Dog Adoption Checklist

You decided that it’s the right time to welcome a furry companion to your home, and now you are thinking about your options. Which breed should we pick? Do we want a big or a small dog? What if my kid is allergic? Are there hypoallergenic breeds your son won’t have reactions to? What kind of temperament are we looking for in a dog? An outdoorsy, active dog, or rather a laid-back, easygoing pup?

Those are a number of questions that surely start running through your mind as soon as you realize you really want to get a dog. And while answering these important questions is really important, what most people forget is that there are plenty of animals in rescue shelters waiting to get a new home. Shelter dogs, though not always the expected breed, bring immense joy and benefits to your family.

Unconditional Love and Lifelong Friendship: The Heartwarming Bonds of Adoption

First of all, the feeling that you are actually saving an innocent life will make you feel more fulfilled and happy. A lot of animals that you find in shelters have been through some really tough times and experienced cruelty, neglect, and abandonment from their previous owners. Engaging yourself and your family in their recovery not only offers them a second chance but also introduces new dimensions to your own lives. Especially if you have children, they might learn a lot from your family’s effort to provide an animal with a safe place to stay and plenty of affection.

Not only will adopting a dog make you really understand what unconditional love is, but you will also be getting a new best friend who will never forget what you did for them.

Practical Benefits: Saving Lives and Financial Resources

Choosing adoption goes beyond emotional fulfillment; it also presents practical benefits. Shelters and rescues invest in the well-being of their animals, ensuring they are microchipped, spayed, neutered, and vaccinated before adoption. By opting for adoption, you not only provide a loving home but also save on significant costs that these medical procedures would otherwise entail. This financial advantage allows you to focus on creating a comfortable, loving environment for your new companion.

Finding the Perfect Fit: A Companion Tailored to Your Lifestyle

On the other hand, getting an adult, housetrained dog (that might have ended up in a shelter because of reasons other than maltreatment, negligence or abandonment) might be a perfect companion for someone who doesn’t have a lot of time to spend on training and teaching your new dog some basic commands. Prepare to ask some questions and you will likely find an amazing four-legged pal in some of your closest shelters.

Creating a Dog-Friendly Environment: Essential Supplies and Setup

One thing remains the same whether you decide to adopt a dog or get a new puppy from a breeder: you must buy some basic items and equipment that will make your home a dog-friendly environment. Therefore, we’re giving you an insight into some must-have things you have to buy before taking a dog home. Here’s a handy dog adoption checklist brought by BarkingRoyalty that you will surely find very helpful! (if you need more details on how to choose each of these, check out this article on dog adoption)

Good luck with adopting your new dog! We wish you plenty of amazing moments with your new companion!