Thinking About Being Owned by a Dachshund?

Things To Know

The fact that you're thinking about adopting from Dachshund Rescue Australia means you are a responsible and caring person. But, before you make that decision to bring a dachshund into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:

Is a dachshund the right breed for me?

Dachshunds are a wonderful breed but they are not for every household. Please read our Dachshund FAQs here
Can you afford a dachshund?

Adoption fees range from $350 to $1500 based on the age and health of each individual dachshund. The costs of dachshund ownership can also be very high. Worm, tick and flea treatments, training classes, desexing, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, and other expenses add up quickly.
Why do you want a dog?

It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a dog. Adopting a dachshund just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that dogs may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
Do you have time for a dachshund?

Dachshunds cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in shelters and rescues are there because their owners didn't realise how much time it took to care for them.
Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a dachshund can cause?

Barking, flea infestations, chewed-up furniture, accidents from dachshunds who aren't yet toilet trained and unexpected veterinary emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of dachshund ownership.
Can you have a dog where you live?

Many rental homes and units don't allow pets. Make sure you check your rental agreement before anything.
Is it a good time for you to adopt a dachshund?

If you have children under six years old for instance, you might consider waiting before you bring a rescue dachshund into the family. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible and to be taught how to pick up and hold a dachshund and to leave them in peace when a dachshund has retreated to their bed. If you're a student, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.
Are your living arrangements suitable for a dachshund?

Some dachshunds are very active. They require a great deal of exercise and can be obsessive about having you throw that ball time and again, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a dachshund, do more research! Consider other breeds and talk to dachshund owners, this way, you'll be ensuring you choose a dog that will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.
Do you know who will care for your dachshund while you're away on vacation?

You'll need either reliable friends and neighbours or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
Will you be a responsible dachshund owner?

Obeying community leash and licensing laws, picking up after your dog when in public and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your dachshund love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the dachshund for his or her entire lifetime?

When you adopt a dachshund, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime, in sickness and in health.

Our Adoption Process

1. Apply - We appreciate you wanting to bring a dachshund into your home. In order for us to find the right home for our available dachshunds, we will need you to submit an adoption application. Our form is extensive to ensure the best possible fit.

2. Review - We will review your application upon receipt. If we have any questions or concerns, we will contact you for clarity.

3. Meet & Greet - Usually, all prospective new families must travel and come to meet the dachshund in its current home/foster environment to ensure that the dachshund is where it feels the most comfortable and can be itself. We want to make sure the dachshund is subjected to as least stress as possible, that you see the "real" them and vice versa!

If the meet and greet visit is successful and we have a match, a 2 week trial will be arranged.

4. Two Week Trial - If the trial is successful the adoption will be finalised.

Once our dachshund moves on to their forever home, we like to stay in touch with our families to ensure that all is going well and everyone is getting acclimated to each other. We are happy to assist you with any advice, suggestions or information that you need to help settle and acclimate your new family member into your home to make the transition as comfortable and stress free as possible.

Our goal is to make the adoption process a rewarding one and a good experience for all involved. We like to think of our dachshunds and their adopters as "DRA Rescue Ambassadors" that will spread the word about their positive experience with adopting a rescue dog and help others realize that there are many wonderful dachshunds and to consider 'Adopt before Shop.'