Are you ready to make a commitment to adopt a shelter pup?
Make sure you have thought about it and come to the right decision, it’s very important that you ask yourself these questions and know the answers first.
1. Can I afford a pet?
Whether you buy or rescue your dog, this is the first cost of many. Daily ongoing costs over the lifetime of your pet includes regular vet care, flea preventive, grooming, food, insurance, and other essentials can add up to approximately $4,000 a year or more. There are expected and potentially unexpected vet bills – which will increase with your pup’s age. You may also need to pay for a trainer or behaviorist. However, if you adopt your dog from us, you’ll have access to free advice over the phone for the duration of their life.
2. Do I have the time?
Dogs cannot be left home alone for hours at a time because they are social creatures that are part of our family. With the abundance of wildlife in the area, extreme temperatures, or if your dog barks while you are away, leaving them outside unattended is not the best option. Can you be at home with them during the day? Are you able to arrange for a dog walker or day care for the days you can’t be there? You must be able to ensure your dog isn't left for longer than they can cope with, both in terms of toileting and how comfortable they are on their own. It’s important to spend time getting them comfortable with being home alone. Then, actually leaving a dog alone must be built up slowly.
As well as having the time to be at home for your pup, you also need to be able to dedicate some time to training and games. Dogs need lots of mental stimulation and love to learn. Likewise, you need to have time to walk and exercise them every day too.
3. Am I willing to plan my time around them?
Being a pet owner means you won’t be able to jet off on any last-minute holidays or plan spur-of-the-moment day trips without either taking them with you or arranging for them to be looked after by a pet sitter, friend or family member, or a boarding facility. It’s important to consider your schedule day-to-day too – dogs generally love routine and will need you to be able to follow this as closely as possible from morning to night, every day.
4. Do I have the patience for a dog?
So, if you’ve got the time and financial means for a dog – do you have the patience? Whether it’s a puppy or an adult dog that joins your family, it will take time for them to settle in and adjust to their new home. While a young pup is learning for the first time, it may have been quite some time since an older rescue dog lived in a home. From house training to getting them used to spending time alone, dogs need someone who will give them the time and support required to learn these skills. Patience, consistency, and positivity are key to training your pup. They will get there but you need to be willing to go back a step if they need a little more help.
5. Am I able to meet all their needs?
Your dog has needs that have to be met every day. From getting up for them in the morning, to taking them on a walk come rain or shine. You must be able to provide somewhere suitable to live, with everything they need from a bed to toys. It’s also important to provide mental enrichment as well as physical exercise. You will have to learn to understand your dog, so you can give them everything they need.
6. Can I commit long-term?
A dog is for life. So, you need to be sure that you can commit to them long-term. As far as you are aware, do they fit in with your future plans? Are you likely to have children? Move house? Change jobs? Want to travel or move abroad? Of course, we can never plan for the unexpected. But, by doing your best to ensure that it’s highly likely you’ll be able to commit to dog ownership long-term, you will reduce the chances of having to rehome your dog in the future
7. Do I want a dog for the right reasons?
With all the above in mind, it’s very important to make sure you want a dog for the right reasons. A dog should never be an impulse purchase, nor should they be a gift that may be discarded when the recipient gets bored. If you do want to give a dog lover a present they’ll love, why not - sponsor a dog on their behalf instead? Dog ownership can bring us an enormous amount of joy, and even positively impact our wellbeing. It’s important, however, to equally consider what we can do on a daily basis to enrich the life of our dog. Dog ownership is most enjoyable when the relationship is mutually beneficial. A dog will become a member of your family – and is why you should think carefully and not rush into anything.
8. Is a dog the right animal for me?
Are you ready for everything that comes with dog ownership, including carrying doggy waste bags and a lint roller at all times? If not, perhaps there is another pet that would better fit your current circumstances and lifestyle. It’s important to consider everyone that lives in your home and ensure that a dog is the right fit for the whole family. It’s also worth thinking about any regular visitors that come to your house too. If children live in your home, we recommend close, adult supervision at all times to ensure interactions between children and dogs remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. It is important children understand how to kindly and safely build a bond with their four-legged friend, and that adults are prepared for all that comes with managing these important relationships.
9. Will current pets welcome a furry friend into their home?
Making sure a dog is right for everyone in your family, you also need to ensure they will fit in with any other pets you may have. If you have a cat, for instance, do they get along with dogs? (Although it’s important to remember this doesn’t mean they will tolerate all dogs.) How will they feel about a dog being in their home? It’s important to make sure that cats and dogs can live comfortably together. Whether you answered yes to all of the above, or there are a few that you aren’t sure about – You have some things to consider and it is important to be honest with yourself. If you are ready, that’s wonderful, and you can start looking into getting a puppy or dog responsibly. If you’re not, then don’t worry. It doesn’t mean you’ll never welcome a furry friend into your family but perhaps now isn’t the right time. Depending on your circumstances, why not look into volunteering or even sponsoring – both of which will enable you to still help a dog in need.
