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Adopt a dog - these options are available

November 23, 2023

The decision to adopt a dog is a wonderful step towards giving an animal a loving home and enriching your life at the same time. In Switzerland and abroad, there are many dogs waiting for a new home - from street dogs to puppies that have been abandoned for various reasons. There are also many dogs abroad that are in need and waiting for loving families.

Adopting a dog is a responsible process that should be carefully considered. In this blog post, we look at the different options for adopting a dog, both in Switzerland and abroad, and go through the necessary steps to help you find a four-legged companion that fits perfectly into your life. We work with the animal welfare organization H.Á.L.A., which does great work with dogs without families in Hungary, but there are also many other great animal welfare organizations that need support.

We also look at legal aspects and give tips on how to prepare yourself and your home for the new addition to the family. Adopting a dog, whether from home or abroad, can be a rewarding experience and offers the chance to change the life of a dog in need for the better.

Why adopt a dog?

Black dog on a meadow path before sunset

Adopting a dog can be one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. When you adopt a dog, you are not only saving a life, but also gaining a loyal companion. Many dogs in shelters and rescue organizations are looking for homes where they will receive love, safety and the care they need. These dogs come from a variety of backgrounds - some have been abandoned, others rescued or had to be surrendered by their owners for various reasons.

By adopting a dog, you are not only contributing to animal welfare, but also supporting the non-profit organizations that care for these animals. In addition, adopted dogs often provide a unique emotional connection and loyalty. Their gratitude and love can be a great asset to your life.

Back to Dog guide

Adopt a dog - Finding the right match

Adopting a dog can be done in various ways, such as through animal shelters or animal welfare organizations that offer a wide selection of dogs. Another option is to adopt street dogs through specialized organizations or international animal welfare groups such as H.Á.L.A. When choosing the right dog, it is important to consider your circumstances and experience. A visit to an animal shelter or rescue organization can help you find a dog that is a good fit for your lifestyle. The decision to adopt a dog should be considered carefully and take into account the needs of both the dog and yourself to ensure a harmonious relationship.

Legal aspects of dog adoption in Switzerland

When adopting a dog in Switzerland, there are some legal aspects to consider that may differ from those in other countries. It is important to be aware of these particularities to ensure that the adoption goes smoothly.

One of the first steps is to register your dog. In Switzerland, all dogs must be registered in the national pet register ANIS. This involves identifying the dog with a microchip and entering the owner's contact details.

In addition, some cantons have specific regulations regarding dog ownership. These may include requirements for keeping, training and insurance. It is advisable to find out about these specific regulations from the relevant municipal administration or cantonal authorities.

If you adopt a dog from abroad, additional legal regulations must be observed, particularly with regard to the transportation and import of dogs. These regulations may vary depending on the dog's country of origin.

By complying with these legal requirements, you will ensure that your dog adoption is not only a joyful experience, but also a legally secure one. Please note that the legal framework may differ in other countries and inform yourself accordingly if you are planning to adopt a dog from abroad.

Preparing for the arrival of an adopted dog

The arrival of an adopted dog in your home is an exciting event. To ensure that the acclimatization process goes as smoothly as possible for you and the dog, there are some important steps you should take in advance.

Create a safe and cozy space: Your new dog needs its own area where it can feel safe and secure. Set up a cozy place to sleep, preferably in a quiet corner of the house or in a kennel where he can retreat.
Provide dog accessories: Make sure you get all the necessary paraphernalia such as food and water bowls, lead, collar, toys and grooming items. Some toys can help break the ice and strengthen the bond with your new four-legged friend.
Take safety measures: Check your home and garden for potential hazards for the dog. Make sure that your garden is securely fenced and that no poisonous plants or dangerous objects are within reach.
Food and diet plan: Find out about the dog's previous diet and try to stick to it at first to avoid digestive problems. Later, you can gradually switch to the food you have chosen.
Find a vet: It is advisable to look for a good vet in your area in advance. An early health check is important to check the health of your new companion.
Patience and understanding: Understand that settling in takes time. Every dog is different and needs different amounts of time to get used to a new home.

