The Aspiring Owner’s Guide To Canine Adoption

Submitted by: Lawrence J. Reaves

Your decision to adopt a dog will impact your life for many years. You’ll enjoy the companionship and unwavering devotion of a new friend. You’ll also be responsible for providing for his needs, including food, exercise, grooming, dental care, and regular trips to a veterinarian. For these reasons, it’s important to ask yourself if you’re truly ready to adopt a canine. Do you have the time, budget, and space to accommodate him? If so, you can expect to enjoy a deeply gratifying friendship with your new companion.

In this article, we’ll present an overview of canine adoption that takes you through the steps involved. You’ll learn about choosing the right breed, where to look, and deciding on a suitable match. We’ll also explain how to start your new friendship on the right foot.

Choosing A Breed That Matches Your Life

Many people prefer to adopt a purebred. To that end, each breed poses its own advantages and drawbacks depending on your lifestyle. It’s important to research specific breed characteristics so you’ll know in advance which are less than ideal. For example, some breeds are phenomenally energetic. If you enjoy jogging or bicycling, an energetic dog may be a good companion. On the other hand, if you live in a relatively small space (e.g. apartment), or are confined to your home, such dogs are inappropriate.

If you’re open to adopting a “mixed breed” (or mutt), your options will increase substantially. Mutts may be unable to offer the traceable lineage or breed-specific traits a purebred can, but they also tend to be free of many hereditary problems. To be sure, a mutt can still suffer from specific hereditary health issues, but the list of such problems tends to be shorter.

Searching The Shelters

Animal shelters are among the best places to look for a dog. Many of the animals in these facilities have been abandoned by owners who moved, grew too old, or lacked the funds to properly care for them. Those canines who have lived with owners in the past are usually housetrained, and often have received professional obedience training. Also, keep in mind that dogs for which a home cannot be found are euthanized. Thus, adopting a shelter dog literally means saving his life.

As a side note, be wary of buying a canine from a pet store. One problem with such places is that many of the dogs are pulled from puppy mills. They often have health problems and psychological issues that may only become clear later.

Finding A Suitable Match

Avoid the temptation to choose the first canine that captures your attention. You’ll be spending over a decade with your new companion, so it’s worth investing time upfront to make sure you choose wisely. The dog you select should fit the criteria you established earlier; its breed, size, activity level, and age should conform to the archetype in your head. If you stumble upon one that seems to pose an ideal match, come back the next day. That will give you enough time to be sure you’re making the right decision.

Adopting Your New Canine Companion

After selecting your new dog, you’ll need to sign a few papers to formally document the adoption. Next, the shelter will require a fee that pays for spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and any related expenses. They’ll inform you of any known health problems as well as medications the canine must take. But it’s important to have a veterinarian perform a thorough examination to make sure small problems are identified and addressed.

Prior to bringing your new companion home, purchase a dog bed, food and water bowls, a few toys, and a crate. You’ll also need to buy a leash and collar, grooming supplies, and food (including treats). These items will help your new canine companion feel welcome and comfortable in his new home, providing a perfect start to a lifelong friendship.

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