Adopting a dog during the pandemic

[Anonymous]

We are interested in adopting a second dog. It seems like rescues do not have many dogs and are slow to respond if at all. Any guidance on how to proceed or just be patient? We have specific criteria (good with kids and dogs, not a big shedder) but otherwise have dog experience and are great pet owners who have adopted very beloved dogs from shelters in the past, including our current dog. Hoping to find a more efficient approach then constantly checking on petfinder. Appreciate any thoughts and thanks!

[Anonymous]

I bought a puppy

[Anonymous]

I just posted on another thread. We've been looking for more than six months. Started looking hard in Jan-Feb. because our plan was to get a dog in the spring, so the weather would be nice for training, etc. I put in applications with at least six rescue groups, started searching puppyfind, etc. Really wanted a rescue, but it's just impossible right now. We've gotten close a couple times, but didn't get the dog. No one ever tells you why.

There are literally hundreds of apps for every single dog that come available. GL but I don't think there is an efficient approach. It's a crapshoot.

PS, we ended up getting a dog that's being rehomed by an older couple.

[Anonymous]

I would suggest looking at shelters an hour or two outside of this area - WV, down in rural VA, etc. Like you said, all shelters and rescues up here are completely overwhelmed.

[Anonymous]

I adopted a dog a couple of weeks ago. I found him at the Montgomery County animal shelter and emailed his foster parent directly, and we talked about the dog and we saw the dog through FaceTime. The Montgomery county animal shelter is using a rescue group to place dogs so I applied through them and when both they and the county approved we went to the foster parent directly and picked up the dog. We were allowed to foster him for 2-3 weeks and take him back if he is not a good fit.

It took about a week To go through the application process and we are really happy with the dog.

[Anonymous]

We just adopted a dog through Lucky Dog. While it felt like it took a long time it really just took a few weeks to get preapproved and then we had a dog within two weeks after preapproval. I think if you are looking for a puppy it is probably a lot harder. We got a one-year-old dog instead.

[Anonymous]

We adopted through K-9 Lifesavers. We agreed to adopt based on a photo and little other info soon after the dog was transported to this area. It’s crazy to adopt without knowing much about the dog, but I assume if we had waited to find out more, she would have been adopted by someone else before we got the chance. So far, it’s been great. The whole family loves her. She’s a great dog.

[Anonymous]

I know people that have adopted puppies and kittens since the pandemic started. It's possible!

[Anonymous]

I think rescues are overwhelmed with potential adopters. Some rescues said they will only contact you if you’ve completed their application. If you’re just emailing a question, no response.

Sounds like you already have a dog? I was looking at a few dogs at PetConnect that can only go to homes that already have a dog:
https://www.petconnectrescue.org/adopt/adopt-a-dog/#action_0=pet&animalID_0=15616874&petIndex_0=13

https://www.petconnectrescue.org/adopt/adopt-a-dog/#action_0=pet&animalID_0=15637507&petIndex_0=18

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I adopted a dog a couple of weeks ago. I found him at the Montgomery County animal shelter and emailed his foster parent directly, and we talked about the dog and we saw the dog through FaceTime. The Montgomery county animal shelter is using a rescue group to place dogs so I applied through them and when both they and the county approved we went to the foster parent directly and picked up the dog. We were allowed to foster him for 2-3 weeks and take him back if he is not a good fit.

It took about a week To go through the application process and we are really happy with the dog.

This is the same for me and I rescued a cat. We are currently in our 2 week foster situation but couldn't be happier! Most of the communication was with the current foster parent who was very knowledgeable.

[Anonymous]

We adopted a dog right before shelter in places started. Puppies were already very sought after.

Dogs & puppies on websites may already be spoken for or have many applications in, but if you apply they should be able to tell you new ones that are arriving. You may need to be okay with taking a dog without meeting it.

We found Lucky Dog and Small Miracles (out of Ellicot City) were both helpful in that regard.

[Anonymous]

We adopted about a month ago. Originally found him on Petfinder, but he was with DC Area Weimaraner Rescue. He's 8. Crazy as hell, but absolutely delicious. He follows me around like a stalker. I adore him.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried City Dogs? We had an easy time with them, granted it was just of the cusp of the pandemic so things hadn't locked down yet.