October is when the ASPCA celebrates the millions of abandoned canines rescued each year and those awaiting new homes. It also coincides with American Humane's Adopt-a-Dog Month. Together, two of the nation's largest animal welfare organizations sponsor a month-long event tailored to making the canine adoption process an uncomplicated and enjoyable affair.

At any given time, there are between three and four million shelter animals ready and waiting for their forever homes. The nationwide October pet-adoption campaigns raise awareness of the options at hand to adopt canines in need of a loving household. The ASPCA's National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month can be the best time and the best way to connect with a rescue dog and bring home a new and devoted furry companion.

Adoption and Foster Home Placements

The caring individuals adopting shelter dogs are saving animals' lives while also helping communities. Two million shelter pups are adopted each year, which means fewer homeless animals wandering the streets. When adoption is not immediately possible, temporary placements of shelter dogs in foster homes provide them with some much-needed TLC before they head to permanent households.

By staying with a temporary caregiver, a transitioning canine can make a smoother adjustment between a shelter and an unfamiliar environment. If there is an unexpected behavioral issue, foster caregivers can help a dog correct it before it becomes a pattern or habit. Many of the caring individuals who have provided temporary foster homes to shelter dogs also become active ASPCA Adoption Ambassadors.

Meet the Adoption Ambassadors

October is when the ASPCA's Adoption Ambassadors, who also serve as foster caregivers, go to extra lengths to match shelter dogs with permanent households. Because they've had an insightful opportunity to get to know a dog firsthand, they can tell if an animal is a good match for a pet parent's household or lifestyle.

The program provides adopters with a wealth of detail regarding a dog's personality and habits. An ASPCA Adoption Ambassador can often facilitate the home-to-home transfer by relaxing certain procedural requirements. In addition to the work performed by the ASPCA, American Humane has also been actively placing dogs in new homes since 1981 through the organization's associated shelters and rescue groups.

Preparing To Meet with a New Furry Companion

Outdoor activities reveal dogs' energy and how they complement an individual's disposition. A canine's body language can signal adoption readiness based on responses to human conduct. Rolling over to invite belly rubs, for example, indicates trust. Pictures and videos can be a great way to find new furry friends and engage with rescue campaigns online. Some shelter dogs needing homes go viral with their heartfelt stories. Meeting a dog in real life, however, helps to discover if there is a strong connection. Size and weight may also be difficult to determine from digital images or other virtual sources.

Touching and holding an animal may be the best way for an adopter to know whether he or she can easily handle a pet. Temperament and excitability levels should also harmonize with a potential pet parent's moods and changes. Each of the nearly 90 million canines across the U.S. have its own unique personality and singular attitude regardless of breed. Whether descended from a pedigree or mixed lineage, pups often defy humans' initial expectations of them. Temperament can be a distinct trait that could be difficult to predict without personally visiting a dog at a shelter or foster home.

Ask All the Questions You Want, Especially the Important Ones

When visiting a shelter, staffers who regularly care for animals can be a valuable source of information. Foster caregivers are also an excellent way to get all of your questions answered; the dog's been a member of the caregiver's household. Whether a canine has a medical condition or an undesirable habit, shelter staff members and foster caregivers are certain to have learned about it.

New pet parents may also wish to know about how a dog found its way to the rescue haven and what its previous home might have been like. Most dogs receive wellness exams, vaccinations and spay or neutering procedures while awaiting adoption. Organizations with a trustworthy record-keeping system can provide details about a rescue dog's known medical history.

It's important to gather facts regarding an animal's specific needs and compare them with an adopter's lifestyle. What are the dog's exercise requirements? What foods and treats does it like? What's the best way to monitor and tend to health issues? The answers can make a difference in finding the most compatible shelter dog to bring into a new forever home.

Bringing a Rescue Pet Home

Before bringing a fortunate canine home, responsible pet parents can prepare the environment by removing chewable hazards. Pups love treats, which can be used to help them slowly settle into their surroundings. A leash and collar can uphold household and walking rules, while a comfortable dog bed can provide a transitioning pet with a safe space and a comfortable boundary.

Previously housebroken dogs may require some patience as they relearn the basics of where to go for relief after entering a new home. Establishing routines by taking a pet outside every few hours can help it adjust to unfamiliar territory. A regular feeding schedule can make it easier for a dog to learn when it's time to head outside.

Successful Adoptions Progress Past the First Positive Meet-and-Greet

By adopting a shelter animal, you are giving a loving and amazing canine a second chance at life. You are also giving a dog an opportunity to bring lifelong joy to you and others in your household. Any anxiety or discomfort relating to the transition from a shelter or foster home to a new household can benefit from a wellness visit with a compassionate and experienced vet. For more information about these fantastic organizations and their programs, please visit the Oahu SPCA and Hawaiian Humane Society’s websites for details and how to contact them.

After introducing a canine to a safe and comfortable forever environment, a trip to one of the Pet Hospitals of Hawaii's three locations can provide the follow-up care and nutritional support that will help ensure your new companion enjoys a long, happy and healthy life. We can also work with you to develop pet training plans to reduce the risk of issues developing while your new friend gets accustomed to an unfamiliar environment.