Five top reasons to adopt a dog: President of the Animal Welfare League Australia (AWLA), Fiona Webster
Adopting a dog changes a person and a dog’s life. But there are five key questions experts say you must consider beforehand.
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“With thousands of lost and abandoned dogs in need around Australia, adopting is a rewarding and fulfilling experience which allows you to give a desperate animal their second chance.”
President of the Animal Welfare League Australia (AWLA), Fiona Webster, discusses the importance of adopting a dog.
1. Why should people consider dog adoption?
Aside from changing an animal’s life for the better, there are also many benefits to adopting a dog from a welfare organisation.
Dogs available for adoption have been microchipped, desexed, vaccinated and health checked. Plus, training, behaviour and personality traits of the dog are known to the organisation and can be communicated to help families choose pets suited to their homes.
2. What role does the AWLA play in adopting dogs?
Animal Welfare League Australia (AWLA) is a registered charity and not-for-profit representing the national interests of its state-based member organisations, which deliver rescue, shelter, rehoming, foster care, veterinary care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 vulnerable companion animals every year.
Our members are Animal Welfare League of Qld (AWLQ), Sydney Dogsand Cats Home, Saving Animals from Euthanasia (SAFE Inc) in Western Australia, Animal Welfare League of SA (AWLSA), Lort Smith in Victoria, and Dogs’ Home of Tasmania. Our members have more than 300 years of combined experience in the delivery of better outcomes for companion animals.
AWLA supports them by conducting programs of national significance, such as fundraising campaigns, collaborating on policies and practices, and advocacy on the need for pet-friendly accommodation and pets in aged-care settings. Our research shows that a more pet-friendly Australia will reduce animal surrender rates to animal welfare services and promote the irrefutable health benefits of the human-animal bond for the pet owner and their pet.
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3. What are the main considerations people should think about before choosing a dog?
The first and most important thing to consider when looking to adopt is your lifestyle and how you think a dog would fit into this.
The average dog’s lifespan is well over a decade, and while circumstances change, it’s vital that you have thought ahead for how the dog will fit into your life now, and in the future.
Once you’ve considered these points, you can start thinking about the type of dog that would suit your circumstances. Things to consider are size, energy levels, coat types, age, and most importantly if the dog’s personality is a match for your home.
Adopting is an exciting time, and getting a new pet is something that needs to be thoroughly thought through before bringing them home.
4. Are you able to ensure the right dog is matched to the right person/family?
Each of AWLA’s state bodies is rigorous in ensuring that potential adopters have considered all the aspects of pet ownership before adoption and whether the dog they have selected fits their lifestyle and home.
For example, adopters are encouraged to spend time getting to know an animal before adopting them. After this, our teams offer advice on the dog’s personality and ask the interested party a range of questions to help adopters gain more insight into their suitability.
The ability to place a dog on “hold” after having met it is an excellent example of how adopters are encouraged to consider the adoption and to take the time to ensure their home and family is ready. If they are still keen to adopt after this period, they return to the organisation and take their newest family member home.
5. What are the benefits of adopting a dog?
Adopting a dog from a welfare organisation holds many benefits for pet owners, the most important of course is the opportunity to give a second chance to an animal in need.
Other benefits include that while in care, the dog has had their health and behaviour needs met and assessed, including training, microchipping, desexing, vaccinating, and worm and flea treatments.
Not only does this significantly reduce the initial costs of pet ownership, but it also means the dogs are ready to jump straight into life in their home. Welfare organisations can also offer expert support to owners after the adoption, with a full understanding of the dog’s personality and needs, helping owners and their dogs to create strong, lasting bonds.
Studies have proven physical and mental health benefits of owning a dog, and while adopting a dog will change their life, they will also change yours too.
For more information about adopting a dog, visit AWLA.
Originally published as Five top reasons to adopt a dog: President of the Animal Welfare League Australia (AWLA), Fiona Webster