Boston Terrier Free to Good Home

PETSIDI – Are you looking to adopt a lovable Boston Terrier in need of a new forever family and home? This article provides an overview of Boston Terriers as a breed, what to expect when adopting one in need of rehoming, as well as how to provide them proper care, training, and love.

Overview of Boston Terriers

Boston Terriers, often affectionately called “American Gentlemen”, are lively, friendly, and social canine companions. Some key traits of the breed include:

• Size – Small breed, generally 10-25 lbs and 15-17 inches tall
• Coat – Short, fine, and sleek coat in black, seal, or brindle colors
• Temperament – Friendly, lively, intelligent and affectionate
• Energy Level – Moderately active indoor dogs that enjoy short walks
• Good with – Excellent family dogs that do well with children and other pets
• Lifespan – Generally 12-15 years
• Health issues – Respiratory problems, eye issues, allergies, patellar luxation

In summary, Boston Terriers make excellent companion dogs and family pets due to their fun-loving and affectionate personality. Their small size also makes them a good fit for most homes.

Reasons for Rehoming a Boston Terrier

There are a few main reasons why a Boston Terrier may need rehoming to a new family:

• The previous owner could no longer care for them due to health, financial problems, housing issues, etc.
• They were surrendered to a local animal shelter
• They are from an unwanted accidental litter
• Their previous living situation was unsafe or otherwise unfit

In many cases, Boston Terriers needing new homes are completely healthy, and friendly and make wonderful pets. Their previous families likely had no choice but to make the difficult decision to rehome them.

Adopting one of these dogs in need is extremely rewarding – you’re providing them a new chance at life in a safe and loving home!

Adoption Process and Requirements

The process for adopting a Boston Terrier in need from a shelter or rescue group typically involves the following:

• Completing an adoption application
• Providing vet references
• Home check/inspection
• Meeting any children and other pets already in the home
• Committing to proper lifetime care for the dog
• Signing an adoption agreement/contract

In addition, most shelters and rescues have the following requirements:

• Adopters must be at least 21 years of age
• No prior issues of animal cruelty or neglect
• Able to provide routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, checkups, heartworm/flea/tick medication
• Keep the dog as an indoor family member and not isolated from the family
• Use positive reinforcement training methods only
• License the dog and ensure they always wear ID tags
• Never use chains or tie-outs for the dog

Meeting these requirements ensures each adopted Boston goes to a responsible home able to meet all their life needs.

What to Expect When Adopting a Boston Terrier

Here is an overview of what prospective owners can expect when bringing an adopted Boston Terrier into their home:

Supplies Needed

• Food and water bowls
• Dog crate and beds
• Leash and harness
• Dog toys
• Grooming supplies like brushes, nail clippers

Initial Adjustment Period

Expect the dog to take some time to get used to the new home – be patient and allow them to acclimate to their schedule. Keep scheduling/activities low-key at first.

Potty Training

Assume the dog is not housebroken – be prepared to actively potty train using positive reinforcement. This may take several weeks to months.

Establishing Rules and Routines

• Use firm, consistent commands and establish house rules early on
• Maintain a consistent daily routine for feeding, walks, playtime

Ongoing Exercise Requirements

Boston Terriers are moderately active – and will need 30-45 minutes of daily activity via short walks and/or active play. Avoid overexertion in hot/humid weather.

Behavioral or Health Issues

While uncommon, some behavioral or health issues caused by previous trauma or neglect may emerge over the initial weeks. If severe medical or aggression issues manifest, return to the shelter/rescue may be an option. Maintain realistic expectations.

Building Strong Bond

With understanding, patience, and commitment, adopted Boston Terriers typically transform into wonderful, affectionate, and lively companions who build an extremely strong lifelong relationship with their owners.

Boston Terrier Characteristics and Care Requirements

As an owner of a Boston Terrier, there are some key things you need to know regarding their ongoing care requirements:

Caring for a Boston is a considerable commitment – they can potentially live over 12+ years. Ensure you are prepared to provide them with adequate lifelong care, veterinary treatment, exercise, nutrition, and of course, lots of love!

