Before you decide to adopt a dog, ensure your entire family is on board. It’s a significant commitment to bring home a new puppy or a new dog, and it’s a decision that should be carefully considered before making a choice. Dogs, after all, are a 10-year-plus commitment, and once you adopt, you should be willing to care for your new family member throughout their entire life. It doesn’t mean that you surrender them when they’re old—it means you remain committed.
While dogs make wonderful companions, they are a lot of responsibility. That’s why it’s advisable not to rush into a commitment with any one dog in particular. Take your time when selecting a puppy or a dog and ensure they’re the right fit for your family before bringing them home.
When adopting a dog, there are resources and people available that will help you choose the perfect dog for your family. If you’re an active family, then of course, select a dog that enjoys being on the go. If you’re more laid back, then a small lap dog might be a better fit. Here are several places to visit when you decide it’s time to adopt:
The Humane Society
The Humane Society near your home is an excellent place to visit when you want to adopt a dog, especially a purebred dog. When visiting the Humane Society, be sure to bring the entire family, or at least everyone that lives beneath your roof. Adopting a dog is a family decision, and everyone should, once again, be involved.
As you walk the kennels, be sure to keep an open mind and don’t hesitate to visit with a dog, even if they might seem a little on the ‘quirky’ side. You never know who, or what type of dog you might end up adopting. You might want to consider adopting an older dog—older dogs are excellent because they’ve been housetrained, and some even have obedience training underneath their collar.
If it’s a puppy that you want to adopt, keep in mind that many puppies are in foster care and not housed at the Humane Society itself. You’ll need to schedule an appointment so that the dog can be brought to the shelter for you to visit with them.
If you do end up adopting from the Humane Society, it’s important to remember that your dog will not be released to you until they have been spayed or neutered. The Humane Society was organized to prevent unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, so you’ll need to respect this if you wish to adopt from there.
Once your fees are paid, your dog will be spayed or neutered, and they will receive shots that are necessary for the dog to be adopted. These shots will include a rabies vaccination, and if you wish, your dog will receive a microchip.
Oh…and if you happen to be age 60 or older, you may receive a discount when you choose to adopt. Some Humane Societies will even waive the adoption fee!
Rescue Organizations
If you’ve searched the Humane Society and you still haven’t met the perfect dog, consider reaching out to a local rescue group. Rescue groups, like the Humane Society, take in dogs of all ages, shapes, and sizes. They also take in pregnant momma dogs and litters and litters of puppies. Rescue Organizations usually set up shop on Sunday at your local pet store, and while they might not bring every dog along with them, they can and will suggest a dog for you.
You also have the option of fostering a dog without obligation to actually own the dog. Anyone working in dog rescue will tell you that they’re always looking for volunteers. You’ll be able to take the puppy or dog out for a ‘trial’ to determine if they are the right fit for your family. Everything will be provided for the dog—food, a leash, a collar, etc. All you’re required to supply is the love.
If at the end of the ‘trial’ you realize that this isn’t the dog for you, simply ask to return them to the rescue organization. It’s important to take your time when you decide to adopt a dog.
If you adopt from a rescue organization, remember as well that your dog won’t be released to you until they are spayed or neutered. Your dog will also receive shots and, if desired, a microchip.
Now what?
You’ve made the decision to adopt, and now you must prepare your home. Ensure you puppy-proof or dog-proof by making sure wires and cords are up and out of the way. You’ll need food, bowls, a leash, collar, etc. Remember, “There is no such thing as a free dog.”
As you enter into the journey of dog adoption, know that this will be an adjustment for everyone. Every dog owner knows this, but they also know that once you get past those first few months, or maybe even that first year, you’ll be rewarded with love, kisses, and companionship for the life of your dog.
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Happy Tails!
