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Dog Adoption Tips

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  • When you adopt a dog, you're adding a plus one to the pack. Ensure that everyone in your family is ready for a dog (and are allergy-free.) If you have children, only consider dogs that are child-friendly. Determine who will be responsible for the daily tasks like walking and feeding the dog and take into account the family schedule, from school to work obligations to upcoming vacations. Remember that dog ownership is a long-term commitment (it could be ten or fifteen years!) and really ask yourself if you're ready to take on the responsibility before you bring a dog home.
  • If you have a cat, guinea pig, or other domestic pet in the home, tell your pet adoption counselor that you'd like to meet dogs that get along with other animals (including other dogs.) Sometimes you can set up a meet-and-greet at the shelter to ensure they get along or foster a pet first before making the commitment to own.
  • All dogs need daily, rigorous exercise for physical health and mental stimulation, but depending on the characteristics of the breed, some require more than others. While a bulldog might be happy with a daily 60-minute romp around the block, a Labrador may have a lot more energy to burn off. Only consider dogs that have an energy level equal or less than your own, and take into account your daily routine (like your beloved morning jog in the park) and living situation (a small apartment versus a farm with acreage, for example.)
  • Sure, puppies are adorable, but they're high-energy and require a lot of patience, dedication, and consistency to properly train and socialize. Senior dogs can offer a more stable, established energy level, and are often already leash-and-potty trained. Evaluate your financial situation (older dogs may need more healthcare), family needs (older dogs may not be accustomed to young children), energy levels (puppies can be hyper, and senior dogs may need less exercise), and schedule (to devote to dog training.) Talk about these issues as a family before you head to the shelter, so you don't make an emotional, in-the-moment decision.
  • Regular grooming is an important component of keeping your dog healthy, but some dogs do need more frequent grooming, which can be a deeper financial and personal investment. From combing out the tangles in long-haired breeds to simple, sudsy baths for others, ask your dog adoption counselor about an individual dog's grooming needs before you make your final decision on a pet.
  • Take your budget into account before you adopt an animal. All dogs require food, water, veterinary care, grooming and exercise, on top of a leash, collar, crate and safe toys. And, depending on your lifestyle and schedule, you may need to front the cost to board the animal for work trips or coordinate a daily dog walker while you're at the office. Make sure you're ready for the financial commitment to properly care for the dog's health and safety so there's no surprises later, even if your pet becomes unexpectedly sick, gets fleas, or you have to leave town last-minute.
  • Do some research before you bring home a dog to make things less stressful for both yourself and the animal later on. From day one, you'll need to establish yourself as the pack leader in a calm and assertive way. Knowledge on how to do so will also facilitate the bonding process between you and your new pet.

  • Talk to Your Family

    When you adopt a dog, you're adding a plus one to the pack. Ensure that everyone in your family is ready for a dog (and are allergy-free.) If you have children, only consider dogs that are child-friendly. Determine who will be responsible for the daily tasks – like walking and feeding the dog – and take into account the family schedule, from school to work obligations to upcoming vacations. Remember that dog ownership is a long-term commitment (it could be ten or fifteen years!) and really ask yourself if you're ready to take on the responsibility before you bring a dog home.

  • Consider your Other Animals

    If you have a cat, guinea pig, or other domestic pet in the home, tell your pet adoption counselor that you'd like to meet dogs that get along with other animals (including other dogs.) Sometimes you can set up a meet-and-greet at the shelter to ensure they get along or foster a pet first before making the commitment to own.

  • Evaluate Energy Levels

    All dogs need daily, rigorous exercise for physical health and mental stimulation, but depending on the characteristics of the breed, some require more than others. While a bulldog might be happy with a daily 60-minute romp around the block, a Labrador may have a lot more energy to burn off. Only consider dogs that have an energy level equal or less than your own, and take into account your daily routine (like your beloved morning jog in the park) and living situation (a small apartment versus a farm with acreage, for example.)

  • Think About Older Versus Younger Dogs

    Sure, puppies are adorable, but they're high-energy and require a lot of patience, dedication, and consistency to properly train and socialize. Senior dogs can offer a more stable, established energy level, and are often already leash-and-potty trained. Evaluate your financial situation (older dogs may need more healthcare), family needs (older dogs may not be accustomed to young children), energy levels (puppies can be hyper, and senior dogs may need less exercise), and schedule (to devote to dog training.) Talk about these issues as a family before you head to the shelter, so you don't make an emotional, in-the-moment decision.

  • Read up on a Breed's Needs

    Regular grooming is an important component of keeping your dog healthy, but some dogs do need more frequent grooming, which can be a deeper financial and personal investment. From combing out the tangles in long-haired breeds to simple, sudsy baths for others, ask your dog adoption counselor about an individual dog's grooming needs before you make your final decision on a pet.

  • Remember that Dogs are a Financial Commitment

    Take your budget into account before you adopt an animal. All dogs require food, water, veterinary care, grooming and exercise, on top of a leash, collar, crate and safe toys. And, depending on your lifestyle and schedule, you may need to front the cost to board the animal for work trips or coordinate a daily dog walker while you're at the office. Make sure you're ready for the financial commitment to properly care for the dog's health and safety so there's no surprises later, even if your pet becomes unexpectedly sick, gets fleas, or you have to leave town last-minute.

  • Boost Your Pack Leader Knowledge

    Do some research before you bring home a dog to make things less stressful for both yourself and the animal later on. From day one, you'll need to establish yourself as the pack leader in a calm and assertive way. Knowledge on how to do so will also facilitate the bonding process between you and your new pet.

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