So, you’ve been thinking about adopting a dog. That’s wonderful news! You’d like a furry little friend to cuddle, to play with, perhaps you’re hoping they will motivate you to get outside more, and keep you company on those quiet nights in. But first, ask yourself, are you really prepared to be a responsible dog parent? Sure, dogs are adorable, fun, and make great companions, but they’re also a lot of work! Are you ready to make some sacrifices in order to give your new dog the happy home they deserve? Let’s find out!

First things first. You’ll want to make sure that pets are even allowed where you live. Sometimes there is a limit to the number of pets you can own, breed restrictions, and a weight limit. If applicable, you’ll need to check with your management company or homeowners association. You’ll also want to make sure that your home is set up to safely accommodate a furry little friend. Are there a lot of stairs or slippery floors in your home that might be difficult for a dog to maneuver, or is your residence already pet-friendly? You’ll also want to consider whether or not you have enough space for a dog to live comfortably and be able to roam about. In addition, making sure that your home is secure and there’s no way for a dog to escape is certainly important. Some dogs are escape artists and can quickly slip out through an open door, jump over a fence or balcony wall, or push right through a window screen.

Okay, so your place of residence allows dogs and you’re sure it’s a safe space for a dog to be in. You’re not allergic to dogs, are you? While it is possible to manage most milder allergies with medications and/or exposure, it is probably going to take a lot of knowledge and patience on your part. Or, you may be thinking that you can simply go out and adopt a hypoallergenic dog, but the truth is that even “hypoallergenic” dogs are not 100% hypoallergenic. All dogs shed and have dander. There are certainly specific breeds that are known to shed less than others, and there’s no need to go to a breeder to find them, but you may need to seek out a rescue group that specializes in those breeds and put your name on a wait list or travel a little further to adopt. It’s also a good idea to be around plenty of dogs before you commit to adopting your own to make absolutely sure that your immune system can handle it.

Perhaps you have friends or family members who have dogs that you can spend time with, or you can seek out some dog sitting opportunities in order to “practice” having a dog. Have you considering fostering? Applying to foster is another wonderful way to help a dog in need, while at the same time seeing how a dog would fit into your home and your lifestyle.

Take a moment to think about your current lifestyle and ask yourself whether or not you believe a dog realistically fits into that lifestyle. Do you have enough time for a dog? Are you active enough for a dog? Do you have any physical limitations? Is your living arrangement stable or is your life situation about to change? Dogs require time, patience, and lots of care. It’s great coming home to a happy dog who is excited to greet you at the door, but remember that your dog needs to be walked (even if you have a yard space), and they’ll need you to schedule playtime, training, socialization and more. Dogs need consistency and routine to thrive. For example, feeding them at the same times each day, walking them at approximately the same times daily, and making time for training, playing, and socializing will set your new dog up to succeed. Plus, it will help you and your dog to bond!

If you are seeking a young or high energy dog, keep in mind that they will require more exercise than an older dog that perhaps cannot walk as far. Running, hiking, swimming, and making time for more frequent walks may be required. If you have any physical limitations, such as only being able to walk short distances yourself or a limit to how much weight you can lift (or handle pulling on a leash), that is something to consider before going out and adopting a large dog or a very energetic puppy. Puppies are cute, but they’re a LOT of work. If you travel quite a lot, work long hours away from home, are about to move or go through any other major changes (such as having a child or remodeling your home), you may want to postpone welcoming a new dog into the mix.

Okay, so you’ve committed to making plenty of time for your dog and your house is ready and welcoming. It’s time to consider your financial security and preparedness for future expenses. Simply put, can you afford a dog? This may be obvious to most of you, but there’s a lot more to owning a dog than buying a bag of food once a month. The adoption fee is just a small amount of what a new dog can cost. Most rescue dogs will already be neutered and microchipped prior to adoption, but it’s a good idea to look up the costs of these vital services just in case you need to be responsible for having them done. In addition to food, pet supplies for your dog can include beds, toys, a collar and personalized I.D. tag, a harness and leash for walking, possibly a crate and/or a carrier for them, dog blankets, doggy toothpaste, etc.

Depending  on the type of dog that you adopt, they may also require regular trips to a professional groomer (nail trimming will definitely be required, even if you opt to do it at home). How about training? It is highly recommended that you attend training classes with your dog, even if they’re already well-behaved. Training will help your pal to better understand your expectations, will help them build confidence, and will help them bond with you. It’s also important to mention that, even if your dog is healthy, they will need to see their veterinarian at least once a year for annual checkups and dental care. Most dogs will require quite a few unplanned vet visits throughout their lives, as well. If your dog were to become ill, have an accident or injury, or perhaps develop allergies or some other health issue requiring maintenance, you’d want to be prepared… right? It’s possible for emergency vet care to cost thousands of dollars. Are you prepared to pay for an emergency surgery to save your dog’s life? The last thing you want to be faced with is considering euthanasia for your beloved friend because you cannot afford the medical bills, medications, or post-op care that they may need. It’s a really great idea to research local vet fees, training and grooming costs, pet supplies, and a good quality dog food prior to adoption so that you have an idea what kind of expenses you’re in for.

Did you know that dogs can live to be 16, 18, 20+ years old? Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment. You should plan to have your dog for the remainder of their lifetime, whether they are currently 18 weeks old or 18 years old. Chances are, you are eager to save a life by adopting and therefore want to do everything you can to ensure that your dog lives a long, healthy life with you! In addition to evaluating your lifestyle, your home, and your finances, microchipping your pet and keeping a collar with an ID tag on them at all times are extremely important responsibilities of any good dog parent to ensure that your baby doesn’t end up in a shelter. Sound good so far? A few more questions you’ll want to ask yourself prior to adoption are whether or not your kids are old enough to respect a pet, if they have been taught what we like to call “doggy manners,” and making sure that everyone in your home is 100% on board with adopting a new dog. It’s important that the answer to all of these questions is YES

Hey, thanks for reading this far! We’re glad you’re taking adoption-preparedness seriously. If you’re feeling ready for the long-term commitment, have done your research, and are prepared to put in the time, energy, and money that it takes to be an awesome dog parent, then you are probably ready to adopt!

Thank you for giving shelter/rescue dogs a chance!