Dog adoption is many people’s dreams come true. It’s like an addition to the family, and it never matters the number of dogs you want to adopt, the excitement is always constant. However, for you to adopt dogs Houston, there’s a process that needs to be followed. Listed below are the step-by-step things you need to follow to ensure you go through the adoption process in bliss; from finding the dog, you need to sign the last part of the adoption paper to own your new member.
Here is the adoption process in Houston
- Note the banned breeds in Houston
Like several other states, Texas outlaws breed-specific legislation on a state, county, and city level. This is fantastic news for dog lovers who adore breeds like “pit bulls,” Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweiler’s, and others who are frequently discriminated against. Private groups, on the other hand, can still limit which animals are allowed on their land. Therefore, if you plan to adopt, check if the shelter you are adopting from rears your desired breed.
- Finding the dog
Houston offers various dog shelters that you can get your dog from; therefore, when doing a dog hunt, you can go to the different shelter’s website to check on the dog’s profile and decide what you would like and the available ones. Examine the profile photographs and descriptions of the animals, then compare this knowledge to your lifestyle, compare and get the animal that matches your preference and lifestyle. Once you have found your dog, then you need to fill an adoption application. In this application, you’ll describe your living circumstances, the amount of time you spend away from home, and whether or not you have a veterinarian. The application can be made either online or in-person at the shelter.
- Meeting the dog
Once you submit your application, your application will be reviewed by an adoption counselor. They’ll set up a meeting with the dog if it’s accepted. However, if you filed your application online, your meeting could be a few days away. On the meeting day, invite everyone living in the same house as the rescue, including other dogs, to the meeting. Examine how your prospective pet interacts with other people and note any behaviors that will require time, patience, and resources to change.
- Start the adoption paperwork
You can begin the adoption papers if all goes smoothly. At this time, the shelter should consolidate all of the dog’s records, including any health information it has. Then, a counselor will discuss with you the responsibilities of dog ownership once you sign the paperwork and pay the adoption fee. The shelter will also contact your landlord (if you rent) and your veterinarian. Notably, some shelters will do a home visit to ensure you take the dog to a safe environment. After all the paperwork is done, you can take your dog home.
- Dog licensing
All cats and dogs older than three months in Harris County are required to have a current rabies vaccination and a county licensing tag. You can do so when you adopt your dog in person, online, or at the shelter. The licensing will require your details and also the details of the dog. And finally, proof of rabies vaccination and spay/neuter procedure. The prices in Harris county vary from $20 – $80 depending on the dog’s age and your age or military status.
In conclusion, the adoption process is not as complicated as people may presume, and you may have your prospective pet in a few weeks.
