| Adopting a Dog |
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Things to Consider When Adopting a Dog.
Dogs are amazing, playful and intelligent animals. They make
wonderful companions for couples and families. Having a dog is good
for your health, the daily walks, exercise and interactions help lower
blood pressure and keep you in shape. However, you should make
sure that you are ready to have a rewarding relationship with your
pet. Don’t allow yourself to contribute to the number of homeless pets
in our community.
Every dog in the shelter can provide you with boundless love and
companionship, and every dog certainly deserves a lifelong home. But
some dogs are better for you and your lifestyle than others. That's why
you should take the time to make a thoughtful choice. After all, you're
choosing a pal who'll be with you 10, 15, or even more years. Select
the right dog, and you and your new companion will enjoy those years
to the fullest.
Ensure that no member of your household has dog allergies which
may interfere with their enjoyment of the dog. If you are unsure
whether you or your children have allergies visit a friend’s dog or walk
the dogs in the shelter before deciding to adopt. Many animals end up
in shelters because their owners discovered they had allergies after
adopting a dog.
Dogs are amazing, playful and intelligent animals. They make
wonderful companions for couples and families. Having a dog is good
for your health, the daily walks, exercise and interactions help lower
blood pressure and keep you in shape. However, you should make
sure that you are ready to have a rewarding relationship with your
pet. Don’t allow yourself to contribute to the number of homeless pets
in our community.
Every dog in the shelter can provide you with boundless love and
companionship, and every dog certainly deserves a lifelong home. But
some dogs are better for you and your lifestyle than others. That's why
you should take the time to make a thoughtful choice. After all, you're
choosing a pal who'll be with you 10, 15, or even more years. Select
the right dog, and you and your new companion will enjoy those years
to the fullest.
Ensure that no member of your household has dog allergies which
may interfere with their enjoyment of the dog. If you are unsure
whether you or your children have allergies visit a friend’s dog or walk
the dogs in the shelter before deciding to adopt. Many animals end up
in shelters because their owners discovered they had allergies after
adopting a dog.
So how do you know what kinds of dogs will have the qualities you're looking for? The best way to find out is to learn about
various breeds, visit with animals at the shelter, and speak with an adoption counselor for guidance.
Are you busy at all times? Don't take a dog that needs daily brushing. Getting older? Don't choose a dog that requires frequent
excercise. Do you have small children? Choose only a dog that is used to dealing with them.
Don't choose a dog merely based on how it looks. The behavior it displays is just as important as the physical appearance.
Don't expect to find the perfect dog on your first visit to a shelter or pound.
While you're at the shelter, keep in mind that the shelter is a stressful place for any animal. Quite often, a dog's true colors won't
show until he's away from other animals and the shelter environment. So even if you walk past a kennel with a dog who isn't
vying for your attention, don't count him out. He may just be a little scared or lonely.
Do some research at your local veterinary clinic and pet store to ensure that the costs associated with having a dog fit into your
budget. Dogs require annual check-ups, vaccines (annually or every three years), tests for diseases etc. As they age, your
dog may require dental cleanings by the veterinarian, blood tests, and medications. Also be prepared for unexpected medical
costs such as emergency care or treatment for a chronic health problem. Other costs for your pet include food, license, toys,
leashes, collars, carriers, and ID tags.
Take him to the vet to get a regular checkup as soon as possible. Make sure the dog has all the necessary vaccinations.
various breeds, visit with animals at the shelter, and speak with an adoption counselor for guidance.
Are you busy at all times? Don't take a dog that needs daily brushing. Getting older? Don't choose a dog that requires frequent
excercise. Do you have small children? Choose only a dog that is used to dealing with them.
Don't choose a dog merely based on how it looks. The behavior it displays is just as important as the physical appearance.
Don't expect to find the perfect dog on your first visit to a shelter or pound.
While you're at the shelter, keep in mind that the shelter is a stressful place for any animal. Quite often, a dog's true colors won't
show until he's away from other animals and the shelter environment. So even if you walk past a kennel with a dog who isn't
vying for your attention, don't count him out. He may just be a little scared or lonely.
Do some research at your local veterinary clinic and pet store to ensure that the costs associated with having a dog fit into your
budget. Dogs require annual check-ups, vaccines (annually or every three years), tests for diseases etc. As they age, your
dog may require dental cleanings by the veterinarian, blood tests, and medications. Also be prepared for unexpected medical
costs such as emergency care or treatment for a chronic health problem. Other costs for your pet include food, license, toys,
leashes, collars, carriers, and ID tags.
Take him to the vet to get a regular checkup as soon as possible. Make sure the dog has all the necessary vaccinations.