There are many situations these days where dog owners need to find someone else to take care of their dog. The reasons are different. Some people need to change locations or a new location does not allow dogs or other animals. Some of the owners lost their jobs and simply can’t afford to care for a dog anymore. I have heard many stories throughout the adoption community, unfortunately not all of them had a happy ending.
Think of it this way: when you adopt a dog, you are actually rescuing two dogs: the one you take in and the one the shelter or rescue group takes in.
Before adopting a dog there are many things to consider. In this article I will try to point out all the things you need to think about before taking this step.
1. Money
The adoption process is not free as some of you may think. If you adopt a dog from a shelter, you should be prepared to pay around $65 (municipal shelters) or up to $500 (purebred rescue groups). Those costs cover veterinary care, food, etc. that shelter had to provide during the time the dog was under his roof.
After paying for the shelter and bringing your new puppy home, there are many more expenses to consider. Canine license, food, veterinary attention, identification plates, leash, toiletries, toys, dog collar, etc. As you can see, the list is almost endless. You have to be prepared that many costs are unexpected. For example, your dog may suffer from an illness that needs to be treated immediately: veterinary costs are sometimes very high. Also, your dog’s behavior might be something you need to work on: he might need to hire a professional trainer, etc.
2. time
Another BIG question before adopting a dog is: will you and your family have time for a puppy? Nowadays, most people don’t even have time for themselves, so this must be a well thought out decision. You would have to take your dog for a walk several times a day, you should provide food and water two or more times a day.
If you have a long-haired dog, you will need to spend at least 15 minutes a day grooming it. Grooming itself also needs some training, so you need to be prepared for that. When adopting a very young puppy or an energetic dog, you should keep in mind that you will need to play, socialize, and exercise with a dog for about an hour each day.
3. Your lifestyle
Is my place big enough for a dog?
The size of the place where you live should be suitable for a dog. Some breeds need more space to play and exercise each day, while others will do just fine in a small apartment.
Trips
If your occupation or lifestyle requires a lot of travel and absences, you need to ask yourself a question: how do I take care of my dog while I’m away? Some additional expenses such as dog care or accommodation should be added to your calculations.
dirt
What is your tolerance level for dirt? Especially during the first few weeks when your new dog is feeling insecure and nervous, “accidents” can and are more likely to happen.
BIG questions
Before you adopt a puppy, you and your family should answer all of the questions below. Remember that having a dog should be a decision for your whole family and everyone should participate in choosing and caring for a dog.
1) What is the main reason you want to adopt a dog?
2) Do you need a dog to spend your more active free time or do you prefer to see your dog as a house toy for your children or maybe you need a guard dog for protection?
3) Will you have the patience to groom yourself a lot?
4) Will you have time for a larger breed of dog? You will need much more attention and time spent on general care.
5) Do you have other animals in the house that could be dangerous to have around a dog?
Where to adopt a dog?
Dog shelters operate under government supervision or are non-profit organizations (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – ASPCA). Those facilities employ paid staff and utilize volunteer services. They take care of abandoned dogs and prepare puppies for an adoption process.
The Rescue Groups are quite a different institution from the previous ones. They employ no one: they rely on a network of volunteers who keep the dogs in their homes until they are adopted. Too often, those groups simply take dogs from shelters in poor condition and place them with foster families until someone adopts them for good. You can find rescue groups that only care for certain breeds (for example: Labrador Groups or German Shepherd Groups).
The main difference between the Rescue Group and the Shelter is that the dogs adopted from the Rescue Groups live closer to their adoptive families, while the Shelter dogs live more in an overcrowded place full of other dogs. That said, you can be sure that when you adopt a dog from the Rescue Group you will get a lot more information from the foster home than from the staff at the Shelter. The relationship between a dog and foster families is much more intimate and you can get a lot of information about a dog’s health status as well as any behavioral issues.
Adopting a dog from a rescue group is more expensive than one from the shelter. This is because the rescue groups rely solely on donations and adoption fees, while the shelters also get some money from the government.
Where do I start the adoption process?
Go to http://www.petfinder.com or http://www.adoptapet.com to find a pet you want to adopt in your area; just search by breed and type in your zip code. When you find a dog you’re looking for, go to the shelter’s website to check what their procedures are and get contact information for further questions.
Be sure to ask the shelter staff the following questions
How old is a dog?
What is the story of the dog. Ask as many questions as possible about the dog’s temperament, food preferences, etc.
How the dog behaves with children: crucial question when you have a child
Adopting a dog is a great adventure. Keep in mind that you give a second chance to another animal being. However, make sure your choice is thought through and followed through with the steps outlined in this article. Good luck!