So You Want To Adopt?

Please Think

Before You Leap

There are various situations to consider before adopting a life long friend. It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute little puppy wrapped in a blanket. Or maybe it's a gorgeous Standard Poodle puppy whose tail seems to be wagging just for you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket.

If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Dogs give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work.

Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. dogs require lots of time, money, and commitment-over 15 years worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

Things

To Know

The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal shelter means you're a responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:

Why do you want a dog? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
Do you have time for a dog? Dogs cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many dogs in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
Can you afford a dog? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, and other expenses add up quickly.
Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a dog can cause? Accidents from dogs who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
Can you have a dog where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.
Is it a good time for you to adopt a dog? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Dog ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.
Are your living arrangements suitable for the dog you have in mind? Dog size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs are very active-they require a great deal of exercise and they sometimes bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting, do some research! That way, you'll ensure you choose the dog that will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.
Do you know who will care for your dog while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a pet-sitting service.
Will you be a responsible pet owner? Obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the dog for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.

Get An

dog For Life

Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through a dog shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.

Many of the shelter's homeless dogs are puppies, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their dogs to breed. But there are at least as many dogs at the shelter who are more than a year old-dogs who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of dog ownership before they got the dog.

Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion dog can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love-for the life of the dog.

If you're ready to adopt a companion for life, please click the links above at the top of the page to see a sample of our many wonderful dogs available for adoption at the Arizona Poodle Rescue.

If someone tugs at your heart and you would like to meet him or her, please fill out an Adoption Application.

Ready to Adopt?

Dog Application