What does the puppy and dog adoption process entail? Firstly… Woohoo! Don't even get us started on how HAPPY we are to see you here! Secondly, we're so excited about you wanting to adopt a dog (or dogs!) because many loveable souls in animal shelters deserve to live their best lives in a forever home filled with love.
That said, we know how intimidating the doggy adoption process can be. The requirements for would-be dog owners make finding and bringing a new dog home even scarier, right?! So, without further adieu, here is our guide to dog adoption!
Most animal shelters have criteria you must meet to adopt a dog or puppy. And, just like human child adoption, you will need to prove you can care for your new furry family member.
These are some of the things you might be asked:
Your age and the dog's age
Job, working hours and whether is someone is home during the day
Willingness and financial ability to accept all the care and needs of the dog/s
Where you intend to let your new dog/s sleep at night
Access to a safe enclosed area for the dog/s to exercise and play
Full access to secure 'toilet areas'
Age of children (if any)
Other pets (if any)
TIPS FOR THE PUPPY AND DOG ADOPTION PROCESS
Valgray for Dogs adoption tip 1: Adjust your expectations It's important not to head to a shelter with the idea that you will meet 'your dog' right away. We know the excitement of bringing home a doggo of your very own is all that's on your mind at the moment, but you've got to manage your expectations because they stop you from getting to know each dog properly, blind you to dogs with tons of potential and are a surefire way to leave any visit feeling disappointed and unmotivated. Visit different local animal shelters, dog homes and rescues organisations multiple times to get more familiar with the dogs before deciding.
Valgray for Dogs adoption tip 2: Keep note of dogs that catch your eye During your visits, you'll see a lot of puppies and dogs, all of whom need a loving home. Write down the dogs' names, descriptions and current homes and arrange to go back to see the dogs who pulled at your heartstrings most.
Valgray for Dogs adoption tip 3: Don’t rush We know you’re eager to adopt an adorable pooch (like right now!) but being a pet parent means a lifelong commitment and friendship with your pooch, so be patient when searching for the dog destined to be yours. Spend as much time with the dogs as possible to get to know them.
Valgray for Dogs adoption tip 4: Reserve judgement Understand that the dogs aren’t in a home environment and may be quieter or more energetic than they’ll be once they settle down. Quiet, reserved dogs are often just missing out on human attention while being confined in a shelter for a long period of time could result in energy building up and making a dog seem hyperactive.
WHAT TO ASK WHEN ADOPTING A DOG OR PUPPY
You've FINALLY found the one (...and two, three and four—we won't judge)! Now it's time to ask all the important questions before taking your dog home.
What is my dog's health history? You shouldn't leave a shelter without asking about a dog's previous health history and vaccination records because this information will help you understand your dog's care and health needs. Remember to ask:
How long have they lived at the rescue?
Is there any information about their history before arriving at the shelter?
Are they safe around other animals and kids?
When was their last round of inoculations?
When were they last dewormed?
When can I bring my new dog home? Years ago, some dog charities would let a dog go to their new home straight away, but today it's standard for most rescue organisations to only allow a dog/s to leave with a new owner after:
A full health check-up: To ensure your dog has no underlying problems and is completely healthy before you take them home with you.
Inoculations update: Dogs need vaccinations and regular boosters to prevent a host of illnesses and diseases, including 'core vaccines' for: canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis/Adenovirus/kennel cough, canine parvovirus, rabies, parainfluenza; and a wide range of ‘non-core’ vaccines that your dog may need based on their current health condition.
Sterilisation You're probably wondering why the wait for sterilisation is necessary. Local animal shelters are already inundated with loads of puppies and older dogs who need homes. If dog charities don't stop the cycle of unwanted pregnancies that result in abandoned puppies, they become part of the problem. There are already too many precious pups in this world looking for homes. So, waiting a few extra weeks (usually around 2-4 weeks) isn't that big a deal. You may have to wait a little longer to take your darling dog home after spaying (female) or neutering (male). Dog shelters do this to:
Allow dogs to recover in familiar surroundings
Decrease emotional trauma after a big procedure
Keep an eye on their stitches
Reduces chances of infection
Ensure you don't have to visit a vet to have stitches removed
VALGRAY LOVES RESCUE DOGS!
Obviously, we're team ADOPT, and we believe everyone should experience the absolute joy of giving a dog a second (or, in some cases, first) chance at having a great life in a loving home.
Valgray has pledged to gift every dog successfully adopted from F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue a gorgeous, easy-to-clean collar with personalised, engraved name tags because they deserve the very best in life!
Haven't considered visiting F.A.L.L.E.N. Angels Pet Rescue to find a dog? It's just 30 km north of Cape Town and well worth a visit! Contact info@fallenangels.org.za to arrange a visit, or view their website to get in touch and to see some fabulous floofy friends waiting for someone to find them and take them home.
Please note this blog is for information purposes only. Valgray for Dogs always encourages dog owners to consult a veterinarian before making any decisions regarding canine care, meals, medical issues, oral care, training and behavioural conditions.
Click here to learn more about Valgray and our story.
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Valgray for Dogs
When you shop with Valgray you're not just selecting a brand, you're also a part of the Valgray family and embracing a lifestyle centred around animal welfare, supreme comfort, and impeccable fashion. Our dog collars and accessories are locally produced to radiate elegance and cosiness, ensuring that your furry companion is not only the most stylish but also the happiest pup around.
