4 questions to ask yourself before adopting a dog.
Adopting a dog is a multi-year commitment. You will have to educate, feed, take care of, and protect it. It is, therefore, not a decision to take lightly. Here are some thoughts to have if you want to adopt.
1. Will I have time to take care of a dog?
After an exhausting day of work, we often have only one desire, to stay warm on our sofa. And yet! You will have to give your dog at least 30 minutes to go for a walk. This is the minimum time for each walk, every day, summer and winter, rain or shine. A dog should not be left alone for more than 3 to 5 hours and it will take at least 4 outings during the day. In addition, if he has long hair, you will have to devote some time to his daily brushing. Between the moments of games, outings and education, ensure you have enough time to take care of your future companion. This is why the decision to adopt a dog must be taken with the other family members. Because if you can’t take care of it, your spouse or children will have to take over.
Also, consider the important details in a life where happy or unhappy events can occur. What place will your dog keep when a newborn arrives? How should custody of your dog be divided in case of a separation? Even if these questions seem innocuous to you at the moment, it is important for the sustainability of the adoption and the well-being of your four-legged friend. Adopting a dog takes time. Indeed, you will have to take care of it for about ten years. Adopting a dog is, therefore, not a decision to take lightly but a well-considered commitment.
2. Do I have room at home to accommodate a dog?
It is essential that your home has a suitable living space and is large enough to accommodate your new roommate. The latter can take up a lot of space and encroach on your comfort in life. Having a garden is a great advantage. Check that it is well fenced to avoid possible runaways. If you don’t have one, it’s not a deal breaker. In this case, choose a less imposing breed of dog. Opt instead for an older dog that is already used to living indoors. Having a nearby park is also a good alternative. Your dog will be able to exercise without being leashed. Small detail but which is important: if you are a tenant, make sure that your landlord authorizes the presence of a dog.
3.What is the budget for a dog?
Adopting a dog and offering it the possibility of living in good conditions represents a cost. The size of the animal, its breed, its age, its state of health and its specific needs are some of the indications that will determine the budget to devote to it. Before owning a dog, it is necessary to take all these criteria into account. The goal is to see if you can allow your pet to live decently, based on your income. In addition to adoption costs, do not forget food, accessories (bowls, basket, leash, collar, toys) or care (shampoo, brush, grooming, pest control, deworming). The most important remains the veterinary consultations. Indeed, you have to think that in addition to the vaccines to be done every year, he can fall ill, which can constitute a budget to be planned.
Adopting a dog from a shelter is certainly the best way to make a dog happy. You will have to pay a contribution of £150 which corresponds to the vaccination, identification and sterilisation of the animal, guaranteeing at the same time a real traceability.
4.Which breed of dog should I turn to?
One of the most important factors to consider is your lifestyle. If you are the sedentary or homebody type, do not orient your choice towards a breed of dog known for its sporty character. On the contrary, if you are the type to go for a run every day or long walks of two hours, turn to a very active dog. The husky, the Jack Russell or the German shepherd are, for example, dog breeds that need a lot of exercise and stimulation! However, a less active dog means something other than totally inactive. Whatever the breed, the dog needs a minimum of exercise and walks daily. Otherwise, you need to provide him with enough daily activities, which could result in him being bored, and, ultimately, behaviour problems.
For an older adult, caring for a large dog may not be easy. In this case, a small or medium-sized dog, or a mature dog will be more suitable. Adopting an adult dog will allow you to identify his temperament from the first meeting. There will surely be concessions to be made in terms of his education, but on the other hand, you have the assurance of adopting a dog that is already clean and calmer than a puppy! And if you think it will be impossible to (re)educate them, it is not. In most cases, these dogs are no more problematic than others and will require minimal adjustments during the adjustment period once they arrive home. Finally, an adult dog with its final size is a significant advantage. You do not risk the bad surprise of finding yourself with a colossus of 80 kg in a few months!
Adopting a dog is indeed a commitment that must be carefully considered. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the the dog that may interest you. It goes without saying that adoptions work on the heart. After that, it’s a new life with a new four-legged friend waiting for you, a ton of comforting toys to buy and great cuddling moments in store. For your greatest happiness and his!
How do I apply to adopt a dog?
If you see a dog/dogs you are interested in; we ask you to make an appointment to come and meet them. It is also helpful to introduce them to other dogs in your household.
Following your meeting, we will carry out a home check to ensure that your home environment, arrangements for the dog and your lifestyle meet your chosen dog’s needs. Following this, the dog will come to you on a two-week trial, during which we will contact you regularly to check on progress. If you wish to adopt the dog at the end of the two weeks, we will call to see you again to complete the adoption forms, at which time the adoption fee of £200 will be payable. This includes neutering, vaccinations and microchipping.
Please note that if you cannot care for your dog at some time in the future, you must return the dog to Save Our Strays and not pass the dog on to anyone else. All our dogs are microchipped to SOS.