Adopting a dog is an amazing experience and can also bring joy to other family members. Dogs are the best pets to have around the house and they also have the power to enrich our life. You get to build a special bond with the four-legged animal which many dog owners say is more special than human bonds. However, adopting a dog is no joke. You simply can’t go to a shelter and ask them for a dog. And you certainly can’t make a haste decision about this. Hence, we have curated a checklist of sorts to assist you with the adoption decision.
Here are 6 things to Consider Before you Adopt a Dog:
A] Are You Ready to Take the Responsibility?
The first thing you should ask yourself. While answering that question you also need to consider the following:
- Is Your Family Onboard: If you live with your family or flatmates, you need to ensure that everyone is okay with having a dog around the house. It’s okay if there is some apprehension about it at first or some are not very comfortable with the idea of a pet yet. It takes time for someone to adjust to the idea of a pet. Hence, communication is the key here.
- Does your Landlord Allow Pets – Do not at any cost forget to check with your landlord about this. It may be written in the agreement or maybe you would have to ask them and get a confirmation. Regardless, if you own a pet without your landlord knowing it can be a serious issue.
- How’s Your Schedule – In the beginning, you need to spend time with your pet. So even if they are an older dog, you still need to give time for feeding, potty breaks, daily exercise, medical attention, etc.
B] Are you Financially Ready?
Perhaps, the most important one when it comes to deciding to adopt a pet. Dogs aren’t cheap to take care of. There are a lot of initial expenses to consider like food, vet visits, adoption fees, pet toys, poop bags, feeding syringes, hygiene products, etc. If you are struggling financially maybe you can plan and then adopt.
C] Time Investment
The temperaments and activity requirements of various breeds differ. Before you fall for that cute-looking face, do some homework. While research is important and might help you narrow down what you’re looking for in a furry friend, don’t rule out a breed entirely.
So, when it comes to dog adoption, don’t think in binary terms. This is especially true if you buy your dog from a shelter or rescue since they are more likely to be mixed breeds.
D] Adoption
Now you must decide from where your new family member will be adopted. Many shelters have their adoptable pets advertised online, so you don’t have to go to several different places to discover your ideal dog. Depending on the shelter, adopting a dog might take anything from a few hours to a few weeks.
While puppies are hard to not adopt, you need to take your time with this decision and remember to be always patient. You should also take your pet to the Texas Wellness Spray and Neuter Clinic to neuter them as soon as possible.
