What You Need to Know About Adopting a Puppy

Have you been wishing for a puppy for a while now and you’re finally ready to take the plunge? Before you go ahead and take that big step, there are a few things you’ll want to know about adopting a puppy that will make the process much smoother. Adopting a puppy is never something you want to rush into, and should always involve a fair amount of thought and research in advance, as we will discuss.

Think Long and Hard About the Breed

It’s very easy to be swayed by a puppy’s adorable face, small size, and playfulness, but at the same time it’s important to think about how big the puppy will get and what kind of companion it will be. Obviously the larger the breed, the bigger the space you’ll need both indoors and out, so if you live in a small apartment these are usually the ones you’ll want to skip adopting.

Also, you will want to give thought to your lifestyle. Do you lead an active lifestyle where you like being outdoors and taking part in exercise and sports? If so, there are breeds that will work very well with this sort of activity level. On the other hand, if you’re more of a homebody, there are breeds that will mesh well with that kind of lifestyle.

Another thing to consider is whether or not the puppy will be living in a house with children. Again, some breeds do much better as a family-dog. If you already have other pets in the house such as another dog or cat, then this narrows down the list of possible breeds further.

Get All the Puppy Gear Together

Of course you don’t want to wait until your new puppy comes home to then shop for all the necessary items, so you’ll want to pick up all the puppy gear in advance. Key essentials in a puppy starter kit include a crate for crate training and safe containment, an adjustable collar and leash, water and food bowls, a comfy dog bed for relaxing, food, a couple of puppy-proof toys, and a dog brush.

Choose a Vet in Advance

If this is your first pet then you won’t already have a vet, so you’ll need to pick one. Your new puppy will likely need a variety of vaccinations, plus it’s wise to get a general exam. From there, your vet can set up regular vaccinations and check-ups to ensure your dog stays healthy.

Finding the Perfect Place to Adopt a Dog

When it comes to actually adopting a puppy, there are a number of options available. You can go through a breeder, the local Humane Society and local shelters. Spring tends to be the time of year where the most puppies are available, so you may want to plan your adoption for this time.