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ADOPTION CHECKLIST
FOR DOGS
STERILIZATION - ADJUSTMENT - HEALTH
CARE / TRAINING - GENERAL

STERILIZATION
REQUIRED BY LAW - All pets adopted from the WVHS are altered before they leave the shelter.

ADJUSTMENT
BE PATIENT- CALL US! - New pets may take days or weeks to settle in; may hide or try to escape.

CONFINEMENT - Be sure your yard is secure, watch for open doors, and keep the dog on a leash when outside of the house or yard.

OTHER PETS - Introduce your new pet with caution and supervise closely. Don't force the pets on each other or leave them alone together until you are certain that they are completely comfortable with each other. Give the original pet extra love and attention. CALL US if you encounter problems.

CHILDREN - Supervise children very closely. Stress gentle handling, holding properly, and no teasing or "hand wrestling". Make sure children leave the pet alone when the pet is sleeping, eating, urinating or defecating.

TIME WITH YOU - Your dog needs to spend lots of time with you now and throughout its life. Your dog will become a secure, healthy, happy and loving companion when it is able to spend the majority of its time with you- its friend and companion. PLEASE don't leave your dog outside or alone for long periods of time: Puppys 2 to 3 hours, Dogs 7 to 8 hours.

HEALTH
RABIES - The first shot is required by law at four months.

TAPEWORM - Contracted from fleas; small white squiggly segments around anus or dry, brown rice-like pieces where dog sleeps. See vet.

HEARTWORM - This is a mosquito transmitted disease. It has spotty distribution. Discuss prevention with your veterinarian.

FLEAS - Use flea comb, flea dip, shampoos, sprays or powders. Flea collars are NOT recommended. Flea allergy is very common, so please see your vet at the first signs of an allergy. DO NOT use any flea killing agent not recommended by your vet.

TICKS, FOXTAILS, BURRS - Learn to recognize them. Check dog several times a week. If there is a foxtail in eye or ear, see your vet immediately. Foxtails can be extremely dangerous to dogs.

GROOMING - Brush regularly. Clip mats (often behind the ears), clean eyes, ears, and trim nails. Have a professional groomer or your vet instruct you in the proper methods.

POISONS - Many common household cleaning agents, houseplants, outdoor plants and garden products are toxic to dogs. Call vet at once if poisoning suspected; save bottle or piece of plant. "Baby Proof" your house.

CARE / TRAINING
DIET

• PUPPIES - Three small meals per day.
• DOGS - Two meals per day. A high quality dry food available at your local pet store is recommended. Fresh water at all times! Avoid canned food, table scraps, moist burgers, etc.
• NO GENERIC FOOD!

HOUSEBREAKING - Take to designated spot as soon as you get home. Praise for success. Never punish for mistakes. Take out after meals, drinking, play, sleeping. Feed on a regular schedule. CALL US if you have any problems.

EXERCISE - Regular walks (on leash) essential for all but very small house dogs, but even small dogs enjoy a walk. All dogs benefit from PLAY!

LEASH LAWS - Dogs must be in your home, in your fenced yard, or on a leash. It must not run around at large.

PICK-UP TRUCKS - It is against the law to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck unless it is crated or properly cross-tied.

GENERAL
RETURNS - We expect every adoption to be permanent. When you adopt an animal from us, you take its life in your hands. If you have problems, CALL US! If problems cannot be worked out and you cannot keep the dog, it should be returned to the WVHS. The dog will be reevaluated at that time for health, temperament, and space available. This will determine if the animal will be put back up for adoption.

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