There are tons of articles on the Internet and even in magazines urging you to choose your next pet from a pet rescue. They even take the time to tell you why choosing an animal from a rescue is a great choice. However, these article fail to tell you how to go about finding a breed specific rescue or how to choose a pet from a beagle rescue once you find them. This article will give you tips both on finding a beagle rescue and on choosing your new four-legged family member from one.
Finding A Breed Specific Rescue
Finding a Beagle rescue near where you live is actually quite easy. A simple search on your computer should pull up several rescues in your state. Type in the words beagle rescue, then the name of the state you live in. From the list you are given, you simply choose those rescues near you. Many beagle rescue shelters have online websites where you can learn a little about the rescue shelter and some of the pets they have placed. This will give you some idea of how active the rescue shelter is and the approximate ages of most the beagles they place for adoption.
The next step is to then call the Rescue and ask to pay them a visit. Go for your visit prepared to explain to the worker or volunteer what you are looking for in a rescue and what you can offer your new pet in terms of companionship, love and a permanent stable home. If you have had experience working or owning beagles before be sure to share that experience with the beagle rescue shelter, this will help them help you find the right beagle.
Discuss with them the unknowns you are willing to accept as well as any health or behavior issues you and family feel qualified to deal with. The more they know about you, your family, your lifestyle and your needs and desires the better able they will be to help match you with the right beagle.
Before filling out an application for adoption, make sure that the beagle rescue meets your standards for cleanliness and of care of the dogs. Ask whether you might see the dogs they have available and if the worker will tell you about any dogs you might be interested in. In most cases the beagle you will take home is a combination of one you choose and one the rescue feels is right for your family.
While keeping in mind that most beagle rescue shelters will have both new arrivals and ones that have been there awhile, make note if the majorities of the animals in their care seem shy or afraid. While a new arrival that has a history of mistreatment may be shy and skittish, beagles who have been with the rescue for several weeks or months should be more open and friendly if they are getting the care and affection that they need.
If the beagle rescue seems clean and neat, the caretakers loving and concerned about the animals in their care and the animals reasonably socialized then go ahead and fill in an application. While you are there you might want to ask about the possibility of fostering a beagle to see if it is a good fit with your family before taking the final step to adopt.
