A dog can be a loving companion, exercise partner, and goofy buddy. However, dog ownership takes work. Training and caring for a dog requires significant time and money. Dog adoption is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. One should consider several aspects before adopting a dog, such as the commitment required, potential expenses, and the dog’s needs and temperament to ensure a happy and healthy relationship for both owner and pet.

1. Take your time making a decision
With all of the adorable “fur babies” in need of homes, you might be tempted to make a snap decision. However, it will be better for your future furry BFF if you put a lot of thought into it. For example, do you live in an apartment or a house with a yard? Does your family travel a lot? Who will be there to let your dog out when you’re not home? Do your siblings want a new dog as much as you do? If the answers to all these questions fall in your favor, then you should consider adopting.

2. Adopting means getting your pup from a shelter
Pet stores cause countless animals to suffer and hence you should adopt dogs from a shelter instead where you will get free dogs for adoption. Even though there are many wonderful dogs waiting in shelters for someone to adopt them, breeders and pet stores continue to produce and sell animals just to make money. For every dog bought from a pet store or breeder, a dog in a shelter has to be put to sleep.

3. Make sure your wallet can handle it
Dog adoptions can be pretty expensive, and they require a lot of care which can quickly add up to spending big bucks. Being responsible for a dog includes ensuring provisions of regular and emergency visits to the vet, grooming, treats, high-quality dog food, bedding, harness and dog collar, etc.

4. It’s important to get your dog spayed or neutered
Every year 6 to 8 million animals in the U.S. are left at animal shelters, and half of them are put to sleep just because there aren’t enough good homes for them all. Can you imagine if you were killed simply because there wasn’t enough room for you in the world? The only way to help stop this is to make sure that no more unwanted puppies are born.

5. Microchipping and dog tags
It’s highly likely that your dog may tend to wander off and get lost or may run away. It will become nearly impossible to find him even in case of any mishap or accident. Hence, the dog tags help people connect you with your dog. Dog tags should have the dog’s name and at least two phone numbers to contact in case of such a situation. Micro-chipping is done by a vet and helps get your dog back home. If you move then, you should update the company with the changed address and details.

6. Dogs need dental care too
Dental health is very important for a dog, and hence one should ensure that his teeth are brushed several times a week. The toothbrush can be introduced gradually, and it can be made into a fun exercise by providing a reward at the end of it.

7. Dog nails
Their nails have to be trimmed regularly to ensure they don’t break off, get snagged on something or get so long that they interfere with normal walking making it uncomfortable for the dog to move around. If their nails grow too long, it can affect their gait or nervous system.

8. Fur
Brushing dogs regularly helps prevent nasty matting and increases circulation to the skin—which keeps it healthy! Spending that quality time together can also be a nice bonding experience. Some pups need professional grooming, so sit down with your parents and read up on how much upkeep your new friend’s coat will need. Dogs don’t really need baths very often. It’s only necessary if they have a skin condition or if they roll in something smelly or dirty.

9. Watch your dog’s food
Some foods that are fine for people to eat can be poisonous to dogs. High up on the list is chocolate- but that’s not all. There’re lots of “human foods” that could also be harmful—like onions, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and more. It’s also important to feed your pup high-quality dog food and treats and be careful not to overfeed them. Over-feeding your dog can cause obesity which is a reason for major health problems and it makes them very uncomfortable.

10. Dogs need toys and entertainment
When you adopt a dog, it is very important to pup- proof your home. Keep all harmful stuff, chemicals and important things you don’t want chewed upon hidden in places your dog will not reach. Ensure that you have enough of toys that your adopted dog can play with and keep himself from boredom.

11. Dogs need exercise
It is a known fact that dogs require exercise, but the extents vary. A dog requires at least one long walk every day. You should play games like ‘fetch’ and ‘hide and seek’ with him when you get home in order to release some free-flowing wild dog energy.

12. Need for love and affection
A dog’s life is much, much shorter than a human’s average lifespan. Hence treat your adopted dog with immense love and affection every single day.

Adopting a dog is no less than that of adopting a child. Be sure to consider everything before you take on the responsibility of adopting a dog.