So You Want To Adopt?

Please Think Before You Leap

There are various situations to consider before adopting a life long friend. It can happen to the best of us. You see an adorable dog in a picture and it seems to be looking right at you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket.

If you're like most of us, falling in love with a dog is easy. Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Dogs offer us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work.

Adopting a dog, though, is a big decision. They require lots of time, money, and commitment-over 15 years worth in many cases. Dog ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

Things To Know

The fact that you're thinking about adopting from a rescue means you're a responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision to bring a new dog into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:

Why do you want a dog? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a dog just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that dogs may live 18 years or so and require a lot of care.
Do you have time for a dog? Dogs cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many dogs in rescue and in shelters are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Veterinary care, food, toys, training, and other expenses add up quickly, especially if a medical issue should arise.
Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Scratched-up furniture, potty accidents, unexpected medical emergencies, fleas, and worms are several of the unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets. Those that do typically have restrictions or require pet deposits and monthly rent. Make sure you know what to expect before you bring home a companion animal.
Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, will your schedule be too busy as they get involved with sports and other activities. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.
Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some dogs are very active and require a great deal of exercise to be calm. Some may bark at any noise and person walking by. Before planning to adopt, make sure to consider the dog that will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.
Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
Is everyone in the home on board? In order for adoption to be successful, everyone in the home needs to agree on bringing a dog into the home. There will be a virtual home visit interview conducted, as part of the application process, where all residents in the home will be required to attend.
Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime. The adoption contract will not allow you to give away or sell the dog, and it is unfair for the dog to be uprooted once again if that can be avoided.

Get ADOG For Life

Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick look on any rescue website or stroll through any dog shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.

Many of the homeless dogs in rescues and shelters were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the dog.

Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a dog can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love for the life of the pet.

If you're ready to adopt a companion for life, please view the wonderful dogs now available for adoption. At the top of this page, click on Dogs and select Available for Adoption. If that special one tugs at your heart and you would like to learn more about him or her, complete the Adoption Application so that we can connect you with their foster parent. If no specific dog seems to be the right fit, go ahead and submit the Adoption Application to be pre-approved. That way, when the perfect pup comes along, you're ready to go.

Ready to Adopt?

Apply to adopt a dog

Adoption Handbook