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If you want to adopt a dog then you should be ready for a big commitment. It’s no joke, it requires a lot of time and patience. Not to mention it’s a major responsibility. You’ll always need to make sure that your beloved pet is healthy and happy. That’s why there are several important questions you need to ask yourself before adopting a dog.Â
Pets are like our children and you can’t possibly ignore them after welcoming into your family. To help you out, I’ve put together 10 important questions you need to ask yourself before adopting a dog.
1. Why do you want to adopt a dog?
The first question you need to ask yourself before adopting an animal is why you want a dog in the first place? If you have always wanted a dog then you should definitely get yourself one. However, if it’s just because your family asked for one and you are feeling pressured then adopting a dog into the family won’t be a great idea here. Why? Well, if the dog is not loved by all the family members equally, then it would mean less care for the dog. Not a good environment to raise a dog.  So make sure to ask yourself if you really want a dog that you could love and welcome into your family.
2. Do you have time to care for the dog?
In general, dogs need more time and attention than cats, however, you should have time for any type of pet you have. If you don’t have time to spend with them or play with them, they have a risk of developing behavioral issues such as anxiety and depression. If you come home every night and just sit in front of the TV, then it’s better not to adopt a dog that wants to play and is energetic. Every pet requires engagement, to be played with and feel loved. Ignoring an animal will make them feel unhappy and they will lose all their excitement after some time. So, make sure that you love your dog and give him enough time to keep him happy.
3. Are you financially stable?
Being financially stable is one of the requirements for adopting a dog. The cost of keeping a pet is huge and you need to make sure you are financially stable for that. Their food, grooming, vet visits are really costly nowadays. It may cost $1,500 in the first year due to vaccination and other supply needs. If you are going to split the cost with another person then make sure you both are on good terms. Don’t put the dog through a situation where you don’t have money to pay for their vet visits. You should also save money little by little for any medical emergencies. And with a right kind of deal from the websites like CouponsMonk.com, you can further save money from other supply needs.
4. Will you adopt the dog alone?
Maybe you want to adopt a dog with your spouse or roommate. Before you make those plans, make sure she or he is also on board with the whole adoption process. There are many cases where couples fight over taking care of their pet. This is clearly not a good environment to raise a dog. Even if they are on board with the adoption, there are plenty of scenarios that need to be discussed first. Such as if the dog is a heavy shedder who will be handling the cleaning. So, make sure you both are on the same page before adopting.
5. Have you decided on a breed?
Making this decision is necessary before you adopt a dog. Every breed of dog is different and has different traits. Some animals can be huge in size! So, before going to the shelter and taking the cutest one, you need to consider the size, gender, energy level, etc. Try to choose a breed that’s compatible with you or your family. Such as, if you are active then go for an energetic dog breed or if you have a house with a big yard you can go for bigger dog breeds.
6. Are you allowed to keep pets?
This is another requirement before you even go to the shelter. Even if you own your own home, not all HOAs allow pets, let alone big dogs. If you are currently renting a home or live in an apartment, you need to get permission from your landlord before adopting a dog. Make sure you know about the pet rules clearly before starting the adoption process.
7. Do you have children?
If you want to adopt a dog just to teach your kids to be responsible then don’t take one. Children aren’t capable of taking care of a pet or tend to all their needs. Even adults face issues while taking care of a dog. So, never burden the children with this responsibility. You can include them in the activities but don’t rely on them fully.
8. Are you willing to train the dog?
There should be certain rules when a dog comes to stay with you in your house. If you don’t train a dog then he or she will most likely get on your nerves. That’s why you need to make sure that your dog knows what is allowed and what’s not allowed. This way, you’ll be able to have a peaceful environment without stubborn pets. You’ll need some time to train your dog all the essentials, but it will totally be worth it.
9. What happens when you work late or travel?
Emergencies come uninvited. You might have a day job that requires you to work late once in a while or a job that takes out of town. You’ll need to ensure you have a sitter that will take care of your dog when you’re not home. If you don’t have anyone to look after your pet while you’re gone then you need to make a plan before adopting a dog.
10. Are you active?
Dogs are some of the most energetic pets. If you are just a couch potato then dogs might not be for you. However, if you are active and willing to engage in activities with your dog then go for the active breeds. The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is one of the larger breeds that requires an active pet owner. You need to make sure you are prepared for all the outcomes of adopting a dog. Adopting a dog is a huge responsivity and before everything else, you’ll need to make sure that you are mentally prepared for the big change. Happy Adopting!
Author Bio: Emma Thompson is the founder of The Pet Town, and I’m here to provide you with useful information about your precious pet. All pets deserve the best care, don’t they? But not all pet owners have access to the right products and tips for their pets. And the central core of my work here is to change that.Â
