Adopting a dog for your home can be one of the happiest and most wonderful experiences. Dogs bring a lot of joy to a household and quickly become a member of the family. If you’re a dog lover, it may seem like an easy choice to rescue or purchase a dog, but let’s not forget dogs need more than just love. Depending on the age and breed of the dog you adopt, they will have different needs and time commitments. Below, we discuss what essential things to consider before adopting a dog.
Adopting a Dog at Any Age
When adopting a dog, you have the option to get a puppy, an adult dog, or a senior dog. These different age groups have unique needs, from accommodations to toys to food and training needs. Not only is a dog a time commitment, they are also a financial commitment. Having a dog can be costly depending on their needs, such as special food, medication, and other regular or special medical needs, equipment, and training programs. Another consideration based on age (and breed) is to consider if the dog does well with other pets and children if you have them or intend to. Here is a breakdown of what you may need within each age group:
All Dogs
- Collar
- Poop bags/dispenser
- Training program
- Find a vet
- Doggy treats
- Food and water bowls
- Nail trimmer
- Dog Brush
- Microchip
- Find a local dog park for socializing
Puppies
- Pet pens
- Crate
- Barriers/gates
- Keep medications and human food out of reach
- Use childproof latches on cabinets (to keep food and cleaning products away)
- Keep toilet seat closed
- Get them used to and comfortable with grooming
- Puppy food
- Puppy toys
- Puppy leash
- Puppy bed
- Pee pads
- Dental products
- Dog clicker
- Puzzle toys
Adult Dogs
- Prepare for grooming
- Adult dog food
- Large Crate (depending on the size of your dog)
- Adult Dog Toys
- Leash
- Collar
- Dog/calming bed
- Ask for vaccination records
- Training tools
Senior Dogs
- Senior dog food
- Senior dog toys
- Orthopedic dog bed
- Rugs so the dog doesn’t easily slip
- Pee pads
- Doggy diapers
- Lift harness
- Pet ramps
- If the senior dog is not crate trained, you can try it, but know it may not work
Consider the Breed
If you don’t already have a dog, you may wonder if a dog’s breed really matters before adopting. While all dogs are wonderful, different breeds have different needs, energy levels and activity needs, sizes, temperaments, and grooming needs. Different-sized dogs will have different higher or lower vet bills and space needs.
Some dogs are working breeds and require more fulfillment through sport or work, which requires more time availability on the owner’s part. When it comes to grooming needs, before adopting, consider how much the dog will need to visit the groomer and if that is something you will be able to keep up with. Not only do luxurious long-haired dogs need to see the groomer more often, but they also will likely need consistent care.