Adoption

Are You Ready to Adopt a Dog?
By Gianina Scalise

Deciding to adopt a dog should not be an easy decision. Your entire life will change, even if you don't think it will. Dogs are needy, with their biggest need being you. When considering adding a canine companion to your life, you should evaluate your lifestyle and decide if you're ready for the extra commitment. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you take the next step.

1.  Why do you want a dog? While this may seem like an easy question, consider it for a while. Are your children asking for a puppy? Are you single and want some companionship? Do your friends all own dogs? Owning a dog can be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience, but it also requires a lot of time, patience, and responsibility.

2. Are you able to afford another family member? Take a peek at your finances because owning a dog is not cheap. Food alone can cost anywhere from $75 to $300 a year depending on the size of the dog. Some dogs require professional grooming; others will chew through toys in a matter of hours, requiring many trips a month to the pet store. You'll need a leash, a collar, a crate, food bowls, and some treats to get you started, as well. On average, veterinary care can cost upwards of $120 for a regular visit, with emergencies costing much more. So, total, you could be spending anywhere from $800 to $1,500 a year. Can you afford it?

3. Are pets allowed? If you rent an apartment or own a condo, be sure you're able to have a dog and that you understand any pet policies or restrictions that apply to your lease or condo association rules. Do you have to pay a deposit or monthly fee? Are certain breeds allowed? Are there weight limits in place? If you adopt without checking this first, you may be putting yourself and your new pet in a difficult situation.

4. Do you have the time for a dog? Dogs are social by nature and they require attention, training, and socialization. You would only be doing a dog harm by leaving him or her alone for a 10 hour work day. Keep in mind that your social life may suffer, as well. You'll have a feeding schedule to abide by as well as a walking schedule so your dog isn't holding it too long. They'll need exercise as much as they'll need some time to just sit back and cuddle. Dogs take up a lot of your time, and you need to be ready to give it to them, though sometimes it may be given grudgingly.

5. Do you have children, other pets, or circumstances that may affect bringing home a new dog? Don't rush into adopting a certain dog because you like their look or energy. For example, if you have young children, a very small dog may not be the best fit even if you've always wanted a Yorkie. If you have a cat, a dog with a high prey drive is only going to make your home life more stressful as well as put your cat in danger.

6. Do you care if your rug gets peed on? Will you lose your mind if you come home from work and your coffee table is chewed? What about your shoes? These are situations to consider. Your dog may enjoy the taste of leather, and if so, you need to be ready to work with them. Being returned to a shelter is hard for a dog, and the act of returning a dog is hard on the owner, so be sure you're ready to dig into your patience reserve.

7. Have you done your research? If you can't answer that with certainty, then go back to the drawing board and begin Googling dog and pet care.

If you're looking to add a puppy to your household, assume the work and time commitment will be doubled. Generally, puppies require more training and a lot more supervision. You should only consider a puppy under the age of 8 months if they won't be alone for more than a few hours at a time and if you're ready for the responsibility.

In a nutshell, these are the top questions you should be considering if you're thinking about adopting. If you're unsure about any of these points, don't rush into it! There will always be dogs needing homes, but you need to make sure you can provide the best home.