Has searching for “dogs up for adoption in your area” gotten a little more serious recently? That’s more than fair enough. With adoption rates skyrocketing in the past two years, the desire for a furry companion is stronger than ever. But making sure your future fur-baby lives a happy and healthy life requires some serious consideration. Here are our top 5 things you have to think about before adopting a dog.
If you can’t afford the vet, don’t get the pet.
Accidents happen and pet’s can be expensive, especially dogs, so it’s always important to be aware that with every pooch comes great financial responsibility. Whether it's eating a pair of your underwear or running into a glass door, dogs sometimes don’t know what’s best for them which can lead to an emergency vet visit. Pet insurance is an amazing way to be prepared for those moments when you might need a little more support, but is also a cost you need to factor in.
No one is more judgemental of your house than your pooch.
When looking for a pooch, you must look at yourself first (deep, we know) as well as your living situation. Just like our dating life, it’s important to not fall in love on looks alone and make sure that the pooch you choose suits your lifestyle. For instance, if you live in a small apartment and are out and about for the majority of the day it’s best that you choose a dog that will be comfortable with that. Often, when adopting from a shelter, each dog will have a bio explaining their temperament and ideal living situation. Be sure to have a read and a good chat to the shelter staff before applying.
Make sure it’s okay with your family
Although this decision primarily falls on you, if you are living with other people it’s important to let them know that you’re looking to adopt and that there might be a furry face around the house soon because it will affect them too. Be sure that if your pooch has any behavioural issues your housemates or family are aware of how you are wanting to train them so there's little to no confusion for them and the dog.
Don’t have time to go to the dentist? Then you might not have time for a pooch.
Your new dog will take up a lot more of your time than you may think. Whether that means taking them on walks throughout the day, nursing them when they are sick or just having some quality one-on-one time with them, they’ll take a chunk out of your day. It’s important to be aware of your schedule and make sure you have enough time to weave exercise and quality time with your pooch into your daily routine.
It might be time to put travelling spontaneity on a hold.
Packing your bag and leaving for an around the world trip has to be put on the back burner when you have a fluffy little guy to keep alive. Although travelling is definitely possible with a dog there are a lot of things to consider when taking your pooch on the road comfortably. Whether that means finding a trusted pet sitter or figuring out how to transport your furry friend around the country, it can be a great idea to plan this out prior to purchasing your pooch.
Adopting a dog is incredibly rewarding and an amazing responsibility, so have as much fun with it as possible whilst also making sure that it suits your lifestyle and your current commitments.