Adopting a dog is a life-altering choice, but if you’re ready, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences. Here are some reasons adopting a dog can positively impact your life.
- You gain a family member who is always there to listen and can comfort you with their wet nose, wagging tail, and goofy play
- Dogs have been shown to help people decrease stress, alleviate anxiety, and improve mood. Learn more here
- You will now have a companion to get your outside to walk, run, hike, or visit parks which can benefit your health
- Dogs can also be a great way to meet people, strike up conversations, and visit places you may not otherwise have
- Owning a dog can also benefit a whole family by creating a sense of responsibility within the family to care for the dog; and bringing the family together for their dog’s exercise, training, and attention
- Adopting a dog usually means your dog is already vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped!
- When you adopt a dog, you’re providing a home to a dog that otherwise may not get one. Dogs who aren’t adopted may stay for long periods in a shelter, be transferred from location to location, or be euthanized
Are you ready to adopt? It’s easy to fall in love with a pup and want to take him or her home right away. Before you start searching for your new dog, make sure you ask yourself these questions before adopting a dog and bringing him into your family.
- Are you ready take on the commitment of a pet for their lifetime?
- The average lifespan for dogs is 10-13 years depending on breed/size and could be much longer!
- Does your current living situation allow for a dog?
- Meaning, if you rent, does your landlord allow dogs? Are their any restrictions?
- If you move, are you willing to ensure you find a new residence that allows your dog to go with you?
- Are you financially able to provide veterinary care, training, food, grooming, toys, supplies, etc. for your dog?
- How will you take care of any emergencies that may arise?
- A great option here is looking at pet insurance, which can help cover veterinary bills for both preventative care and emergencies, depending on the plan
- Can you give this pet the attention and exercise he needs and deserves through his life?
- This includes hands-on attention, training, exercise, playtime, etc.
- Are you prepared for a lifestyle change to accommodate your dog’s needs?
- This may include coming home right after work rather than running errands, going out, or making other plans
- Your home will require more cleaning to take care of any dirt, hair, or other messes than can occur with dog ownership
- What will you do with your dog when you go out of town?
If you’re ready to adopt a dog, we’d also like to share a few tips on adopting a dog so you can bring your new family member home!
- Bring your dog home on a day when you have no other plans, so you don’t leave your new dog home alone right away.
- Weekends are great for adopting so you can spend time with your dog before returning to work the following week
- Use your time together to get to know each other, explore the house and neighborhood, establish a routine, and start basic training at home!
- Learn about what your dog likes: is it the squeaky tennis ball that brings him joy? Does he love salmon treats? Is his favorite spot to be scratched on his chest?
- Buy your dog’s basic supplies before you adopt so you aren’t tempted to leave your dog to go shop or take your new dog into a pet supply store right after adoption.
- It’s best to help your dog adjust to his new home first before introducing him to other, new locations
- You’ll have more fun shopping for additional supplies after you get to know your dog!
- Be prepared for some rocky moments.
- It’s stressful to be moved from one home to another, so be patient with your new dog
- He may not understand right away where to go to the bathroom, so when he goes where you want him to, reward him!
- Your dog may not know where to sleep, what to chew on, basic manners, or even how to play. These things take time, but always remember that when you see something you like, reward it. This will help your dog repeat whatever it is that earned him a reward
- Set up a vet appointment for a health check. Unless you have a concern about your new dog’s health, you can set this up for 1-2 weeks after adopting your dog so he has time to settle in a bit at your home and you begin to get to know him.
- Even if your dog is already vaccinated, it’s a good idea to set up a vet appointment for your new dog to get a baseline health status, build a relationship with your vet, and help get your dog comfortable going to the vet
- If possible, use your first visit as a “no poke” visit where your dog doesn’t receive any injections or have any blood draws. Make it an easy, rewarding visit instead so your pup is eager to go back!
Interested in adopting a dog? Many Camp Bow Wow® locations foster dogs from local rescues and shelters. These dogs stay at Camp for short periods of time, participate in Day Camp, and hope to find their forever home. Talk to your local Camp Bow Wow® to see if they have any foster dogs in need of a home or visit your local shelter. Happy adopting!