PLEASE READ THIS FIRST!!!
THEN, ASK YOURSELF… ARE YOU READY TO ADOPT A DOG?

Loving and caring for a dog for the rest of his/her life is a big commitment. I strongly urge you to take a few minutes and ask yourself a few questions. While I am not trying to talk anyone out from bringing a dog into their life, I know that if the owners of most rescued and shelter dogs had asked themselves these questions, it might have prevented many of them from being abandoned at shelters or lost in the street.

Making an informed decision is the first step on the road to a new and wonderful life with your companion animal.

#1 Why do you want a dog?

It is incredible how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they bring a dog into their lives. Adopting a dog or puppy because it’s ‘the thing to do’ or ‘the kids have been longing for a puppy’ or ‘as a gift on a special occasion’ usually ends up being a BIG mistake. Sharing your home with a dog can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. Nevertheless, all furry friends require lots of time, affection, exercise, training and that you have the money to care for them. Dogs develop very strong connections with their guardians and have a need to be part of the family.

#2 Can you afford to get and care for a dog?

The monetary costs of owning a dog can be considerably high. Estimates go from $500.00 to $2,000.00 a year. Licenses, spay/neutering, training classes, veterinary care, flea and heartworm prevention, food, grooming, toys and other expenses can certainly add up fast. If your dog should get sick, the cost can easily skyrocket. You should also consider if you can afford to have some of your belongings chewed up which often times comes with having a puppy around the house!!! I urge you to commit to taking your dog or puppy to training. This helps you to become a good pack leader. If you have children, I suggest that everyone participates in the training so that the dog gets the same message from everyone across. Dogs that have been well trained tend to be more part of the family and are less likely to run off and get lost or end up abandoned at a shelter.

#3 Is your family and yourself ready to take on such responsibility?

So you have concluded to adopt a dog or puppy. Do you have children or you are planning a family, if so, it is critical to find a dog with the right temperament and personality that will do well with young children. Additionally if you’re a student, in the military or travel frequently for business (or pleasure), it would be best to wait until you are settled and have more time to spend with your dog. Preferably, I strongly encourage you to consider a dog-walker and/or doggie day care if you have to be away for long periods of time.

Choose a dog that will fit in to your surroundings. Adopting a dog or puppy that has a lot of energy to share a small apartment may not be a great idea. Your dog needs enough room to move around and play.

#4 Do you really “have time” for a dog?

Dogs cannot be ignored and neglected just because you’re tired, busy or you didn’t take the time to train them. They need to be fed and walked (exercised) on a regular basis, they need lots of care, companionship, training and discipline every day of the year.

Most dogs end up in a shelter because their owners didn’t realize how much time it took to care for them properly. Leaving your dog locked up or in a backyard all day is not the answer. Dogs that are constantly neglected emotionally “will” show negative behavior. We need to recognize that dogs are part of the family since dogs are pack animals and have a strong need to be part of you and the family also be loved.

#5. Can you “have” a dog where you live?

So many people don’t even think about this until it is too late!!! Many rental homes or apartments don’t allow pets, and the ones that do often have restrictions. Please make sure you know if dogs are allowed where you live and that you have written permission to have the dog you have chosen to get (e.g., lots of places will not allow dogs over a certain weight and/or allow certain breeds). I urge you NOT to get a dog if it is not allowed where you live, so many dogs and puppies are being re-homed or surrendered at shelters because their owners found out “too late” that their landlord did not allowed dogs.

#6 Do you know where you’ll be living for the next 15 years?

More importantly, can you make an absolute commitment to give the dog a home for LIFE even if you’re not certain if you might move? Can you guarantee you’ll keep the dog and wait out until you find a place that allows dogs, should you have to move? One of the primary reasons that a dog ends up in a shelter is because their owner moves and can’t find or afford a place that allows dogs. I would hate this happening to your new dog, so please consider whether you can commit to this. If you can’t, consider becoming a foster parent. Rescues always need foster parents. Every foster home saves a life and can be a great alternative to adoption aside from a great experience.

#7 Who will take care for your dog if you’re away?

If you sometimes travel places where you can’t take your furry buddy with you, you’ll need reliable friends, neighbors and/or family members to care for it, or the money to take it to a good boarding facility or hire pet-sitter.

Last, but not least:

#8 Are you prepared to open your home, your heart, and provide care for your new canine family member for “the rest of his/her life”?

If so, please find a good rescue group, any person that rescues dogs or a shelter and look for the dog that fits your household and lifestyle.

Please I strongly urge you NOT to buy a dog from a back yard breeder or a pet store, there are so many and I can’t stress that enough, SO many dogs and puppies at shelters and rescue groups that I am sure the right one is there for you.

And again, if adopting is not for you, consider ‘FOSTERING’ it is of great reward to someone who might love animals but can’t actually afford to keep it for long term.