Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog: Adopting a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Dogs can bring endless joy, love, and companionship to your home. However, when most people think about adopting a dog, they picture a cute little puppy.
But there’s another option that many people overlook – adopting an older dog. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of adopting an older dog, so you can make an informed decision before welcoming a furry friend into your home.
Many Benefits of having a Pet
Having a pet comes with a lot of benefits. In addition to some obvious ones, such as more physical activity if you take your dog out for daily walks and less loneliness as you have a companion, there are a lot of health benefits that can be linked to pet ownership. Studies have listed benefits such as fewer heart attacks, better blood pressure, better psychological well-being and more among pet owners. Needless to say, deciding to get a pet can be a joyous and beneficial one.
Of course, getting a pet is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Especially over the holidays a lot of pets are given as gifts that end up getting returned or neglected. It is therefore important to carefully think about the responsibility of owning a pet before getting one for yourself or your family.(Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog)
Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog
Why Do Older Dogs Need Adopting?
Whilst young dogs are sometimes brought into rescue because their owners have found them too boisterous or difficult to train or because they chewed things up when left, older dogs rarely come into rescue for those reasons.
- Their owner has died or had to move into residential care where dogs aren’t allowed.
- Their owner can’t afford to keep them.
- The owner has decided they would prefer to get a younger pet.
- Their owner has had a baby and the dog has struggled to accept the baby or the owner no longer has time to care for the dog.
- The owner’s working hours have changed and the dog is being left for too long.
- They are no longer needed for breeding.
The Pros of Adopting a Dog
1. You help an animal in need – and free up for more animals
You are making the decision to care for and assist an animal in need of a new home and family when you adopt a pet. All living things are entitled to a decent life. Adopting an animal is one way you may aid a creature in need of a home.
Adopting from a shelter may also help to make room for more animals in need of a place to stay while they wait to be adopted by their ultimate homes. As a result, adopting single animal may wind up rescuing dozens.(Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog)
2. You can create a better life for an animal who deserves it
All animals need to have wonderful lives with devoted owners, don’t they? Sadly, some people won’t receive one. Regardless of the reason behind the animal’s adoption, it is certainly deserving of another opportunity at a happy life.
Animals at shelters may have experienced trauma of some kind, if nothing else just from being there, but this need not be the whole story. Adopting a pet gives them the opportunity to have a better life, which they most certainly deserve.
Read more: The Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog
3. It’s often more affordable
It’s fair to mention that adoption may frequently be far less expensive than purchasing a pet, in addition to the wonderful feeling that you are providing for an animal in need. Direct purchases from breeders can be costly, particularly in the case of dogs.
Typically, the only expense associated with adoption is a nominal adoption fee. You can even do it for free in some situations (like private adoptions).(Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog)
4. Get to know more about the pet’s personality
In most cases, you will learn a great deal about the animal if you decide to adopt from a professional or shelter. Not only will you receive background information on the pet’s “past life,” but you will also always receive a thorough health examination and information.
Typically, animals at shelters are completely vaccinated, microchipped, spayed, and have a passport waiting for them.
Cons of adopting a pet
The act of adopting an animal is a kind and selfless one that will be sure to bring you much love and joy. There are many, many benefits of making the choice to adopt a pet.
But it is good to also be aware of some potential drawbacks before making your choice.(Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog)
1. You can’t be too picky or expect a specific breed
It’s important to know what you want in an adoptive pet—the kind of animal, its size, any specific needs, etc. However, you shouldn’t anticipate starting your search for an adoption for a certain breed or really particular kind of animal.
All of the animals offered for adoption are in need of homes and will vary greatly in kind. This implies that although you may choose some options to suit your lifestyle, you can’t be overly particular about your pet’s quality of life.
2. The pet might come from trauma
Not every pet that is available for adoption has been through the terrible event of being abandoned in the woods or abused. They will all, however, have gone through some kind of trauma. This implies that your adopted pet may first exhibit extreme fear or timidity.
There’s a chance that other animals will attack. With practice and time, this will undoubtedly become better, but it can take some effort to get there.(Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog)
Read more: Pros and Cons of Adopting a Rescue
3. It might take a while for the pet to get settled
No matter what type of background the adopted pet has, it will always take some time for it to settle in its new home and family. Experts say that the process for adopted pets to get settled can take anything from a few weeks to several months.
In my opinion, it has taken more than a year. You will need to be patience and be aware that your pet’s personality might change a lot as it gets more comfortable.(Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog)
4. The process might take a while
The adoption procedure itself may take longer than expected in addition to the time it may take for your pet to adjust to its new home. This is so that you may bring your new family member home only after completing a significant amount of paperwork and checks, which are required by most shelters.
It may take some thought and investigation to determine what to look out for even before you get to that. Private adoptions may proceed more quickly, but if you choose that route, you need exercise extreme caution and ensure that you are not foolish.(Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog)
Read more: 7 Amusing Spice Dog Names
Conclusion
Adopting an older dog can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Older dogs can be a great fit for people who don’t have the time or energy to devote to a puppy, but they may come with their own unique set of challenges.
Ultimately, the decision to adopt an older dog is a personal one, and it’s important to do your research and consider your lifestyle and needs before making a commitment to a furry friend.
FAQ
- Is adopting a dog a good idea for me?
This depends on your lifestyle. Consider the pros (companionship, exercise) and cons (time commitment, cost) to see if it fits your situation.
- What are the benefits of adopting a dog?
Dogs offer unconditional love, improve your health, and increase your social life. Shelters are full of amazing dogs waiting for a forever home.
- Are there any drawbacks to adopting a dog?
Dogs require significant time and financial investment. Their needs may limit your spontaneity, and training can be challenging.
- How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Adoption fees are typically lower than buying from a breeder. Shelters may cover some initial medical care, but ongoing vet bills and food are expenses to consider.
- What kind of dog should I get?
Think about your lifestyle – active breeds need more exercise, while smaller dogs may be better for apartments. Shelters can help you find the perfect match.
- How do I know if I can handle training a dog?
Be prepared to invest time and patience in training. Shelters often offer resources or classes to help you get started. Consider adopting an older dog if you’re worried about puppy training.
- What if I live in a small apartment?
Many smaller dog breeds and even some larger, mellow breeds adapt well to apartment living with regular walks and playtime.
- I travel a lot. Can I still adopt a dog?
If you travel frequently, consider a breed that can easily be boarded or if a friend/family member can watch your dog.
- What if I’m allergic to dogs?
There are hypoallergenic breeds that shed less, but no truly allergy-proof dog. Spend time with a potential furry friend to see if your allergies flare up.
- I’m worried about adopting an adult dog with unknown behavioral issues.
Shelters assess dogs and can match you with one that fits your personality and experience level. Adult dogs can be wonderful companions and may require less training than puppies.
