Austin Dog Rescue

1.    Adopting a dog is a LIFETIME commitment. Give careful consideration if you are truly ready to care for a dog for the next 10-15 years. Be assured that changes in your life and lifestyle WILL occur during the lifetime of the dog and you are willing to be prepared for each of them and include the dog in those changes.

2.    Follow the advice you are given.  Ask question before bringing the dog home and contact the foster caregiver or adoption coordinator with any follow up questions. Download all the guides that are available from our website that pertain to the dog you're adopting.

3.    Have a CRATE in place when the dog is left in your care and use it.  Dogs must EARN the privilege of freedom and this could take weeks, month or NEVER. It’s totally normal and natural for dogs to want to chew on things.  They must have a “refresher” when it comes to house training in your home.

4.    Adjustment Period.  Your dog WILL be stressed from the change in environment.  This is a whole new world for your dog and they will need your guidance, trust and patience.  The length of the adjustment periods will depend on you, your home environment and the personality of the dog.

5.    Do not leave your new dog outside without supervision.  Remember you adopted an “inside” dog and until they have become completely settled they may try to dig out, climb the fence or find some other way out.  In MOST cases this period is about 3 weeks but can vary dog to dog.

6.    Most every dog will try and dart out of the door.  Never open the door to an unfenced area if the dog is in the room, not crated or on leash.  Work on teaching the dog to sit, wait and be given permission to exit.  Baby gates are a nice way to insure your dog’s safety.

7.    Never leave a small child unattended with ANY dog.  No matter how well behaved your child or the dog is, if you must leave the room, either the dog or the child goes with you.

8.    Your new dog MUST see a vet within 30 days of adoption.  Ideally you should take your dog for their first vet visit within 2 weeks.  You will need to have your dog examined, it may need booster vaccinations if a puppy, and will need a supply of heartworm preventative.  

9.    Keep your contact information current.  Always contact 24 Pet Watch and Austin Dog Rescue if you move or change phone numbers.  ADR is always the back up for emergencies and if the pet recovery company cannot locate you, they always call us and why it’s important that we are notified of any contact or address changes.  It is also VERY helpful if you let us know what name your dog is know by since most adopter do change their adopted dogs name.

10.    Give Yourself and Your Dog the best gift possible.  Enroll your dog in private or group obedience lessons.  Expect to see your dogs personality emerge about 3 weeks after adoption. Though the foster homes have worked on the basics (house training, crate training, house manners) your dog needs more and needs it from you and a qualified trainer.