Adopting dog when there is no SAHP

[Anonymous]

We adopted through city dogs rescue and we both work outside the home full time. We have a dog walker come midday.

If you see a dog you're interested in, apply for it. The policies on these websites seem really intense but I don't know that they are enforced as strictly as you might think.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Alexandria animal shelter let my DH adopt a dog (before we were married) and he worked FT. But they had denied me a few years prior because I was a single woman and one day I may get married and have kids and then get rid of the dog.

I adopted from B.A.R.K down in Richmond. I submitted my application, drove to Short Pump, paid $100, and took my dog home that day.

We are married now, still have both dogs, and a kid.

Same here! I wonder if we spoke with the same person at the shelter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Washington Animal Rescue League.

They're the worst. The 20-something worker actually made "ugh" and "no" faces at her boss as we explained how we both work FT and would get a dog walker.

[Anonymous]

Look at Pet Connect Tescue. They were great to work with and only seemed to emphasize having someone home all day for puppies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Shelters in other areas are full of puppies. We went to visit family in the Midwest and there were literally dozens of mixed breed puppies at the local county shelter. We paid $75 for adoption and spay, with no lengthy interviews or home visits. It's literally easier to adopt a baby than a dog around here.

+1. That's the god honest truth.

[Anonymous]

The PG county animal shelter is our equivalent. Tons of dogs and some in foster care if you want one that's temperament tested. If you want a puppy look up Potcake Place.

[Anonymous]

Wow - it looks like the dog rescue and shelters are pushing potential dog owners away...

I had one reject our application because we live in an apartment (no enclosed yard), and another a year or so later because I work full time, am a parent, and single... said it would not be fair to the dog.

Nor is it fair to the dog if it never gets adopted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So, our much beloved dog died almost a year ago at age 14. I am now thinking about getting another dog and have contacted several rescue organizations, expressing interest in dogs of various ages. All have told me that the dog can't be alone more than 6 hours a day, disqualifying us from adoption as I work FT.

This is extremely frustrating and sad to me because we would love the dog and he/she would have a good home, yes we would hire a dog walker. We also believe in rescuing a dog instead of going to a breeder as there are many good dogs in search of good homes. However, do to all the parameters the rescue organizations set, we will be forced to go to a breeder in order to get a new dog. This seems illogical and against the purpose of rescue organizations, which apparently limit themselves to families where both parents don't work.

This is mostly rant, but also advice seeking. I would really prefer to rescue a dog, but they seem to not see us as a good fit. Can anyone recommend a rescue organization that is maybe less narrow minded and actually cares about giving the dog a good "forever home." or should we just give up on a rescue and go with a breeder?

. We were in the same situation, but let the rescues know that a dog walker would come once a day at noon to walk an adult dog. WARL and Homeward Trails were fine with that.

[Anonymous]

When adopted our dog, luckily my husband worked off hours so we met the 6 hour rule. But I do remember signing something that made us promise to spend x number of hours playing with the dog and promising we would fence in our yard. Our friend prank called us a few days later pretending to be the rescue group, asking why we did not have a fence yet. It was pretty funny.

I get that need to ensure the dogs have a good home, but our dog was in a kill shelter. (Rescue group allowed shelters to work through them) So, it would have better for her to die then live with an unfenced yard?

[Anonymous]

We went to Baltimore city shelter $75 including microchip. Got her the same day we met her. They have to put dogs down so they have to move them. Not sure if DC shelters are the same

[Anonymous]

OP, instead of being angry, maybe realize you shouldn't have a dog at this point in your life. Sheesh.

[Anonymous]

Op, you've gotten some good leads on shelters or rescues who are fine with dog walkers and also some areas a little farther out that are fine as well.

Have you tried them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, instead of being angry, maybe realize you shouldn't have a dog at this point in your life. Sheesh.

That's right, no dog for you, OP, until you or your spouse retire.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So howon earth do they even know how long your dog is left at home?

I mean seriously? Do they stalk your house?

That is an impossible thing for them to enforce.

This. As I conducted a search for a rescue dog, I found that often the rescue's had unreasonable demands. I started telling them what they wanted to hear knowing full well we could provide a loving home with lots of attention. One rescue stated that they preferred that their dogs have home cooked meals - sure we can do that. Another wanted to know if we would commit yo ALWAYS taking our dog on vacation - sure we will do that. Even though I only work part-time, I told the rescue people I was home all day.

The demands are so ridiculous that they push people towards breeders.

[Anonymous]

OP, I second all of the advice from previous PPs - you just have to make it clear you WILL HAVE a dog walker. That's it. Good luck to you, you sound like an amazing person.