The last two years have hit everyone hard. People have been stuck at home, forced to live a changed lifestyle and in some cases, a changed financial lifestyle as well. One of the things that has happened in a direct response to the last two years is the increase in adoptions for dogs. Throughout the country, people have decided to use this time to start or add to a loving family. They have adopted dogs for companionship, love, security and healing. This is a wonderful thing as thousands of dogs find loving homes. 

However, there are some people who are not happy with their decision. They did not consider several factors that come with adopting a dog. These include responsibility, expenses, challenges with work and difficulty in your social life. If you are not aware of these things, you will not only be surprised by them but the impact they have on your life. This will then have a direct impact on the care the animal receives. That’s why our hope is to provide you with some of the facts of what comes with bringing a dog into your life. 

Things To Think About When Considering Adopting A Dog 

Before you adopt a dog, you need to consider a variety of factors that will influence your life. While these may seem like negative things, the goal is to make sure you are aware of the commitment it requires to own and care for an animal. 

  • Cost: The cost of the actual adoption may not be that much. However, the cost for food, healthcare, toys, and potential loss of property is going to be considerable. You have to remember that the longer a pet lives, the higher their costs for care will eventually get. If this is not a financial commitment you’re ready to make, that may be your answer.
  • Responsibility: Another thing to consider is the responsibility that a new pet will command. It doesn’t matter if you are tired, sleeping, busy, relaxing, you have to assist them in going to the bathroom, feeding them and taking care of any immediate needs they may have. If you are swamped at work and your dog needs to go to the vet, you have no choice but to take them for the care they need. 
  • Patience: You are going to need to have a lot of patience when it comes to the cost and care of an animal. You need to understand that if they need to go to the bathroom at four in the morning that you have to get up and let them out or take them for their walk. If you want to go out after work and have dinner you need to come home first and take them out and feed them. They command a lot of patience along with the other responsibilities they create. Your commitment will take time and patience to find balance but you will get there. 
  • Accommodations: This responsibility will also impact you with your life moving forward. All aspects including travel and work will need to be considered. Does the place you are currently living in allow dogs? What about the dog you are considering adopting? Are they allowed in certain communities? Who will take care of them when you travel? Can they travel with you? Will hotels and airbnb allow for these types of pets? You will have to make different accommodations for the entire time that you have this pet. 
A Wonderful Companion 

Now that you have a better understanding of some of the responsibilities that come with adopting a dog, it’s time to learn more about some of the fun parts of the option. These things are to also be considered as you look for a new dog and are also things to look forward to. 

  • Energy: A dog adds energy to any home as they are great to have around when you are feeling up or feeling down. They have an amazing ability to understand your emotions and what you are going through and offer the right kind of energy you need at that money whether it’s someone to watch television with or something to play a game. 
  • Security: Dogs are very protective and can not only be the first to be aware of a potential problem, they can respond the loudest and fastest to it, offering you help in an unexpected situation. They were the original way someone was alerted that someone was approaching their front door. 
  • Family friendly: One of the biggest reasons people consider adopting a dog is because they have children. Dogs are amazing with children and become a perfect companion as they will play with the child but also protect them. For older children, taking care of a pet is a great lesson in responsibility. 
  • Purpose: There is a good side of responsibility and in this case, it’s purpose. The responsibility of an animal gives your day purpose. Purpose leads to a more structured and meaningful life, sort of like you get what you put in. People who own pets find that their days are better structured because they have to work with the dogs schedule, not the other way around. This also allows them to keep their personal life a priority so that work does not cause too much stress. 
Adopting a dog is a wonderful and exciting thing to take part in. If you are interested in doing so you should consider these things before making a decision. Speak to people who have gone through the same process, understand what you should expect and can offer their advice as well. If you feel that it’s something you still want, take great care of your pet and they will give you back so much more. There are plenty of options to consider as resources for information and guidance. They can be a great benefit and give you the insight you need to provide the best of care as well as handling the transition of bringing a dog into your life.