Adopting a dog that was rescued or abandoned can be a great deed and literally save a pup’s life. However, it is a very serious decision and you have to be sure that you’re ready for the challenges that come with owning a dog. In reality, when you adopt a dog, you become more like a parent than an owner, and they become part of the family. This means that their needs have to be met just as they would for any child. Here are some of the things you should think about before adopting a dog.
Am I Ready for the Initial Stages?
As you may or may not know, new dogs don’t always welcome their new owners with open arms, and you have to be ready to deal with a difficult dog at first. Not only that but since some of them have been abused in the past, they might have adopted some strange behaviour patterns or became violent. This is why you might have to invest in some training lessons at first, especially if you have younger children at home.
Am I Ready for the Actual Costs?
Most people see adopted pets as free, but there are so many other costs associated with pet ownership that people may not be aware of. One of the most important is healthcare.
While you’ll have to pay for routine exams and vaccinations, the worst is when something unexpected happens. Did you know that treating a ruptured knee could cost over £2,000? That could be a huge expense for anyone, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
The solution here is to go for pet insurance. Dog insurance will cover things like accidents and will also cover long-term conditions like diabetes and arthritis. Providers like Everypaw have two types of puppy insurance plans. You can choose a lifetime pet insurance plan that will have a limit on how much you can claim per year on certain conditions but will be reset at the end of the year. Or you can get maximum benefit insurance that will cover you until you reach a certain limit. This is a better option if your pet isn’t suffering from a chronic condition but will cover you in case of unexpected accidents. Always read the T&Cs before you buy any insurance for pets.
Do I Really Need a Dog?
If you’re simply buying a dog because you’re bored and want to fill the void, then you should reconsider your intentions. A dog is not a toy and shouldn’t be there for emotional support. While it can help, it will not be able to fix possibly more important underlying issues. Also, you don’t want to grow tired and see taking care of the pet as a chore. You have to make sure that you’ll have the time and dedication to give your pet the care it needs, or they might end up right where you picked them up.
Conclusion
Owning a pet is not something that should be taken lightly, so make sure that you look at it from all different aspects and really question yourself before you welcome another member into your family.