Finding Boston Terriers for Adoption

If you’re ready to adopt a Boston Terrier in need, check local:

• Animal shelters and rescue organizations
• Pet adoption websites like Petfinder.com
• Breed-specific Boston Terrier rescues
• Local pet adoption events and fairs

Reach out to promising shelters, rescues, or foster families about any potential Boston Terriers in need of rehoming. Expect competition from other applicants if adopting younger puppies.

Be patient – with persistence over weeks/months, you’ll likely find the perfect Boston Terrier pet for your home!

Questions to Ask and What to Look Out For

When meeting potential adoptable Boston Terriers, ask lots of questions to the current owner or rescue group:

Dog’s History and Background

• Where did they acquire the dog? Were they the only owner?
• Why do they need to rehome them?
• How have they interacted with children/other pets in the past? Any issues?

Health and Temperament

• Does the dog have any medical issues or take any medications?
• How would they describe the dog’s activity level and personality?
• Has the dog been spayed/neutered? Are they microchipped?

Ongoing Lifestyle Needs

• What type of food, walking schedule, and general care has the dog had?
• How have they trained the dog regarding housebreaking, obedience commands, and leash manners?
• Does the dog have any problematic behaviors you should be aware of?

Visiting the dog multiple times if possible allows you to better gauge their true temperament after they relax around you. Ensure they appear friendly, healthy socialized without major problematic behaviors. An initial vet visit shortly after adoption can uncover any underlying medical issues.

Preparing Your Home and Family

To set your adopted Boston Terrier up for success, properly puppy-proof your home in advance:

Boston-Proofing Your Home

• Hide valuables and hazardous items
• Tidy loose items like shoes and clothing
• Ensure no small objects or toxins are within reach
• Install baby gates for off-limit areas
• Ensure windows and doors prevent escapes

Preparing Your Family

• Teach children proper handling and interaction with dogs
• Set house rules on allowing the dog on furniture or beds
• Ensure everyone in the household knows the rules

Bringing Your New Boston Terrier Home

Once you bring your newly adopted Boston Terrier home, follow these tips for a smooth transition:

Supply a Quiet, Comfy Safe Space

Provide them with a quiet space of their own stocked with familiar bedding, toys, and treats. This will be their retreat when they need comfort or time alone.

Maintain a Routine

Adhere to consistent schedules for potty, feeding, playtime, training, and walks during the initial few weeks. This stability helps them better adapt.

Show Them Love Through Their Senses

Dogs experience environments predominantly through scent, sound, and touch. Talk sweetly, pet gently, tap praise cues consistently, and keep soothing scents around to help them bond.

Learn Their Signals

Pay close attention to their body language – watch for signs of fear, anxiety, excitement, or contentment so you can respond appropriately. Each dog has unique signals.

Positive Reinforcement Only

Use food rewards, praise, and affection to encourage desired behaviors. Never discipline through physical punishment or intimidation – this will undermine trust and security.

With time, patience, and commitment, adopted Boston Terriers make wonderfully lively and affectionate additions that bring joy to their new families for years to come!

Lifetime Responsibilities of Owning a Boston Terrier

Here is an overview of the responsibilities one must commit to when owning a Boston Terrier for their potential 10-15-year lifespan:

Veterinary and Medical Care

• Annual vet exams & vaccinations
• Monthly flea/tick/heartworm prevention medication
• Purchase a pet health insurance plan for unexpected issues

Proper Identification

• Lifetime dog license according to local laws
• Permanent microchip ID registration
• External collar ID tag

Nutrition and Dietary Needs

• Research and provide high-quality lifetime diet according to breed and age specifics
• Prevent obesity and related illnesses through careful measuring of food amounts

Grooming Requirements

• Regular brushing, bathing, nail trims
• Monthly ear cleaning
• Monitor skin and coat health long term

Exercise Requirements

• Daily outdoor walks and playtimes
• Interactive toys and training activities for ongoing mental stimulation
• Moderate overall activity in a safe, enclosed space

Obedience Training and Behavior Monitoring

• Reward-based training for house manners, impulse control, social skills
• Ongoing socialization opportunities outside the home in safe settings
• Address any emerging behavioral issues promptly; seek professional help if needed

When adding any dog to your home long term, prospective owners must carefully consider these lifetime responsibilities. Boston Terriers specifically have ongoing susceptibilities related to breathing issues, joint problems, allergies, and eye disease requiring vigilant preventative care and veterinary treatment when necessary.

