How to Rescue a Corgi

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1Finding and Working with a Corgi Rescue Group

2Caring for a Rescued Corgi

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If you're looking for an cute high-energy dog, adopt a Corgi! These small dogs live 12 to 15 years and are very intelligent which make them great pets. Choose a local Corgi rescue group or shelter and see if they have any Corgis available for adoption. Then fill out the application paperwork and pay fees before you bring your dog home. Keep your Corgi active by training it as soon as you can, playing with it every day, and socializing it with other dogs.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Finding and Working with a Corgi Rescue Group

1. 
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   Decide to rescue instead of buy a Corgi. Even though Corgis are adorable, they can be abandoned by their owners. Thousands of Corgis end up at rescue groups and shelters every year. These dogs need owners, especially if they're at a shelter that can only accept a limited number of abandoned animals.
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   Commit to caring for a Corgi. Ask yourself if you're prepared to keep the Corgi for its entire life. Corgis can live 12 to 15 years and you'll need to provide food and routine medical care. Remember that you'll also need to spend time training the Corgi and giving it lots of exercise.
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   Locate a nearby Corgi rescue group. Ask veterinarians or do an online search for rescue groups that specialize in abandoned Corgis. Since some groups will only adopt to owners in the same state or region, so try to find a rescue group that's close to home. Popular Corgi rescue groups include:

   • The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America Rescue Network
   • Rescue Me! Corgi Rescue facebook page
   • Queen's Best Stumpy Dog Rescue
4. 
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   Contact a local shelter to learn about their availability. Call shelters in your area to find out if they have any Corgis that are up for adoption. If they do, ask about their visiting policies. Some shelters will allow you to make an appointment to view the dogs.

   • You can also ask when their busiest times are. For example, you may want to avoid visiting the shelter on the weekend when a lot of people are all trying to look at the dogs.
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   Choose a Corgi. Spend time with the Corgis that are available for adoption. If you have other pets at home, pay attention to how the Corgi interacts with other dogs in the shelter. This can be a good indicator of how the dog will behave around other animals. Remember to ask about the Corgi's history.

   • Spend a few hours at the shelter playing with the Corgi. You may be able to brush the dog or take it for a walk as well.
   • For example, try to find out why it's at the shelter, and if it was cared for or abused at its last home.
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   Check the Corgi's medical history. Find out if the dog is current on its vaccinations and learn about any treatments the dog got from the shelter. For example, if the Corgi was treated for fleas, you'll need to find out when to give another dose of medication.

   • Ask if the Corgi still needs to be spayed or neutered. Most rescue groups and shelters will spay or neuter animals before they're adopted.
7. 
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   Fill out the adoption application. Get the paperwork from the rescue group or shelter and fill out your contact information. You'll also be asked to give references and information about any other pets that are in your care.

   • If you rent your home, you should make sure that your landlord allows pets in the home. Find out if you will need to pay a pet deposit as well. The rescue group or shelter may contact your landlord to ensure that pets are allowed.
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   Pay the application fee. Many shelters will charge a fee or ask for a donation in exchange for adopting a pet. This fee covers any medical care the Corgi received and food while it was in the shelter. Check with the shelter to learn what forms of payment they accept.
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   Put your name on a waiting list if there aren't any Corgis available. Because Corgis are such a popular breed, there might not be any Corgis available to rescue. Leave your name and contact information so you can be put on a waiting list. As soon as a Corgi becomes available, they group will contact you about adoption.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Caring for a Rescued Corgi

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   Provide food and bedding for the Corgi. Set out dry food a few times a day for your dog and ensure it always has access to fresh water. You can put the food near the dog's bedding or crate. Place soft bedding in an area of your house where the Corgi can go if it needs to feel safe and secure.

   • Ask the rescue center to provide a week’s worth of food for the Corgi so you can gradually transition the dog to a new food.
   • Choose a food based on your dog's age. For example, buy food formulated for puppies, adult dogs, or senior dogs.
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   Train your dog as soon as you bring it home. If you're adopting a puppy, consider signing up for puppy training classes at a local pet store or veterinary clinic. Since Corgis are a highly intelligent breed, you can train the dog to respond to commands. Try to make training as active as possible so your dog can burn off some energy and become excited about the sessions.

   • If you give the Corgi treats as rewards for training, don't give too many since. Too many treats can lead to obesity in the small dog.
3. 
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   Socialize the Corgi with other dogs and people. If your dog was abandoned or abused, it may have trouble interacting with other dogs or people it doesn't know. Slowly introduce your dog to new situations and follow your Corgi's lead. For example, wait until your dog is comfortable meeting 1 or 2 people at a time before you take it to a busy dog park.

   • If you have a puppy that's still getting its vaccinations, wait to introduce the Corgi to other animals.
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   Groom your dog and check its ears for infection. Because Corgis shed a lot it's important to brush your dog at least once a week. To cut back on the amount of hair that sheds, you can brush your dog every day. While you're grooming the Corgi, look at its ears for discharge which could mean there's an infection.

   • You'll also need to keep your dog current with its vaccinations and medical exams. You should take your dog to the vet at least once a year for an exam, to update its vaccinations, and discuss any medical concerns.
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   Care for your dog’s teeth and nails. Corgis should have their nails trimmed once a month. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can take the dog to a vet or groomer. Also, brush the dog’s teeth each day using a toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs. Your Corgi may also need dental scaling, which can done by a veterinarian.
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   Play with your Corgi every day. Corgis are energetic dogs that can easily become bored and bark a lot. Try to play active games with your dog every day to bond with it and keep it active. Corgis like playing:

   • Chase
   • Fetch
   • Puzzle toys, like a Kong ball
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