Adopting a pet can be a wholesome, rewarding experience. Dogs, in particular, can brighten one’s day with their playfulness, quickly becoming one’s companion for life. That said, before proceeding with the adoption, it is important to understand the responsibilities involved, such as feeding and grooming, and whether or not one can fulfill them. One also needs to consider a few factors to ensure the decision is favorable for both the canine and the owner.
1. What “adoption” means
Before deciding to adopt a dog, one must be well-versed in the concept of animal adoption. To adopt a dog, one would have to approach a shelter or an adoption center. The animals living here are mostly abandoned on the streets or surrendered by owners who cannot care for them anymore. So, adopting a dog from a shelter means accepting to provide a rescued dog with a second chance at a good, happy life. Adoption differs from buying a dog from breeders and pet shops, which specially breed animals for selling. Once one understands the concept of adoption and accepts the responsibility, they can begin looking for dog adoption centers and shelters nearby.
2. Age and life expectancy
The next thing to consider is the dog’s age. One must determine whether they want to adopt a small puppy, a young dog, or a senior dog. Puppies usually need to be trained in obedience and socialization. Most senior dogs, on the other hand, will likely have already been trained. One also needs to consider the life expectancy of the dog when adopting. In the case of a puppy, one can expect to have a companion for the next 7 to 16 years, based on the size of the dog (large dogs have a lifespan of 7 to 8 years, while small dogs have a lifespan of around 16 years). The same might not be the case for a senior dog.
3. The dog’s breed
In addition to the dog’s age, one needs to consider its breed before adoption. Many aspects of a dog’s life differ and depend on its breed. For instance, some breeds are known for being energetic (like Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers), while some are known to be calm and laid-back (such as the Maltese dog and the Bernese Mountain dog). Additionally, a dog’s size and life expectancy also depend on its breed. So, one must take such details into consideration before adoption.
4. One’s lifestyle
When considering dog adoption, among the most important things to consider is one’s current lifestyle. Their daily routine should be able to completely accommodate the dog’s needs. So, considering things like how long one stays outdoors during the day, how many people live in the house, the number and age of the kids in the family, and how much time one can commit to their pet are all factors that can affect one’s decision. If one lives alone and spends a considerable amount of time at work every day, they would need to go for a dog breed that can handle living alone and does not fear loneliness. That said, one would still need to make time for playing with their pet and taking it outside for walks. Without considering such factors, one may not be able to give their new furry friend the best life.
5. Lifetime costs
Besides pledging their time, one needs to make sure their financial situation aligns with the decision to adopt a pet. Taking care of a dog involves a lot of expenses. These include medical costs (not just when the dog falls ill but for regular checkups, as well), dog food expenses, and the cost of certain equipment such as dog beds, dog tags, toys, etc. These expenses can be considerably higher if one decides to adopt a puppy. One may also need to bear the cost of neutering or spaying the pup. Additionally, since so many expenses are involved in the process, one may sometimes have to invest in pet insurance.
6. Familiarization
When visiting a shelter or an adoption center, one must check with the people in charge if one can spend some time with the dog before adoption. If allowed, one can make frequent visits to the shelter and engage with the dog for a few days. Doing so will help one understand whether they are compatible with the dog they are considering adopting. Plus, when one finally brings the dog home, the canine will have already created some kind of bond with them. This will make the adoption and transition process a lot easier for both the pet and the owner.
7. Pet-proofing the home
Before going ahead with the adoption, one may need to pet-proof their home, at least for the first few days, once the dog arrives. Pet-proofing the home would involve putting away anything that can harm the dog, such as cleaning chemicals, chocolates, and sharp objects. If the dog is highly energetic, one would also need to secure valuable items to prevent them from getting damaged due to the dog’s activity and curiosity.
