If you’ve owned dogs in your earlier life, you’ll probably agree with this statement. But, if you’re unsure about owning a dog as you get older, prepare to be convinced.
Research has shown that just about anyone can benefit from owning a dog, since they help lower stress levels, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, encourage physical activity and human social interactions.
A ‘National Poll on Healthy Aging’, carried out at the University of Michigan, concluded that about a third of seniors are lonely. More than half the 2,051 adults aged 50 to 80 years, reported owning a pet. Of these, 88% said that their pets helped them enjoy life, and 86% said their pets made them feel loved.
As we get a bit older, we may think that starting out with a new dog might be too much work, or perhaps the dog might outlive us.
There’s an easy answer to these concerns. You can adopt a dog! Giving a much-needed home to an adult or senior dog, will generally be an easier choice for you.
Knowing what questions to ask yourself before choosing a dog will make the process much easier and more likely to be a success for you, and your new family member.
Why Adopt A Dog?
They need you
There are 9688 shelter and rescue organizations listed in the US. All these places are full, and often overcrowded.
A study carried out by PEEVA in 2019, estimates the number of dogs euthanized in US. shelters every year to be between 9.4 to 9.6 million.
Less cost to you
When you adopt a dog, they have usually been vet-checked. They may have been spayed or neutered, micro-chipped and flea treated. Some shelters also take care of vaccinations and any medical treatments required.
Check here to read about sterilization laws in your state.
Help stop puppy and kitten mills
These are dog and cat breeding facilities. They have a high-volume production of puppies for the domestic market, often kept in atrocious conditions. They have no regard for animal welfare, and these dogs are sold to pet stores or online markets. When you adopt from a shelter, you are not supporting this cruel industry.
Am I Ready to Adopt a Dog?
Lifestyle
What type of person are you? Are you energetic? You may live in a big city. Are there parks close by? How dog-friendly are your neighbors? Is your yard fenced? Is there a vet in the area that you can get to? Asking yourself these types of questions helps you to think about how you can fit a dog into your life.
Commitments
What plans do you have for the future? If you are likely to move house, are you willing to ensure your pet can go with you? Moving is one of the top reasons that pets are surrendered to shelters.
Are you prepared for the financial responsibility of a dog? Feeding, medical care and all the things they need to be happy and secure are all part of the relationship.
Dog Experience
Will this be your first pet? What kind of pet do you want to share your life with? It’s not easy to tell what breed the dogs are in a shelter. Often, they are mixed breed so until you spend time with them it’s hard to assess their temperament.
Questions to Ask at The Shelter
History and Temperament of The Dog
How did the dog come to be in the shelter, and how long has he or she been there? You need to know what you may be dealing with if possible. If a dog has been traumatized, more care may be needed with integrating them into your household.
Is he or she house-trained? You may need supplies of paper or training pads.
Is it possible to take the dog for a trial period? What is the return policy if things don’t work out?
Health Questions
Has the dog been vet-checked, and are there any medical issues that need attention? Have they been neutered or spayed? Have they been microchipped, vaccinated and flea-treated? Most shelters and rescues will take care of these things. The price you pay to adopt a dog will cover some of these costs.
Final Thoughts
Enjoy the process of adopting your dog. Remember it may take some time before you feel bonded with your new family member. They need time to adjust to a new environment, new routines and most of all, learning to trust you.
Author bio:
Laura Horton, MSc. is founder of Hound101.com, a website which helps you to be your dog’s best friend.