{"id":4957,"date":"2021-09-17T13:53:25","date_gmt":"2021-09-17T17:53:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pawboost.com\/blog\/?p=4957"},"modified":"2024-01-25T14:28:07","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T19:28:07","slug":"tips-for-adopting-retired-service-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pawboost.com\/blog\/tips-for-adopting-retired-service-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Adopting a Service Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This guest article is contributed by Curtis Lawson (Editor at <\/em>ProjectGunner.com<\/em><\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Guide to Service Dog Adoption<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever wondered what happens when service dogs<\/a> and military dogs reach the end of their careers but still have many years of life ahead of them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, many of these dutiful dogs are adopted into new forever homes as pets. But would a former service dog suit a gun owner for life as a companion in the hunting field, or perhaps someone who is looking for a retired service dog to be their furry friend?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more,\nread this guide for some top tips on adopting retired service dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo Credit: Ralph Kayden via Unsplash<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What\nKind Of Dog Do You Want?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First of all,\ndecide what kind of dog you want to adopt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if\nyou\u2019re an outdoorsy person who likes to spend much of their time hiking, you\nwant a fit, athletic dog that loves to go for long walks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you\nprefer to spend your time pottering in your backyard and relaxing in your home,\nyou want an older, quieter pup that\u2019s accustomed to doing the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adopting Retired and Failed Service Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Start your search for a retired service dog<\/a> with a simple online search for \u201cservice dog training programs.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find a\nlist of facilities that offer training for service dogs in your area, together\nwith contact information. Take a look at the websites, and you\u2019ll find some\nwill offer their \u201cfailed\u201d or \u201ccareer change\u201d service dogs for adoption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sites will\nalso tell you what dogs are available, and they may have online application\nforms that you can fill out. You can also reach out to these organizations to\nask any questions you have about the dog\u2019s training, the adoption process, and\nwhether the dog would be a good fit for you and your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo Credit: Dzmitry Dudov via Unsplash<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Adoption\nProcess<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The process to\nadopt a former service dog varies, depending on the organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, these\ndogs are highly trained and family-friendly, so demand for them is very high.\nThat means you might have a long wait for a dog to become available. Also,\nadoption fees vary widely, ranging from free to a good home to thousands of\ndollars, reflecting the dogs\u2019 training and the demand for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what kind of\nservice dogs are there to choose from?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo Credit: Jusdevoyage via Unsplash<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Police\nDogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Retired police dogs<\/a> are often adopted by their handlers, while others go to forever homes once they come to the end of their service career, generally at around nine or ten years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The adoption\nprocess for these animals is somewhat lengthy and arduous. You and your family\nmight need to be interviewed, and your home will probably be inspected for\nsuitability. The police might also require a reference from your veterinarian,\ngiving details of your pet-keeping history. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, you\u2019ll need to have a fenced yard and give assurances that you won\u2019t move home within six months and that you\u2019ll provide the dog with sufficient exercise, training, and veterinary care<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several\nbreeds that work in K9 units, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n