5 Things to think about before you adopt a dog
Published on Mon Apr 1 2019 in Family
Adopting a rescue dog can be a magical moment. Around 12% of Kiwis found their canine companion at a local animal shelter or SPCA.1 Those are some lucky dogs with new, forever homes!
You may be thinking about bringing home a rescue dog, too. That’s great! But, you may want to consider a few things before taking the leap. A dog is a big responsibility and will likely change your family’s lifestyle in some way. Here are five important parts of dog ownership you may want to consider if you’re about to adopt.
1. Do you have enough time to give them proper care?
Owning a pet is a big commitment, but adopting a rescue dog may be especially challenging. All breeds of dog need plenty of exercise and affection, plus proper training and regular grooming. And rescue dogs may have special needs on top of that. Before bringing home a new pup, you may want to consider if you really have enough time to devote to your new furry friend.
Working full-time, long hours or shift work might make it tough to give a dog the attention they need. Also, you may want to think about other commitments like after school or weekend sports runs, volunteer work or frequent travel. If no one’s home for much of the day, a dog may not be the ideal pet.
2. Can you afford a pet right now?
Dogs can be expensive—even rescue ones! The fee to adopt may be far less than purchasing a purebred pup, but that’s not the only expense to consider. There are plenty of ongoing costs that will set you back over the pet’s lifespan.
Beyond everyday needs like food, most dogs also need a few toys, a lead for walks, and grooming. Local council may charge a registration fee for all canines and regular veterinary care is recommended. You might also decide to take out pet insurance to help cover injuries or other medical emergencies. All up, you could end up spending an average of $1,200 every year for each dog you own. If a dog is going to stretch your monthly budget, it might make sense to start a “Fido fund” so you can start saving.
3. Is everyone old or young enough to handle the dog you want?
“Love at first sight” can happen at the local shelter. Or, you may have a favourite breed in mind from childhood or a previous beloved pet. Before scooping up your dream pup, you might want to think about how everyone in the house will interact with this new member of the family.
Some breeds aren’t suited for young children, including puppies under 6 months or toy-sized dogs of any age. On the other hand, elderly adults or physically challenged people might have trouble controlling a strong adolescent and some larger dog breeds. Though it may be tough to pass on a dog you hoped to adopt, they might not be the best age or breed for your household. But with any luck, you’ll soon find the perfect pooch!
4. Who will take care of your pup?
The kids have been begging for a dog, promising that they’ll feed and walk them every day, give them a bath on weekends and clean up their mess. But be honest—will they really follow through? Kids tend to lose interest in things quickly, even a beloved pet.
Before adopting, you might want to have a family discussion about who is really going to take care of the dog. Depending on the breed and age of your rescue pup, they could be part of the family for 10 years or more. If the responsibility is mostly going to land on Dad or Mum’s shoulders, do they have the time to do it? More importantly, do they really want to? It’s important to be realistic about how a dog will fit into your life now and into the future.
5. Is your home dog-friendly?
One of the amazing things about dogs is how different each breed is. Some are troublemakers. Some are runners. Some are escape artists. But no matter their personality, every pup should have a safe, dog-friendly home.
Before bringing home a rescue dog, try looking at your home from a dog’s perspective. Is there a big backyard or a nearby park to run in? Is the yard and swimming pool fenced off? Do you often leave human food or medications out on tables or countertops? Are their plants in the house or garden that could make them sick? You may need to make some changes to your home or habits to help keep a new pet safe.
If you’re keen to adopt a rescue dog, take some time to really think about how a new pet will fit into your life. Choosing the right dog and creating a happy home for them is important. But once you’ve worked out the details, you may be in for years of loyal companionship and love!
We absolutely love dogs! Check out these 9 fascinating facts about our canine friends.
1. The New Zealand Companion Animal Council, Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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