Things to consider before adopting

[Enlarge Photo]

Many people believe that adopting a dog is one of the most selfless things a person can do. Often rooted in the desire to help an otherwise helpless animal, the decision to adopt a dog, while generous, can also prove problematic for prospective dog owners unaware of what they might be getting themselves into.

More often than not, adopting a dog ends well for both the person and the new best friend. However, for those considering adoption who might never have owned or been responsible for a pet before, there are several things to consider before making the final decision.

* Others in the household: Whether you're the head of the family or a single person living with roommates, it's important to solicit the opinions of all people in your household before adopting a dog. Disagreement could result in something that happens far too often: returning the dog to the shelter. For those who live with roommates as opposed to family, it's important to discuss whose responsibility the dog will be and to be in agreement that a dog will be welcomed into the home.

For families, the same considerations must be made, but parents should recognize that kids might not be in total agreement as to which dog to adopt. This doesn't mean you can't adopt, it just means you'll likely need to compromise at some point. Either way, all persons in a household should be on board to avoid returning the dog down the road or making the animal feel unwanted.

* Choose the right dog for you: While you might love all dogs, that doesn't mean all dogs are right for you. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) notes that a dog's breed and temperament are only half of the equation when choosing a dog. Also to be considered is your lifestyle and personality.

When adopting, many people prefer to adopt a puppy, feeling that they'll have the animal longer and be able to choose one whose temperament better fits them personally. While both those things are true, that doesn't make puppies the perfect choice for everyone. For example, puppies cannot be left alone for extended periods of time and they need to be fed several times per day. That typically makes them less than ideal pets for on-the-go young professionals without families.

* Financial commitments: Gone are the days of relatively inexpensive and carefree dog ownership. These days, as advances in veterinary medicine and research have grown, caring for a dog is often more expensive than some new owners might be prepared for. Healthy dog foods, routine health visits to the vet and even working with a dog behaviorist are often the norm for pet owners. Prospective pet owners should consider all of these financial commitments (not to mention adoption fees) before adopting a dog. While it's typically worth the cost for the joy most people get from dog ownership, it's a commitment that should not be overlooked.

* The responsibilities: While most adults are aware that adopting a dog is a responsibility, they might not be keen to the scope of that responsibility. Dogs need to be fed, walked and groomed, and they cannot clean up after themselves. For parents, it's unwise to enter the dog adoption process believing that kids will take care of these necessities. Kids may tend to love and embrace family pets, but they rarely embrace the responsibility associated with the family pet.

Before adopting a dog, discuss all of the responsibilities that will come with this new member of the family. Come to an agreement as to who will do what, but prepare for one person to shoulder the bulk of the responsibility, as such is typically the case as time wears on.