Adoption 101

Please note - there are NO right or wrong answers to thESE questions… there are dogs out there for everyone.

1) Do I have the time to help an animal integrate into my life?

Whether you adopt a senior dog or a puppy your schedule will be turned upside down when you bring a dog into your life - even if you already have one. The first days and weeks are critical to setting them up for success so make sure you are choosing a time in your life when you can offer the support needed.

2) Am I active or laid back?

Get the dog with the expected energy level that fits your current lifestyle - not one to inspire a change. Be honest with yourself - how many New Years resolutions are your still doing from 9 years ago?

3) How would my current pets feel about a new dog coming into my home?

Just because your dog likes meeting dogs on leash or at the dog park doesn’t mean they will necessarily enjoy a dog in their living space - they also may have rules and boundaries around other dogs in their space - better to learn what those are before committing to another dog.

4) Do I have a backyard or will the dog have to be walked to use the bathroom?

Many dogs have a wonderful and fulfilled life with no back yard - so not having one should not be a roadblock to getting a dog BUT having a dog with behavioral issues and not having a private safe zone for them to relieve themselves is very stressful. This includes, fearful, anxious, reactive, and aggressive dogs.

5) Do I have space inside my house to provide for the dog?

Like us, dogs thrive with their own space - this can be a crate, a sectioned off area, a puppy pen - their own safe zone.

6) What are my dealbreakers?

Most dogs get returned because their adopters haven’t factored in their dealbreakers to the adoption process - we fall in love with a dog because we feel sorry for them or they’re so cute but the reality is - dogs can been a pain to live with. Do you live in an apartment and would a dog barking get you kicked out? Do you have other dogs that the dog has to get along with? Do you work a stressful job and need a dog to be ok while you are gone? Do you have a busy household and need a dog who easily accepts strangers? Do you have a 4 foot fence and need a dog who won’t jump it? Not sure what your dealbreakers are? Look bottom line - there are no guarantees but the best way to see if a dog is the right fit? Try em out - foster….

Please also note - sometimes adopters go in the OPPOSITE direction and think of dogs like appliances with special features they want added on… dogs are living breathing creatures with feelings and emotions.

7) What are my physical limitations?

Training fails, management fails, dog walkers don’t show up, fences come down - can I physically handle the dog I am adopting in all circumstances? Luckily dogs come in all shapes and sizes so there will be one that you can say yes to no matter what your limitations are.

8) Am I financially prepared for unexpected costs? 

Dogs are EXPENSIVE… vets are EXPENSIVE… so many dogs get turned into the shelter because of medical costs - figure out your emergency plan before you need it.

DOGS are dirty, disgusting, beautiful creatures who can push us to our limits while becoming our greatest source of comfort and joy.

AND THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES…. So put your seatbelt on, buckle up and be prepared for the ride of your life.