What to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
Trying to decide if you are ready to be the new owner of Max, Riley, Ruthie, or Fido, aka “Man’s Best Friend?” How do you know if you are ready to adopt? That’s a question you have to ask yourself and a question and answer that all dogs definitely deserve an honest answer to. There are millions of dogs in U.S. shelters, all looking for that “perfect home.” What will make your home the “perfect home?” Let's take a look at some things that require consideration.
Time: Do you have time to devote to your soon-to-be (hopefully) new best friend? Dogs typically require several hours of your time per day: time spent walking with their owners, playing, feeding or cuddling. Puppies require considerably more time and patience, as training and supervision are necessary. Different breeds of dogs require different amounts of time and attention. Think about your lifestyle. Are you home a lot or are you always on the go? We tend to believe that dogs miss their family when they’re away too long...don't make it a habit of being away for extended periods of time.
Space: Do you have enough space in your home for Fido? Do you live in an apartment or a house with a fenced backyard? Most dogs love to be outside: sitting in the sun, watching squirrels run up and down trees, playing fetch or barking at fellow dog neighbors.
Most dogs, if not all, will get pretty bored if space is limited…boredom equals getting in trouble. This is not good, nor fair for dear old Fido. If you don’t have an adequately sized fenced outdoor space, can you commit to finding a way that they can get the exercise they need? Not all dogs require the same amount of space, but all dogs need a place to run and be a dog.
Family/Household members: Do you live alone or do you live with others? Do you live with people who would be good dog companions? If you live with small children, teaching them boundaries and appropriate behavior is essential. Younger children might have a harder time adjusting to having a dog in the house, and some dogs might have a harder time adjusting to younger children. We all know that young children and dogs can have strong bonds, filled with love and affection, but mutual respect and boundaries must be taught.
Do you live with elderly parents or other adults that might not be well-suited for having dogs in the house? Older or elderly adults might have health conditions that would preclude you from being able to have a dog in the house. Do you live with others that just don’t want a dog for whatever reason? As you can see, evaluating your household situation is extremely important when determining if adopting a dog is right for you.
Money: There are several costs associated with owning “Man’s Best Friend.” It is important to look at your financial situation and determine if owning a dog is best for you and for Fido. Dogs don’t usually require hundreds and hundreds of dollars per month, but you do have to pay for dog food (prices can range between $25-$100/bag depending on quality, quantity and the size of the dog), toys (at least $5-$10/toy), flea/tick and heartworm prevention medications (around $50 or more per month) and vet bills. Dogs require annual vet visits for vaccinations; my vet bill has never been less than $150 for the annual visit. Calling a local veterinarian could be helpful for more precise answers about costs in your area. Improper supervision can also lead to an unexpected trip to the vet. If you are a traveler, you need to consider who will take care of your dog while you are away. Great boarding facilities can be expensive. Is your dog worth it? Absolutely!!!
Hopefully, we have given you, our dear reader, some things to consider before making the decision to adopt a dog. We find it extremely important that prospective adopters think about their time, space, family/household members and money when deciding whether to adopt. It isn’t only about what’s best for you, but “Man’s Best Friend” is equally important. We love our dogs, we’d love to adopt them all, alas we can not. Ask yourself this…Why do you want to adopt a dog? If it’s because you have a huge heart, are ready to give love to your own Fido, are ready to receive the companionship that only a dog can provide, and you want to help rescue a dog without a home… then welcome to our community.