By making these preparations, you can give your new family member a smooth transition into their new home and lay the foundations for a long and happy relationship.

Adoption of street dogs

Adopting street dogs can be a particularly fulfilling experience as you provide a loving home for a dog that may have had a hard life. However, these dogs may have special needs, whether due to trauma, health issues or lack of socialization. It's important to prepare for the fact that street dogs need time and patience to build trust and get used to living in a home.

If you would like to adopt a street dog, it is best to contact reputable animal welfare organizations that have experience with such cases. They can offer valuable support with acclimatization and any necessary behavioural therapy.

Adopt a puppy

Adopting puppies also requires careful consideration. While puppies are adorable, they require a lot of attention, training and care. It's important to realize that puppies are a long-term commitment and require a lot of time and patience to raise.

Be careful with impulse adoptions or purchases, especially if you come across offers on the Internet. Unfortunately, there are scammers who try to take advantage of uninformed prospective buyers. To spot scammers, look for signs such as a lack of information about the specific dog, pushing for a quick payment without a prior viewing, or offering puppies at suspiciously low prices. Reputable sellers will always be willing to answer questions, and they will usually also be interested in knowing if their dog is going to a good home.

Remember that adopting a dog, whether a street dog or a puppy, is a serious commitment. Take the time to make the right decision and involve reputable sources and organizations in the adoption process.

Adopt a dog - The first meeting

The first meeting with a potential new dog is a crucial moment and should be carefully planned. It is important that this meeting takes place in a calm and stress-free environment to give the dog the opportunity to relax and show its true nature. Be patient and give the dog time to get to know you. Observe how the dog reacts to you and your family and watch for signs of fear or aggression.

Don't bring too many expectations to the first meeting. Not every dog will bond right away, and that's completely normal. It's about getting a feel for whether the dog will fit in with your lifestyle and your family.

Health check and vaccinations

Before a dog moves into your home, it is important to have a comprehensive health check carried out. This should be carried out by a qualified vet and usually includes a general examination, vaccinations, worming and parasite check. Ask to see the dog's vaccination record and make sure all required vaccinations are up to date.

This health check is particularly important if you are adopting a stray dog or a dog from abroad, as these animals may have been exposed to additional health risks.

Settling in phase after adoption

The adjustment period after adoption can be challenging for both dog and owner. Give your new dog time to get used to its new surroundings, people and any other pets in the house. It is normal for dogs to be anxious or unsure in the first few days.

Create a quiet, cozy retreat for the dog where he can withdraw and relax. Keep the first few days calm and avoid overstimulation. It is also important to start consistent training and a routine immediately to give the dog security.

Give your dog lots of love and patience while he settles in. With time and the right support, he will get used to his new home and become a valuable member of your family.

Long-term commitment and responsibility

The decision to adopt a dog is more than just an emotional response - it is a long-term commitment and responsibility that must be taken seriously. A dog can live 10 to 15 years or longer, depending on its breed and health. During this time, you are responsible for its health, well-being and upbringing.

Adopting means committing to the dog's entire life, which includes regular veterinary care, adequate exercise, nutrition, training and, above all, lots of love and patience. It also requires a willingness to adapt to the challenges and changes in the dog's life - from the youthful energy of a puppy to the special needs of an older dog.

It is important to do your research before adopting and make sure you are ready and able to take on this responsibility. Remember that adopting a dog is a life-changing experience that brings a lot of joy, but also a lot of work.

All of the pictures of dogs you see in conjunction with the text in this blog post are of dogs adopted by the owners and staff of Sanilu. They are a wonderful example of how fulfilling and rewarding adopting a dog can be, and they emphasize our team's commitment to animal welfare and the responsibility that comes with adoption. If you are ready to make that commitment, adopting a dog can be one of the most rewarding decisions of your life.