Can you make a 10+ year commitment to responsible pet ownership? If so, adopting a Boston in need of rehoming will likely bring your family years of wonderful companionship!

Rehoming Your Boston Terrier Responsibly

While not the norm, some owners reach a point where they need to rehome their Boston Terrier due to unavoidable personal situations and hardships. This is never an easy decision.

If you reach this point with your own Boston Terrier:

Explore All Options First

Has your situation truly become unresolvable? Explore all options to keep your dog if possible – relatives, friends, financial assistance for care expenses, pet-friendly accommodations, etc.

Contact Breed-Specific Boston Rescues

Reach out to local Boston Terrier rescues and shelters initially to utilize their adoption process including screening, fostering, and adopter matching.

Vet References & Records

Provide comprehensive veterinary references and all health/vaccine records to aid in successful rehoming and future care.

Screen Potential New Owners Thoroughly

Do not give your Boston away for free via online ads or signs. Thoroughly screen ALL prospective new owners through applications, vet/reference checks, home visits, and adoption contracts.

Follow Up Post-Adoption

Stay in touch with the new family if possible to ensure your rehomed Boston Terrier remains safe, healthy, and cared for properly. Provide support as needed.

Rehoming is a last resort decision – take the needed steps to ensure your Boston Terrier continues life with responsible owners able to provide lifetime care and commitment.

The Joys of Boston Terrier Adoption

Welcoming an adopted Boston Terrier into your family is extremely rewarding for both owner and dog. Some of the key joys include:

Saving a Life

Giving an otherwise homeless Boston Terrier a chance for a better life is the ultimate act of compassion.

Opening Your Heart

Forming a close bond with adopted pets holds special meaning for many families.

Unconditional Love & Loyalty

Rescued dogs often form remarkably strong, loyal bonds with new families showing unconditional love and trust.

Second Chances

Seeing neglected, traumatized or abandoned dogs overcome past hardships, finally safe and loved by new families, is beautiful. Their resilience can be incredibly touching.

Pride and Fulfillment

The profound sense of purpose, self-worth, and achievement realized through such altruistic deeds brings true and lasting fulfillment.

By selflessly opening their homes to dogs discarded by others, pet adopters discover the incredible joy found in second chances. Both human and canine lives are made immeasurably richer through these compassionate bonds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions from prospective Boston Terrier adopters:

Are adopted Boston Terriers healthy?

While some may have prior neglect or medical issues needing treatment, most rescued Bostons are just as healthy as other dogs once caught up in vet care. Be prepared for some initial expenses.

Do they make good apartment pets?

Yes! Moderately active indoor dogs, Boston Terriers thrive just as well in apartments as houses so long as their modest exercise needs are met.

Why does adoption/rescue cost money?

Legitimate rescues incur big expenses for vet bills, food, facilities, etc. Adoption fees help cover costs and confirm serious adopters.

What if the dog ends up not being a good fit?

Most rescues take back adopted dogs at any point to rehome or foster if the initial placement fails. Just know returns can be emotionally devastating for anxious dogs. Commit fully from the start if able.

Are Boston Terriers good family pets?

Definitely! Their affectionate, gentle nature combined with a fun-loving attitude makes them an ideal breed for families with kids, seniors, and multi-pet households.

Think seriously about whether you can make a 10+ year commitment to a dependent animal needing responsible care and love. If so, Boston Terrier adoption will likely bring your heart much joy. Reach out to a local shelter or rescue organization today to begin the rewarding journey!