We recognize that our customers consider their dogs as family members, which is why we design our dog products with emphasis on quality, style, and comfort. To learn more about our exceptional products, browse our online store or reach out to the Valgray team. We're eager to chat with you and share our fashionable products!
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Winter poses significant challenges for dogs, making it crucial to keep them warm and healthy. By taking proactive measures, owners can ensure their pets remain comfortable throughout the cold months. Here are ten effective strategies to keep your dog warm in winter:
Create a Warm Environment: Ensure your dog has a heated, insulated indoor space and consider safe indoor heating options like space heaters or heating pads. If your dog spends time outside, provide a well-insulated dog house with proper insulation and dry bedding.
Dress Your Dog for Winter: Use winter clothing like sweaters, coats, and booties to help retain body heat and protect against cold conditions. Choose breathable, water-resistant materials and ensure a proper fit. A Valgray dog snood is great for helping to keep them warm in moderately cold conditions.
Adjust Diet and Nutrition: Increase caloric intake to help maintain body heat. Incorporate high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and supplements like fish oil to support overall health while maintaining a balanced diet.
Provide Comfortable Bedding: Use insulated, cushioned beds, and add fleece or thermal blankets for extra warmth. Place the bed in a warm, draft-free area.
Practice Safe Exercise: Adjust exercise routines to include indoor activities and shorter, more frequent outdoor walks. Dress your dog appropriately for cold weather.
Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your dog's health and address any winter-specific issues like arthritis or respiratory infections.
Use Pet-Friendly Heating Devices: Utilize electric blankets, heated pads, or microwaveable heat packs to provide consistent warmth during very cold times. Ensure safety features like automatic shut-offs and avoid direct contact with your dog’s skin.
Monitor Your Dog’s Condition: Watch for signs of cold stress such as shivering, lethargy, and seeking warmth. Address any signs of discomfort or health issues promptly.
Proper Grooming: Keep your dog’s coat well-groomed to maintain its insulating properties. Avoid shaving your dog’s fur during winter to retain natural warmth.
Ensure Adequate Hydration: Make sure your dog has access to fresh, unfrozen water to stay hydrated, which is essential for maintaining body temperature and overall health.
By following these tips as needed, you can ensure your dog stays warm, healthy, and comfortable during the winter months.
Teaching your dog to swim offers numerous benefits, enhancing their physical health, mental well-being, and strengthening the bond between you and your pet. Swimming provides a low-impact workout that is especially beneficial for older dogs or those with joint issues. Additionally, it keeps dogs mentally stimulated and can be a life-saving skill. Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching your dog to swim:
Preparation: Choose a safe and calm location like quiet lakes or designated dog pools. Gather essential equipment such as a well-fitting life jacket, floating toys, and treats. Make sure your dog is wearing a water-friendly collar like a Valgray splashproof designer collar in case they get lost.Conduct a health check with a vet to ensure your dog is fit for swimming and learn basic safety precautions.
Teaching Basic Commands: Ensure your dog knows basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come. Gradually get your dog comfortable with water through positive exposure and practice these commands in different environments.
Swimming Lessons:
Start with shallow water introduction and let your dog explore.
Gradually increase water depth and encourage swimming movements using toys.
Use a life jacket initially for safety and confidence.
Track progress and adjust the training pace as needed.
Common Challenges and Solutions:
Fear of Water: Provide gradual exposure and create positive experiences.
Distractions: Choose quiet locations and use high-value treats.
Anxiety: Use calming techniques and allow breaks.
Overexcitement: Set clear boundaries and use commands to manage excitement.
Consistency: Regular, short training sessions are more effective.
Advanced Techniques:
Teach diving and retrieving objects.
Practice in different water bodies to enhance adaptability.
Gradually introduce more challenging environments.
Enhance endurance and strength through extended sessions and vigorous activities.
Always prioritize safety during advanced training.
Remember, the journey of teaching your dog to swim is about building confidence and comfort at each stage while ensuring safety and making the experience enjoyable for both you and your pet.
Helping doggos in need is a cause that’s really close to our heart, which is why we have a Valgray charity drive every year. Over the years we have been proud to donate much needed blankets and dog food to the incredible animal rescues you recommended, as well as gifting designer dog collar and leash sets to newly adopted pooches so they can start their new lives in style.
Valgray is one of the few brands that caters for all dog sizes. From our extra-small collars for the truly tiny pooch to the extra-large collars for giant breeds, we go the extra mile to make sure your fur-babies can put their best paw forward.
It’s important to measure your pup’s neck to make sure your new collar will fit comfortably. Remember to include some space around the neck for your pooch’s safety and comfort. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit two or three fingers between the neck and collar.
Once you have your doggo’s measurements, check our sizing guide below for the best collar size.
DON'T HAVE A TAPE MEASURE?
No problem! You can use a variety of household items to safely measure your dog’s neck. See our guide here.
Don’t have a tape measure lying around? No problem! To learn how to measure your dog's neck safely with various household items, click here.
PERSONAL CUSTOMISATION
We try our best to cater to every breed, but some doggos might need a little extra at-home customisation to achieve the perfect fit. Making adjustments to our soft, PVC-coated nylon straps at home is easy. Simply use a standard leather punching tool to add additional holes, or use a utility knife to trim the length of your collar.
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