Dog Adoption in Nigeria

As Nigerians, we are good people - accommodating, hardworking and willing to help.

But there's an area of our lives we need to beam searchlight on. And it's simply how we treat the animals around us.

There are instances where cats are called witches, and dogs are killed for meat.

I know you're already saying that this practice is still common in other countries of the world.

You're right.

In fact, according to the Animal Welfare Institute, dog meat is still eaten by many people in China, South Korea, Philippines, and Vietnam.

But if we continue in this practice, our beloved pets will continue to suffer and the lives of million Nigerians will continue to be at risk of contracting anthrax, salmonella, leptospirosis, brucellosis, hepatitis and rabies while sourcing, trading, killing, and eating dogs.

So, to prevent that from happening, we need to treat our animals differently. This is where the issue of dog adoption in Nigeria comes in.

Before you can adopt a dog into your home, you need to understand some basic things. In this post, we will show you the steps on how you can adopt a dog in Nigeria.

Why You Should Adopt a Dog in Nigeria

There are many stray dogs roaming the streets and villages in Nigeria due to lack of care on the part of their owners. Most of them end up dying because rescue organisations and animal shelters or dog pounds are rare in this part of the world.

But if you can adopt your dog instead of buying them, the number of stray animals can be reduced to the barest minimum and you end up saving the lives of these pets.

Besides saving the lives of our beloved pets, you can save money by adopting your next dog. This is especially true when you consider the high cost of importing and raising a puppy, the high cost of first vaccinations and licensing or even the cost that will be incurred while training newly bought pets.

Furthermore, by adopting your dog instead of buying them, you are indirectly putting unethical pet breeders out of business.

There's no cause that is so noble as discouraging people who put profits above animal freedom and welfare.

Dogs for Adoption in Nigeria and the Steps you Should take to get them

Sharing your home with an adopted pet is rewarding because of the huge benefits it can bring. However, there are steps you should take in the adoption process so as to enjoy these benefits to the fullest. This section will talk you through the various steps.

Step 1. Know the type of Dog you want to adopt

Many pets especially dog that end up as stray animals found themselves in that situation because their original owners didn't take time to know more about them.

Act differently by taking your time to find out the types of dogs that will be suitable for you, the breed, size, temperament and even the size of your household and monthly income.

You can do this by visiting the websites of the rescue organisations, animal shelters or dog pounds and scheduling a meet and greet with them to enable you to choose the right dog.

This step may be tasking but it will prevent you from adopting an animal that you do not like or have the means of taking care of. This in turn will reduce your chances of abandoning the animal in future.

Step 2. Get Your Home Ready

Once you have researched and know the best pet that will be suitable for you to adopt, start preparing your home for the arrival.

Dogs are curious and will likely want to explore every part of your home.

So, check whether you have substances that can be harmful to your newly adopted pet.

Edible items such as avocado, alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, garlic, grapes, onions, marijuana, salt, xylitol should be kept in places that are inaccessible to your dog.

This is because these items and many others are regarded by the Food and Drug Administration as potentially dangerous items for your pet.

Step 3. Shop for Dog Supplies ahead of time

You don't have to wait until your dog arrives before purchasing basic supplies.

Waiting can turn an enjoyable arrival experience of your new dog into a stressful one considering the fact that you need to search for the supplies that will be suitable for your dog.

You should have the following basic dog supplies handy before your dog arrives.

Feeding and Drinking Supplies

Your new dog will eat and drink. Therefore, shopping for feeding and drinking items should be a top priority.

Ensure that the size of your dog is taken into consideration to avoid feeders that are either too big or too small for your dog.

Quality Dog Food

Your veterinarian must have recommended the best dog food that will be appropriate for your dog.

It's time to shop for them while awaiting the arrival of your dog.

Pay attention to the ingredients that are listed on the dog food labels and opt for the one that has quality protein from a specified animal as the top five ingredients.

Don't be deceived by products that use great taste as their selling points because without giving the necessary nutrients to your dog, the taste of the food is useless.

Collars, Harnesses and Leashes

There are times when you will step out with your dog. Getting appropriate collars, harnesses or leashes should be on your list.

Again, go for the collars, harnesses and leashes that will fit snugly to the neck of your dog.

There are different types but we generally recommend leather leashes since they're durable and affordable.

Retractable and chain leashes may be difficult to operate especially if you are using them for the first time.

Step 4. Adopt your Dog

If you have seen the right dog, get the home ready and shop for dog supplies, it's time to carry on with the adoption process.

Generally, you will be asked many questions bordering on your household, level of income and ability to take care of the dog you're about to adopt.

Provide the right answers and you will be asked to pay a certain amount of money for neutering or spaying of the dog you're about to adopt.

After this is done, take your dog home and start socialisation and training.

You can train your dog by yourself or hire a professional dog trainer with many years of experience in dog training to handle the job for you.

Dog Pounds or Animal Rescue in Nigeria

There are some dog pounds in Nigeria that have dogs for adoption.

One of such organisations is SaintMarks Animal Hospital and Shelter that is located in Ajah, Lagos.

Here, you can adopt your dog or any other pets and also send your pets for rehabilitation and treatment instead of abandoning them.

Besides adopting your dog from a dog pound or Animal Rescue organisation, you can also meet any dog owner near you and express interest in adopting their pet especially if you realise that they're having difficulties in taking care of them.

This experience can be equally rewarding if done correctly.

Conclusion

The task of reducing the number of stray dogs and protecting the welfare of animals in Nigeria should not be left solely on the shoulders of the government.

As an individual, you can help in curbing this menace by adopting your next pet instead of buying them from pet stores and unethical dog breeders.

As there are very few rescue organisations and dog pounds currently in the country, you can adopt from your neighbours, relatives and people that are having difficulties in taking care of their pets.

But before doing this, ensure that any pet you want to adopt is duly licensed and vaccinated.