What advice would you give someone looking to adopt a dog? What considerations should be included? FG, California
Dear FG,
Kudos to you for wanting to adopt a dog from a shelter! What a great time of year to provide a dog with a new family too, as October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month.
I went to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or ASPCA for help with this topic, to make sure point you in the right direction. They offer lots of helpful hints on all aspects of adoption, from The Right Pet for You (Dog? Rabbit? Fish?) to Kids and Pets, to Pet-Related Scams.
Probably the most helpful advice to you can be found under the Adoption Tips section and is called Questions to ask yourself before adopting:
1. Why do you want to adopt a pet?
2. Are you ready to make a long-term commitment?
3. Do you know what kind of pet is right for you?
4. Can you afford to care for your pet’s health and safety?
5. Will you be able to spend quality time together?
6. Are you prepared to deal with an animal’s health challenges?
7. Are you willing to train your animal companion?
8. Are you prepared to pet-proof your home?
9. Is your living space adequate for an animal companion?
10. Is your family ready for a pet?
I hope you can use this information plus the tips from your local shelter to select a dog that brings joy to both your life and his!
