Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wp-accessibility domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/capdtca/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the astra domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/capdtca/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121
Getting an Adult or Rescue Dog – Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Logo
Logo

Getting an Adult or Rescue Dog

There are some amazing adult dogs available in Canada for adoption. Many municipal shelters can be found easily in their phone book.  Dogs coming from these shelters will likely already be neutered or spayed, been groomed and have had any needed urgent medical attention. They MAY have had any behaviour issues identified and addressed and MAY come with a trial period to determine whether the dog is a good fit for your family (depending on the quality of the shelter).  Most of the dogs in shelters have come from Canadian homes or have been found as stray.  The best way to find shelters in your area is to Google search for “Humane Society” (SPCA in Quebec).  We would encourage you NOT to buy a dog on Kijiji:
  • purchasing a puppy or dog on Kijiji can mean that you are supporting puppy mills or will unknowingly get a street dog or puppy bred in another country – sometimes with foreign diseases.
  • you could also be getting a dog from a large-scale commercial breeder who has had a return
  • remember that if you are getting an older dog there is probably an unknown reason that the family is getting rid of the dog.  At times, this reason could be because it BIT a member of their family and they are afraid a shelter might euthanize the dog that they really do love.  So they think they are finding the dog a good home.  Unfortunately, many times the family will not take the dog back and refund your money if there is a problem after the purchase.
Dog and trainer high five, outdoors- Getting an adult or rescue dog

Going through a shelter or a GOOD quality rescue can help weed these dogs out.

Dogs from rescues vary in quality and some may be imported from foreign countries. We would encourage you to read this detailed article when you are looking at purchasing a rescue dog.  The author is a longtime CAPDT member and her advice is excellent!