Things to Consider Before Adopting a Dog 

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Things to Consider Before Adopting a Dog 

Most people consider their pet as a member of their family, but other people abandon their pets when they have no time to look after them and can’t find a new owner. For that reason, if you want a dog, you might want to adopt rather than purchase one. Just bear the following things in mind before you go ahead and adopt a dog. 

Remember that adopting a dog potentially means saving a life 

Why buy a dog from a breeder when you can potentially save one from a shelter? There are plenty of friendly dogs in shelters just waiting for somebody to provide them with a home. Plus, many shelters will let you take home a new pet free of charge. 

Make sure you can afford it 

Before you adopt a dog, make sure you can actually afford to raise it. Consider whether you’ll have enough money to feed it a healthy diet, buy it toys and pay vet bills. If you get a dog from a shelter, it may have already been vaccinated, but you still need to remember that dogs – just like humans – can and do get sick from time to time. 

Get your dog spayed or neutered 

You ought to get your new pet neutered or spayed because doing so prevents the problem of dogs being abandoned. In the US alone, between six and eight million dogs end up in shelters because they’re owners abandon them. If you know you won’t have the time to raise a family of puppies, make sure your new pet can’t have them. 

Remember to microchip and tag your pet 

Dogs can get lost – it happens all the time. Sometimes they get distracted and chase something like a bird or a cat, but other pets are just great escape artists that are always looking for ways to explore their surroundings. 

Familiarise yourself with what ‘human’ foods dogs can’t eat 

Before adopting a dog, you need to get to know what you can feed them. Sticking to pet food is the easiest way to avoid accidentally feeding your dog something that may be poisonous. Chocolate is famously poisonous for dogs, but there are lots of other items of food that they can’t eat too. 

Consider whether you have time to take care of your pet 

Don’t adopt a dog if you spend almost all your time at the office. Dogs require care, attention, love and exercise. The last thing you want to do is rescue a dog from a shelter only to return it after finding out you don’t have the time to raise it. 

 Get your dog vaccinated 

Some shelters may vaccinate dogs before putting them up for adoption, but many don’t. If you adopt a dog, ask what vaccinations it has already had to find out what others are required. 

Remember to purchase pet insurance 

Vet bills can be extremely costly, especially if your dog ever requires surgery. Purchase pet insurance, and you won’t have to choose between your dog’s health and your finances. 

Provided you keep the information detailed above in mind when adopting a pet, you could have a new family member that you’ll adore for years without having to buy it from a breeder.