Adoption Do's And Don'ts

Here at Kokomo Home Buddies we’re huge supporters of dog adoption. Adoptive families save lives, and those grateful little buddies often repay that kindness above and beyond. But sadly many well-intentioned adopters return their pets due to lack of knowledge and preparation. Thankfully, this can be avoided with a little due diligence. Before heading to the shelter or contacting a breeder, consider the following to find your best forever home pairing.

What kind of dog would choose your house?

Different dogs thrive in different environments. Consider the size and layout of your home. Is there enough room for playing indoors during bad weather? Can you give your dog space of their own? Will you need fencing around the yard? Start narrowing down possibilities by thinking about what type of dog your home is best suited to.

But it’s not just a case of what your home is like; it’s also about where your home is located. Cities, neighborhoods, and complexes have different legal restrictions for what breeds and sizes of pets are allowed. It is not unheard of for people to fall in love with a dog just for police to seize it. Research local laws and ordinances, and your building or neighborhood’s policies.

Dogs aren’t meant to be kept indoors all the time. Where will you take your pup for regular outdoor play and exercise? Look into local dog parks, hiking paths, pet friendly beaches, and socialization groups. Get familiar with the spaces and resources your area has to offer. Keep the climate in mind as well. If you live in a hot region, a Siberian Husky might not be a wise choice. Similarly, short-haired breeds won’t appreciate cold weather.

Be realistic about your lifestyle.

How much time can you realistically devote to caring for a dog? If you travel regularly or work away from home most of the day, feeding, walking, and watering alone won’t meet a dog’s needs. Just like people, dogs are relational creatures. Dogs, especially puppies, need lots of nurturing and social interaction. When you adopt a dog you commit to a relationship. Are you able to provide the time and attention necessary to keep that relationship strong and healthy?

If you’re a spontaneous person, can you prioritize your dog’s needs over your impulses? Dogs need stability and structure to flourish. What are you willing to compromise in order to do what’s best for your pet?

Do you have children and/or other animals a new dog would be in contact with? If so, you need to account for that adjustment. A new dog might require training to live in harmony with your community and surroundings.

Who will take responsibility?

Is everybody in your home, and those who visit your home often, on board with a dog? For a happy home, everyone who lives there should be comfortable with adding a fur buddy to the family. Dogs pick up on negativity, so that could spell a recipe for stress and friction between everybody involved.

Make expectations clear. Who is responsible for walking, grooming, training, feeding and watering, and paying for veterinary services? Especially if you have kids, it’s important to establish responsible habits from the start. Have a care plan before bringing your dog home.

Remember, some breeds can live up to 17 years old. Are you committed and able to provide that long? Would you consider rescuing an elderly dog? You must also think about emergency costs associated with health issues and accidents. How much time, effort, and money are you willing to invest in the life of this dog?

Familiarize with the breed.

If there are allergy concerns for anyone who will be living with your new dog, consider beginning your search with hypoallergenic breeds. But also think about the health of the breeds you’re interested in. Different types of dogs are prone to different types of problems. What kinds of issues are you and are you not willing to deal with on a regular basis?

What traits or functions do you want in a dog? Guard dog? Lap warmer? Running partner or cuddle buddy? Another way to narrow down good matches is thinking about what role you want/need your pet to serve. Dogs have been specifically bred for certain jobs, so consider what instincts your dogs of interest have ingrained in their DNA.

Size does not always match personality, and temperament still varies within breeds. An adopter may see a pint-sized Jack Russell and equate its smallness with indoor living and minimal exercise. When they get Wishbone home, though, they soon realize terriers are hig- energy hunters that need ample physical and mental stimulation. Remember that though traits may be common within a breed, every dog is different.

Beware of bandwagon breeds. For example, the Game of Thrones boom led to high demand for huskies, malamutes, and similar wolf-like breeds. Many people bought them on a whim and soon realized how high-maintenance they are. Now shelters are inundated with surrenders from owners unprepared and uneducated on these dogs’ needs and traits. Also, sellers of trendy breeds might pass off a puppy as a purebred when in fact it isn’t. This could spell health issues and unexpected problems as it gets older.

If at all possible, spend time with your potential adoptee and/or other dogs of that breed. Talk to the staff at area shelters, adoption and rescue organizations, etc. Tell them what you’re looking for. Find out how often they get new dogs in. Enlist their help in finding the right fit. They might have a dog in mind you’d never think to consider who is an ideal match for you. So many wonderful dogs need loving homes. If you put in the time and effort, you’ll find a fur buddy perfect for your forever family.