Adopting a furry companion to share your home and life with is exciting and rewarding. But for many first-time adopters, the decision can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of adorable dogs in shelters, all looking for a happy forever home.
To help you maximise your match, we asked for input from two prominent shelters in Malaysia: KL
Pooch Resort and Rescue (KLPR) in Kalumpang, Hulu Selangor and SPCA Penang.These organisations offer slightly different approaches, allowing you to gain insight into the process, so you can find the right furry friend for you.
Adopting a dog is just like dating. Before stepping into a shelter, consider your lifestyle and what you expect from a dog.
KL Pooch Resort founder Shannon Lam emphasises the key is to match both your and the dog’s needs. “We first ask you about your expectations, how much you are at home, and how much experience you have parenting a dog.”
SPCA Penang administrator Lily Leng adds that knowing the details of your living situation is helpful too. “We ask you to tell us about your lifestyle. Like, do you live in an apartment or landed property? How many people are at home, and who will be responsible for the dog?”
This initial conversation is a setting of the scene.
Both shelters pride themselves on their intimate knowledge of the dogs they care for. “Our staff and volunteers know the dogs well,” Leng explains. “They play with them, feed them, walk them, and so we know their character and needs.”
At KL Pooch Resort, Lam mentions their approach takes in dog psychology too. “We know our dogs well, and we know how they behave when they’re with the pack, but we also know them as individuals.”
This thorough understanding is important because dogs often behave differently when in a shelter than at home – like kids at school are different from being alone or with a friend at home.
One of the standout features at KL Pooch Resort is their flexible approach to match potential adopters with dogs.
“We sometimes take two dogs or even three, so you can pick,” Lam states, highlighting their commitment to finding the right fit. “We’ve also done swaps. And if it doesn’t work, we take the dog back.”
Leng emphasises that potential adopters can take their time to find the right dog at SPCA Penang: “After we’ve talked, we introduce you to dogs that we think you’ll like. You can play with the dog in our compound, so you get a feel for each other.”
“Some people like the first dog we suggest, others come back and decide over a few visits.”
This welcoming atmosphere encourages families to explore various options, making the decision- making process less rushed.
You see the fluffy dog and it’s adorable – until you realise that cutie needs an hour of combing every single day plus an expensive spa every month.
As shelters have so many adorable dogs, sensible staff will be on hand to make sure you adopt a pet that suits your lifestyle and experience.
“Generally speaking, puppies are hard work,” Leng notes. “So if you’re elderly or have old folks at home, an older dog is a better choice.”
At KL Pooch Resort, Lam mentions their variety of dogs suited for different lifestyles. “We have quieter companion dogs as well as nice dogs that are good at barking if you want a pet that also functions as a burglar alarm.”
Whatever you’re looking for, it’s likely the shelter can help you secure a good match.
For the thousands of dogs in the shelters, there are thousands more euthanised every year because there are too few homes. Therefore, both organisations prioritize responsible pet ownership.
If you take an adult dog, the adoption fee (standard rates are RM250-RM350) includes neutering, vaccinations, defleaing and a host of other services. It’s a great deal!
But if you take a young pup that too small to go through all this, you will have to promise to complete the process. Lam insists on neutering, and Leng’s organisation goes one step further.
“We strongly encourage neutering for all dogs, and for female dogs, we make it compulsory,” Leng
explains. “When you adopt a young female, you promise to neuter, and we take a deposit. We refund it as soon as you send us the vet bill showing it’s done.”
As you can see, shelters have slightly different ways of working, but the underlying theory is the same. Although it’s tempting to rush, good prep and lots of consultation will help you make the best match.
Whether you decide to visit KL Pooch Resort and Rescue, SPCA Penang or another organisation, choosing a dog from a shelter is a wonderful experience.
