of money or materials for the dogs or food. They have many animals and, as they do not receive financial aid, a donation is usually made for the adoption of the animal to cover any veterinary expenses it may have incurred.

Alternative ways of dog adoption: If for any reason you cannot physically take on a legal adoption with all guarantees, you can also help in these other ways:

Donations: not only financial, but you can also donate materials, toys, or food; pet food is always welcome at shelters.

Sponsoring: You will be the guardian angel of a dog and take care of its upkeep until someone adopts it.

Volunteering: A good option as you can participate directly with the animals, taking them for walks, playing with them for a few hours, or you can also disseminate information about the development of animal welfare events, adoption follow-ups….

Foster home: You can temporarily house an abandoned pet until it is adopted and finds a new home.

Here is some useful information about Animal Shelters and Associations that can help you choose your best friend:

- Albergue Nueva Vida: “because we all have a right to a second chance,” with this inspiring motto, this animal shelter presents itself where you can adopt. They invite us to become members or sponsors of an animal for €6/month. http://nuevavida-adopciones.org/

- El Refugio: Animal protection society, which is supported by contributions from members and donations. For just €3/month, you can become a member. https://elrefugio.org/home

- ANAA: The National Association of Friends of Animals was founded in 1992, where they fight to rescue abandoned animals and find them a home through adoption. www.anaaweb.org

We hope we have helped you a little more with your questions about adopting a dog.

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