| The first thing to consider is why do you want to | | | | mixed and purebred dogs, along with younger dogs |
| adopt a dog. Dog adoption is a life long commitment, | | | | and even puppies. Once a responsible shelters |
| so be sure that this is something you really want to | | | | receives a dog, they will do an assessment for |
| do. Ask yourself the question, " does a dog fit into | | | | aggression, temperament and general health. If the |
| my lifestyle?" Becoming a dog owner means | | | | dog is a surrender dog, the shelter will collect as |
| accepting the responsibilities of ownership for at least | | | | much information about the dog from the previous |
| 10 to 15 years. These responsibilities include your | | | | owner. A stray that is brought to them will be |
| time. Especially time for exercise, grooming and | | | | observed and its interactions with staff and other |
| companionship every day of each year. Another | | | | dogs documented. This information can be valuable to |
| responsibility is financial commitment. Financial | | | | you in determining which dog to choose. |
| considerations include regular vet visits, emergency | | | | If an effort to make a good match between new |
| vet visits, spaying, neutering, licenses, training, | | | | owner and dog, many shelters provide adoption |
| grooming, toys and especially food treats. Owning a | | | | counseling and follow up assistance. This assistance |
| dog comes at an expense. Be sure you can afford it. | | | | includes such items as pet parenting and training |
| Let us discuss some considerations you must make | | | | classes, vet services and behavior counseling. If your |
| before you adopt. | | | | particular shelter does not provide these services, |
| Are you allowed to have a pet where you live? | | | | they should be able to direct you to a business that |
| Rental properties may not allow pets or if they do | | | | does provide them. |
| allow them, they may have restrictions. Be sure to | | | | What should you look for in a healthy dog? A healthy |
| know your circumstances before you adopt. | | | | dog has clear bright eyes, a clean shinny coat, does |
| Is your home suitable for the dog you have in mind? | | | | not appear to be too thin or overweight and shows |
| A large dog in a small apartment will not work. | | | | no signs of illness such as nasal discharge or diarrhea. |
| Likewise, a little yard for a dog who requires a lot of | | | | Pick a dog that is active, friendly, inquisitive and not |
| room to roam will not be happy. Do your research | | | | afraid of you. The dog should accept gentle handling |
| before you make a dog selection, keep in mind what | | | | and show no signs of aggression. |
| your dog's needs are and does what you have to | | | | An advantage of adopting from an animal shelter is |
| offer fulfill those needs. | | | | its great value. The adoption fee in my area is $90. |
| Next, consider if you are you prepared to deal with | | | | For this amount, the dog will be tested for heart |
| the special problems that dog ownership can bring. | | | | worms, micro chipped and registered, given a physical |
| These problems include, flea infestations, scratched | | | | exam by a vet, spayed or neutered, vaccinated for |
| and chewed furniture, house training accidents and of | | | | rabies and wormed. |
| course shedding. To minimize these problems, you | | | | Once you have selected a dog, you must prepare |
| should be prepared to interact, inspect and groom | | | | before you bring it home. You will need to prepare a |
| your dog daily. Check for fleas and ticks, encourage | | | | place for it to eat and sleep, have all the necessary |
| playing with toys, brush their coat daily and teach | | | | accessories, food and water bowl, collar, leash, ID |
| them to be house trained. | | | | tag, bedding and toys. Consider pet proofing your |
| Have you given thought to preparations for dog care | | | | home. Any item that may harm a dog, electrical |
| when you will not be available do it yourself. Such as | | | | wiring, toxic chemicals and such should be put away. |
| times when work takes you away or when you are | | | | If your dog is a house dog and when no one will be |
| traveling on vacation. Arrangement for a sitter or | | | | home, an option to prevent harm to the dog and |
| paying for boarding will be your only options. | | | | damage to household items is to place your dog in a |
| Once you have considered all of these aspects of | | | | travel crate with plenty of food, water, bedding and |
| dog ownership, and are prepared to accept them, | | | | toys until someone comes home. |
| then adopting a dog from a animal shelter is one of | | | | You have chosen your new best friend, brought it |
| the most responsible choices you can make. | | | | home and now prepare for a lifetime of unconditional |
| Animal Shelters have a great selection of adult dogs, | | | | love and dedication from your new family member. |