Here in America, we love our shelter dogs. Some of us unabashedly love our domesticated animals more than people. If a child doesn’t have a pet or even a pet to call “theirs” by a certain age, they will inevitably begin to beg for one. Before you give in to your own personal desire for a pet or your child’s tears, take a moment to mull over the realities of pet adoption and what it means for your family. Maybe it is the right time now, or ten years from now, or never. Here is what to know before adopting a pet as well as helpful questions to ask to before adopting a new dog. These questions will help you make sure you prepared for dog ownership and let you know more about your pet and what you getting into for the long term.
What to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
Before adopting a dog, consider factors like breed, size, energy level, and temperament to ensure a good match for your lifestyle. Dogs require time, training, and financial commitment for food, veterinary care, and supplies. Research breed-specific needs, potential health issues, and grooming requirements. If you have children or other pets, ensure compatibility and plan for a proper introduction. Shelters and rescue organizations can provide insight into a dog’s behavior and history. Lastly, be prepared for long-term responsibility—dogs can live 10–15 years or more, requiring love, patience, and a stable home. Ask yourself these questions:
Why are you hoping to adopt a dog?
You may think this is a rhetorical question. Why wouldn’t you want to adopt a pet? While pets are a great joy and fantastic companions (if you find one that fits well with your family,) if you do not have a solid or passionate enough drive for adopting a pet, the end results will not be pretty. Pets are a big responsibility. They come with the added expense of not just food but also vet bills, flea and tick prevention, and pet damages. They also come with the added worry of what to do with them when you go on vacation, and talking them for walks or cleaning kitty litter boxes. Yes, they are cute and so worth it but make sure you are prepared for the whole package.
Does everyone in your household agree?
Even if the entire family agrees to adopt a pet, if you don’t all share that solid or passionate drive for the adoption, it could cause tension in your human relationships farther down the road. Your child may love the idea of playing fetch with that adorable little pup, but will they love the idea of caring for it after school and before you get home from work? That’s a question you need to answer before making the big leap. Are both mom and dad on board before you bring home the animal? Do you both agree on the type of animal?
Do you have the stability required to care for a pet?
This one hits home even for me a little bit. I don’t regret rescuing my puppy child, but I will admit that I did not consider the consequences of apartment living with a large breed or how it would limit my budget every month. While these sacrifices were worth it, it would have been better to plan for them. If you don’t own your house, they can limit your rental options as well.
Questions To Ask Before Adopting A Dog:
Before adopting a dog, ask the shelter, previous owner, or breeder, these key questions and understand why they matter:
- What is the dog’s history? – Knowing their background (stray, surrendered, abused) helps you understand potential behavioral or health issues.
- What is their temperament like? – Ensures they match your lifestyle, energy level, and household dynamics.
- Do they have any medical conditions or special needs? – Helps prepare for vet care and ongoing health costs.
- What training have they received? – Determines if they are house-trained, leash-trained, or need extra work.
- What is their exercise and grooming routine? – Ensures you can meet their daily needs.
- How old is the dog?
- What is the dog’s current energy level at this age?
- Is the dog potty trained?
- Does the dog have a chewing habit?
- Does the come when called?
- Does the dog like children?
- Dos the dog like other animals?
Valuable Information
These types of questions will help you know what you are getting into and if the dog is a good match for you. Asking questions before adopting a dog is essential to ensure a good fit for both you and the pet. Whether you’re adopting from an animal shelter, a pet store, or a rescue, taking the time to ask about the type of dog, their history, and potential behavior issues can prevent future challenges. Speaking with shelter staff helps you understand if an adult dog or older dogs might be a better match for your home compared to large dogs that require more space and exercise.
It’s also important to ask about adoption fees, medical history, and whether pet insurance is recommended. Questions can also help identify red flags, such as past aggression or serious medical conditions. By doing thorough research and reaching out to local shelters, you ensure that you’re making a well-informed decision, focusing on the most important things for a successful adoption.
Conclusion
Adopting a dog is a rewarding experience that brings love, companionship, and joy into your life, but it also comes with long-term responsibilities. By carefully considering factors like temperament, health, training, and lifestyle compatibility, you can ensure a successful transition for both you and your new pet. Asking the right questions and preparing for their needs will help create a strong bond and a happy home. With patience, commitment, and love, adopting a dog can be one of the most fulfilling decisions you make.
Josh Billings once said, “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”
Adopting a pet is well worth it but being prepared for the realities of the extra expenses and extra work are important so that you can make sure everyone in the family is onboard with helping out. Best Friends has a long list of useful pet adoption tips to help you be prepared for the realities that come with your new lovable four legged family member.
I hope this information on what to know before adopting a dog was helpful to you. What advice do you have for others considering adoption? Which of these pet adoption tips do you feel is most important and why?
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RKM says
That’s a great article! Dog adoption is such a rewarding experience, but I completely agree that potential adopters should take the time to prepare. When I brought home my first dog, I made sure to research dog breeds and set up my space with essentials like water bowls and baby gates to create a safe environment. One thing I didn’t expect was separation anxiety—my adopted dog needed a lot of reassurance at first. It’s so important for new pet parents to be patient and give their new companion enough time to adjust. Thanks for sharing these helpful insights!