How to Adopt a Dog / Puppy from the S.P.A.
-
Come to the S.P.A. during adoption hours, between 11-2, Monday-Saturday. Meet with the adoptions coordinator to answer a few questions so we can help find the best-suited pet for you. We will either bring you to Puppy World to meet young puppies or bring other dogs to meet you in the Jardin area.
-
After you have chosen the right one for you, the vet will give your pet an exit exam, answer your questions, give you some instructions, and discuss any further appointments your pet might need. There will be a free follow-up vet visit scheduled for about two weeks after the adoption.
-
If your puppy is too young to be sterilized, you will be asked to sign an agreement to bring the puppy back for sterilization when the time is right. All S.P.A. pets must be sterilized.
-
The cost to adopt a dog or puppy is 600 pesos which includes current vaccinations, deworming, and sterilization. If you are an S.P.A. member or join at the time of the adoption, you will receive a 10% discount off the cost of an adoption.
-
To make the transition easier, at the time of adoption, we offer an adoption kit for a donation of 250 pesos. It includes a leash, collar, starter food, toy, and instructions.
-
With the exception of young puppies, all dogs must have a collar and leash when you leave the S.P.A.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pet afterwards, please call us at 415-152-6124 so we can help you. We will call you within a few days after the adoption to check on you and your new pet.
Your Dog Needs:
Food ♥ Water ♥ A safe home ♥ Discipline & training ♥ Love, attention & care ♥ Exercise & playtime
Food and water: For the first few days, mix some of the dog’s S.P.A. food with his new food. Feed a very young puppy 3-4 times per day, gradually reducing to 3, then 2 times per day. Adults MAY be fed once per day, but twice per day is better for them. As the dog matures, you can add cooked chicken, without bones, to the diet. Never feed a dog chocolate or other candy, alcohol, avocados, caffeine, raisins, grapes, onions, or cooked bones! Water should always be available to your dog.
A place to sleep: Have a crate for the puppy to sleep in or use a box with a door cut out for easy access. Place a towel or blanket inside. An adult dog likes a crate too, or a dog bed.
Safety-indoors: Securely close all storage areas containing cleaning liquids, powders, poisons, and medications. Don’t use poisons in places your dog can reach. Remove plugs from outlets around unsupervised puppies. Be aware of dangerous items in your house and prevent your dog from having access to them.
Safety-outdoors: When your dog is outside by himself, make sure he is protected from the elements and his environment is secure. He should have shade and water available to him at all times. Make sure he always wears a name tag with your information on it. Always use a leash when you walk your dog.
House-training: Take your dog outside after eating and upon awakening. Puppies need to go out every 1-2 hours during the day. You can also teach your dog to relieve himself on newspaper in the house. Reward him with praise, treats, and lots of love when he does the right thing. Crate training is an additional house-training method which is highly successful.
Discipline: Be patient! Give your dog time to adjust. Use your voice and words for discipline – no hitting! Scold with a stern “no.” Let your hand go limp if your dog puts his teeth on your hand. Gently tap under the chin to release the bite. Do not tap on top of his head because he may develop a fear of movement from above.
Caring for your dog’s health: When you leave the S.P.A., you will be given an appointment to bring in your new pet for a free follow-up visit. Make sure you keep that appointment! Keep track of all vaccination requirements. Use flea and heart-worm preventative medication monthly. See the vet for any health concerns.
Play and bonding time: Spend time with your new pet! Pet him! Talk to him! Play with him! Enjoy him! Take him for regular walks. Meet others with possible playmates. Additional puppy issues: A puppy, like a baby, is helpless and needs assistance with eating and relieving themselves. He may cry because he’s lonesome. Reassure him that he is not alone, but ignore the crying. It will soon stop. Puppies like to chew a lot, especially before their adult teeth come in. Have chew toys for him. An old shirt with a knot is a good idea. They need to play. Try tug of war or throwing balls. Remind children to be gentle and careful with the puppy. Puppies should not be left outside by themselves and without supervision.
Other resources: YouTube (www.youtube.com) has videos on many dog questions such as house-training, obedience training, crate training, and teaching your dog tricks. Use key words to search the Internet for useful articles. Check the library for helpful books.