‘GMA’ Unleashed: What to Know About Dog Adoption

— -- "Good Morning America" is teaming up with animal shelters to spotlight dog adoption in a new series called "'GMA' Unleashed." There are so many dogs in need of homes across the country, and over the coming weeks, "GMA" hopes to help some of them get adopted.

If you're considering adopting a dog, there are some factors to take into account and important questions to ask yourself to find a dog that will be compatible with your lifestyle, according to Christina Travalja, the shelter director of the North Shore Animal League America.

The Port Washington, N.Y.-based animal rescue and adoption center has rescued over 1,000,000 dogs and cats since 1944 and found permanent homes for approximately 1,800 animals annually.

Travalja answered some commonly asked questions about the adoption process and shared her best advice for finding a dog that will match your lifestyle. Read below her edited responses.

1. What should everyone know before the adoption process begins?

Before considering the adoption of a pet, it's important for the individual or family to ask themselves a few questions:

-Am I ready to make a 10- to 15-year commitment?

-What type of dog am I looking for in terms of size, age, breed?
-Do I have the time to take care of a pet?
-Am I financially able to care for a pet?
-Am I allowed to have a pet where I live? Any restrictions?

2. What is the adoption process like?

Our trained counselors and volunteers will help you find the pet that best fits your lifestyle. Potential adopters are able to freely walk through the adoption center and interact with the pets available for adoption. Once someone decides that they’d like to see a pet they are able to take the pet out and spend as much time as they would like getting to know him or her. We are able to bring older puppies and dogs outdoors to spend time in one of our dog parks or even meet the resident dog if applicable. It is recommended that the whole household come down to the League to participate in the adoption of the new family member.

Once the individual or family has decided they would like to adopt, an adoption application is filled out and gone over by one of our managers. North Shore Animal League typically does same-day adoptions.

3. What's your top piece of advice for those considering dog adoption?

My advice would be that the individual or family ensures that their lifestyle allows for a dog and when visiting a shelter, they have a general idea of the type of pet they’re looking for. One must also think about how many hours the pet may be alone in the home for. If no one is home for more than four to five hours adopting a puppy is likely not a good idea. In this case an older puppy or adult may be a better match.

4. What are things to keep in mind about the dogs at the shelter and things to know before a shelter visit?

It’s important to keep in mind that the personality of some dogs at the shelter may not shine through right away. They may need time and patience to come out of their shell. Also, a dog or puppy may act very differently once taken out of their run or crate. If you’re interested in a dog, let someone know you’d like to spend time with him or her in a meet and greet area. It’s important to know that our staff and volunteers will always work with you on making the right match. It’s important to take any offered advice.

5. What questions should you ask during your visit?

Our adoption counselors and trained volunteers always educate the potential adopter on the puppy or dog they’re interested in. We will go over the pet’s age, how big they may potentially be when full grown, vaccination and spay and neuter history, exercise and grooming needs and any other past history we have.

The questions you ask may be determined by other factors. Do you have children? Other pets? It is also important to ask what you may need to buy for your new pet. We have a pet store on campus and a list of essential items every new pet owner needs.

6. How do you know if a dog will be compatible with your family and lifestyle?

It is important to ask what breed(s) the dog may be and see if they may be a good match. We have a breed book which details several different common breeds up for adoption that each individual or family can read before deciding on that new pet.

For example, someone who is less active should not adopt an Australian Cattle Dog, but perhaps a Bulldog may be a good match as they do not need as much exercise. On the other hand, a Bulldog probably wouldn’t be a good match for a runner. It’s all about making the right match.

It’s important to note that some dogs may not do well in the extremely warm or extremely cold weather, this should be taken into consideration.

You must also remember that some dogs may need more grooming than others.

7. You did it! When I bring my adopted dog home, what are some important things to know?

It’s important to make sure you have all necessary supplies for your new pet. This would include, food, bowls, an appropriate collar, leash, chew toy, training treats, wee-wee pads (if adopting a puppy), training crate, etc.

It is important to set-up your home and also meet with everyone in the household to go over the new daily routine and possibly some new house rules.

You may have to set up some gates and a training crate. It’s also important if you have a backyard to remember to always supervise the dog and ensure there are no ways for him or her to get out.

Most importantly, you must always remember that caring for a new pet requires a lot of patience, routine and of course nurturing. Always give your new pet time to adjust to their new environment and be prepared for a few mistakes. After time you’ll find that you’ve found your new best friend!