Adopting a dog

Dogs play a special role in a home, bringing laughter, love and warmth. But dog ownership comes with great responsibility and there are certain things to consider before beginning the adoption process.

Getting your home ready

Just as a home needs to be prepped for the arrival of a new baby, you must also make preparations for dog adoption. In fact, some shelters will even check whether your home is suitable for dog ownership with a site visit before approving your application. If you’re a homeowner, be sure to take steps to make your home dog-friendly.

Decide in advance which rooms of the house your dog will be allowed to enter. Baby gates may be an option and work well as barriers for dogs.

Have all the necessary items for your dog ready for his or her arrival like a leash, collar, crate and toys.

Areas of the home that contain dangerous substances should also be safeguarded. For example, medications and cleaning supplies should be stored securely.

If you’ve never owned a dog before, you may not have paid much attention to your neighborhood’s dog parks, trails and walkable routes. Ask friends and co-workers about good places to go, or do an online search for suitable locations.

Animal shelters

Between 6 and 8 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year, and 2.7 million adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in such shelters annually, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Although you can buy a dog from a breeder, consider choosing a dog at your local animal shelter.

“Adoption has become the preferred way to find a new dog, puppy, cat or kitten,” says Abbie Moore, executive director of Adopt-a-Pet.com. “Not only is this often a more affordable route, but you are saving a life in the process.”

Campaigns raise awareness about the adoption issue and help dogs and families find each other. For example, Coldwell Banker Real Estate has partnered with Adopt-a-Pet.com for the “Homes for Dogs Project” which aims to find homes for 20,000 dogs in 2015. The company is engaging its network of sales associates to help adoptable dogs find homes in their communities through a variety of tactics, including hosting adoption days by partnering with local shelters in the Adopt-a-Pet.com network.

To learn more about how you can help make your adoption goal a reality, visit coldwellbanker.com/dogs. On this website, you can enter your zip code to see dogs ready to adopt near you.

Other considerations

A dog’s medical care should begin immediately after adoption, so identify the veterinarian you plan to use before taking your dog home. Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, animal shelter worker, dog trainer, groomer, boarding kennel employee or pet sitter.

According to the Humane Society, you can check for accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association online at aaha.org. AAHA accreditation means that a veterinary hospital has voluntarily pursued and met AAHA’s standards in the areas of facility, equipment and quality care. Once you’ve narrowed your search, schedule a visit to meet the vet and other staff (a reasonable practice that a vet should accommodate).

Also, remember to budget for dog ownership. Beyond regular supplies, food vaccinations and check-ups, add in some padding as an emergency fund in case your dog becomes ill.

—StatePoint