5 Things You Should Know Before Adopting a Dog

Are you dreaming of bringing a lovable dog home from the dog shelter? It’s a great time to adopt a dog as nonprofits and shelters go in and out of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s not as simple as paying the adoption fee though. Sure, adoption fees might seem like a hurdle, but it’s nothing compared to the overall responsibility of a dog. Your dog becomes your forever friend and their well-being is aided by you, their dog owner, or as we like to call ourselves...dog parents.

What should you expect when it comes to adopting a dog? 

The Waiting Game

Adopting a dog isn’t as easy as 1, 2, 3; it’s a thorough process. The adoption process includes the pet adoption counselor. This person is responsible for reviewing adoption applications, chaperoning and monitoring interactions with visits between dogs and potential adopters, educating the adopters about pet care, and miscellaneous paperwork, among other things.

They’re the ones that make the final call. Are you taking home the dog you had your eye on at the shelter? We’ll be rooting for you as you try to keep your anxiety in check waiting for the alert on your phone (or phone call) that you were approved to adopt the fur baby!

The Exercise

If you live a sedentary lifestyle, adopting a dog means you’re aware that there are some changes that will be expected of you or that you’ll need to make accommodations for your dog. Why? They need physical activity and exercise; even more so for specific breeds. Proper care of a dog includes walking and playtime. Ready to sign up for the task, Puppa Bear?

The Patience

There will be moments when you are irritated by something your dog did, but each moment with your dog should be approached with patience. They might need some time to adjust after being introduced to your home!

In many cases where a dog is abandoned or returned after adoption, patience was short in supply. You need to prepare for the possibility that your dog will need training and special assistance. With time, love, and patience, you great a strong relationship between you and your dog. They feel loved and you’re giving them space to learn and grow with you.

The Medical Expenses

Every dog needs to be routinely vaccinated for the safety and well-being of your dog. They require annual checkups and examinations and sometimes they need to make a visit to the emergency vet clinic. These appointments and unexpected visits can rack up the medical bills.

Thankfully, just as humans do, pets have pet insurance options available. You can view some starting recommendations on this page, but by staying on top of your dog’s vaccinations and checkups, you reduce the risk of underlying health issues making way and increase the chances of recovery when these issues are detected early.

The Saliva

We had to throw in a more positive thing you should know. It’s only right! When you adopt a dog, they’re going to love you unconditionally and smother you with affection. They want to be around you! Sometimes that means getting an unexpected bath by way of dog licks. If it helps, don’t forget: a cell phone screen is dirtier than a dog’s mouth. That doesn’t mean dog’s mouths are necessarily clean, but...you hold that phone up to your face a lot, don’t you?

This is just a sampling of tips and informational posts we offer at Joyride Harness. You can find more content including tips and tricks and how-tos for caring for your dog on our blog in this section.