Deciding to add a new furry companion to your family or lifestyle can be a big decision, and it’s important to be sure of your decision before you pursue dog adoption. By understanding what it takes to properly care for a dog and how a dog might impact your day-to-day life, you are better prepared for the ups and downs of dog ownership.
After all, having realistic expectations for dog adoption can help you and your dog thrive in your lives together.
Below, we discuss what to consider when you think of adopting a dog.
Who Can Legally Adopt a Dog?
In most states, any individual who is over the age of 18 can legally adopt a dog. However, some states may require that you be 21 years old to adopt a dog, and many shelters or rescues may require that you show you have a home where you can safely raise your adopted dog before you are approved for adoption.
If you are confused about adoption policies and procedures in your state, it’s important to reach out directly to shelter staff to understand any adoption process specifics and steps.
Where Can I Adopt a Dog From?
You can adopt a dog from many places around your state; there are likely multiple local shelters and even some breed-specific rescues in your state that aim to place dogs into loving forever homes.
In general, we recommend staying away from Craigslist sellers or other online marketplaces, as these dogs may be posted by suspicious sellers or backyard breeders. However, online animal rescue groups that are verified and trusted can be a good source of adoptable dogs.
Should I Adopt a Dog? Get Your Answer Below
Whether or not you should adopt a dog depends on a variety of factors. It’s important to consider all of these factors before you make a decision on adopting, as they will help you think about what a dog could look like incorporated into your day-to-day life.
Factors to consider when thinking about dog adoption include the following:
Time Constraints
Taking care of a dog takes a fair amount of time, and you cannot leave most dogs alone for more than six to eight hours at a time. Dogs need regular walks and opportunities to both use the bathroom and play outside, and most dogs benefit from basic obedience training.
You must be prepared to dedicate time to raising and caring for your dog, and you should not adopt a dog if you spend long hours at work, travel frequently for work, or do not have the resources to give your dog bathroom breaks and human interaction when you spend longer hours away from home without them.
Financial Constraints
Finances play a big part in adopting and raising a dog. You must be able to financially care for your dog, which includes taking them to the vet annually and in cases of emergency situations or sickness. You should also be able to afford your dog’s food, treats, toys, and other comfort items like beds.
As your dog ages or if they potentially develop health conditions, the annual cost of caring for your dog can increase. Certain dog breeds also have higher-than-average care costs due to genetic issues, such as flat-faced dog breeds.
Make sure to budget your finances and stay informed about the costs of owning a dog so you know how to prepare for dog adoption.
Should I Adopt a Dog: Adopting the Right Breed
There are numerous dog breeds to adopt, and it’s important to think about the type of dog you’d like to adopt. Maybe you would like to add a calmer, less active dog to your life, or maybe you are looking for an adventure buddy to accompany you on hikes.
You should keep in mind, however, that not every dog found in a shelter will be a purebred dog. The shelter often has mixed breeds, but you can speak to shelter staff and previous foster families to understand your potential dog’s temperament, exercise levels, and preferences.
An additional consideration to make is being prepared for the process. We recommend checking out adoption guides for the breed you want to get so that you’re prepared for the process. For instance, if you want to adopt an Alabai, read guides before taking any adoption action, such as this how to adopt an Alabai guide from Dog Academy.
Adding a Furry Friend to Your Family
When it comes to adding a furry friend to your family, you want to ensure that the dog you adopt is the right choice for you. Always consider your ability to physically and financially care for your dog, and take into account lifestyle factors such as the exercise needs of your dog, your work-life balance, and the type of temperament you wish for in a dog.
With careful consideration, you can adopt the best dog for you.