Adopting a dog in Uganda (what you need to know first)

After weaning (3 months and onwards),

Read about adopting a dog vs. buying a dog.

• Identification details, e.g., national ID, passport
• Ability to provide the dog with its necessities.

Yes, they make good pets, as long as you are a good and responsible dog parent.

From streets, poor communities with high dog populations, other shelters or rescue centers that have closed, good samaritan people who bring sick dogs to shelters, etc.

Most dogs are free, except for a few that are spayed, castrated, or had costly procedures done on them. You are required to pay a few pennies for the dog.

However, even if you get a dog for free, it’s logical to donate some money to support the activities at the shelter

No, they do not; if you adopt a dog, you are responsible for all the vet bills.

Yes, they can, if you fail to give the dog the life he deserves or violate the MOU.

Yes, not every person who goes to the shelter is eligible to adopt a dog.

• History of anti-animal welfare activities.
• Financially unstable to care for the dog’s needs
• Failure to provide a strong reason why you should adopt a dog.
• Your occupation, e.g., dog breeder’s, dog butcher’s, etc.

• Why do you want to adopt a dog?
• Are you a first-time dog parent?
• Your marital status
• Are other family members ready to accept a dog as a family member?
• Your occupation
• Is your home dog-friendly?

Some do, ask the caretakers for all the needs of the dog you have selected.

• Yes, you can, but it is awful. As a dog parent, you must correct those unwanted behaviors for your baby.
• Consult the nearby dog behaviorist or trainer.
• No human is 100% perfect, and neither are dogs.

• Consult the previous caretakers at the shelter to learn how they used to deal with such behaviors.
• Consult a dog behaviorist or trainer.

• For most shelters, you permanently own the adopted dog if you give it what it needs.
• It depends on the MOU you had with the shelter.

Yes, you can, but first, inform the shelter about your plans.

Approximately 7–30 days

Yes, ask for the vaccination card.

Continue with the same food he has been eating at the shelter; if you want to change his food, make it gradually.

As much as you can, depending on your income level, it can be weekly, monthly, or annually.

• To pay rent, workers, electricity, water, and repair cages.
• Buy dog food, drugs, vaccines, fuel, etc.

Immediately take the dog back to the shelter and let them know why

Answer these 21 questions to help you assess if you are ready to be a dog parent.

A lot of joy and relief

A dog is a family member. Adding a family member is a lot of responsibility, so take your time to decide