Important Things to Know About Adopting a Puppy

No matter your age, adopting a puppy is one ofrnthe most exciting experiences that you can have. Puppies provide endless love,rnjoy, and fulfillment. Whether you want to adopt a puppy partiallyrnto teach your children about responsibility or provide a companion for an olderrnrelative, it’s a great way to grow your family.

That said, it’s important to remember that puppies are a hugernresponsibility, and you shouldn’t adopt a puppy on a whim. Itrntakes careful thought, consideration, and planning to bring a puppy into yourrnlife. When you know what you’re getting yourself into, you can prepare betterrnfor your new family member and set both of you up for success and a lifetime ofrnhappiness together.

Before you start searching for “where to adopt a puppyrnnear me,” read our guide below to learn the most important things to knowrnbefore taking the leap.

Decide What Kind of Puppy is Best for You

Sure, all puppies are cute, but not all puppies are going to bernperfect for you. The best way to decide which puppy will be best for you is to makerna list and consider the following questions:

• Whatrn size do you want your dog to be?
• Dorn you want a high-energy dog that will stay active for years or a low-energyrn one?
• Dorn you mind shedding, or would you prefer a hypoallergenic dog?
• Whatrn types of things do you plan on doing with your dog? (i.e., hiking,rn camping, running, etc.)

Understand the Financial Commitment

Determining how much it costs to adopt a puppy isrnonly the beginning of the new and ongoing financial commitment you can expectrnwhen you bring home a puppy.

While the cost of adopting a puppy will rangernfrom place to place, if you go to a shelter, you could pay between $50 and $350 inrnadoption fees. Typically, these fees cover a wellness exam, their first roundrnof shots, spaying/neutering, a microchip, and admin fees.

Pet ownership also requires you to pay for food, toys, treats, arnkennel, water and food bowls, a leash, collar, harness, bed, pet insurance,rnmedication, shots, pet sitters, training, and grooming fees. If possible, tryrnto have extra money in savings in case you have to make an emergency vet visit,rntoo. Owning a puppy is an expensive endeavor, and it’s important to understandrnthat your financial obligation is only just beginning once you leave thernshelter.

Evaluate Your Lifestyle

Before adopting a puppy, evaluate your home andrnyour lifestyle. If you like to travel a lot, you’ll need to find a good andrnreliable pet sitter or a boarding facility where you can safely leave yourrnpuppy.

Beyond that, consider work. If you don’t work from home, can yournbring your dog to the office, or will you need to go home over your lunch breakrnto walk them and make sure they get enough love and attention?

You’ll also have to decide who’ll be responsible for feeding therndog, giving it fresh water, and taking it for walks if you don’t livernalone. Adopting a puppy is similar to having a baby in thatrnyou need to be constantly watching it and fostering its growth, especially whenrnyou first bring it home. They need lots of love and attention and can’t andrnshouldn’t be left home alone all day or in a kennel, so it’s important to haverna plan for who will take care of the multiple needs your puppy will have.

Prepare Your Home

If you live in an apartment, be prepared to take your dog outsiderna few times a day to go to the bathroom and get exercise. If you live in arnhouse with a yard, ensure that your yard is puppy friendly and that you have arnsecure fence so they can’t run away. You’ll also need to puppy-proof your homernto keep your pup safe. Here are a few things you’ll need:

• Secure/hidern electrical cords
• Lockrn up cabinets
• Movern houseplants
• Getrn a lid-locking trash can
• Keeprn laundry and shoes up high
• Keeprn small toys and other items away

Puppies love to get into everything, so make sure they don’t havernaccess to anything that can hurt them. It’s important to make sure that yourrncurrent lifestyle and home environment can accommodate a puppy.

If you’re thinking about adopting a puppy, make surernthat you give it some serious thought before diving in. Puppies are a bigrnresponsibility after all, but they’re worth the commitment. To learn more aboutrnour puppy wellness plans, get in touch today.