Adopting a dog is a big, big, deal. It is a huge responsibility in terms of time and finances
but it can also be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience.
If you’ve decided that dog adoptions is definitely the route for you, you’ll have to ask
yourself a few questions, such as:
What breed of dog best suits your personality?
What kind of dog best fits your lifestyle?
How much room to roam can you offer your new dog in your home? Do you have
a yard?
Do you want a puppy or would you prefer an adult dog?
There is a lot to consider when preparing to adopt a new dog but the steps below will
guide you through the process.
Do your homework. Make sure to research the different types of dog breeds to
determine which type of dog best suits your lifestyle and your personality. If
you have small children in your home, a small breed with a high-maintenance
personality such as a Chihuahua might get accidentally injured by the children.
It’s also possible that a little dog might nip at a high-energy child. Go on
Wikipedia and browse through websites like the American Kennel Club to
look up specific breeds. Often times your local animal shelter will have more
information to share as well. Remember that most dogs in shelters are mixed
breeds, so they will share characteristics from more than one breed.
Find your desired dog. Look online for rescue organizations and dog adoption
shelters in your area. Web sites, such as PetFinder, can help to provide links to
animal shelters. Then go there and visit with the pups.
Remember that even though you are rescuing a dog, keep in mind that you will
have to pay some sort of fee. The general unspoken rule is that if you cannot
afford the feel, which is usually about $100, then you should not adopt the dog
since dog food, veterinarian visits, and overall daily care of the dog will cost
money.
Be honest on spacing. You want your new dog to fit comfortably in your home.
Be honest about how much space you have. It’s not really all that fair to a dog to
stick a German Shepherd in a studio apartment. Also, make sure your building
allows pets.
Grab a leash! Once you’re ready to adopt your dog, make sure you take a dog
leash with you. Good dog-ownership starts on day one!
