Thinking about getting a new dog? Maybe you’re ready to fill that way too quiet void since losing you’re best friend or maybe it’s so your current pup has a playmate. Regardless of the reason, this blog is for you if you’re even just considering a new addition.
When I rescued my last dog, Gabriel, I honestly wasn’t even actively looking to add another dog to my household. I already had two dogs, but had lost my Bernese Mountain Dog, Shane, to cancer about a 1 1/2 years prior. Someone I knew from a rescue posted about a Bernese that was going to be coming into rescue because one of his owners had passed away and the other owner had gone into the hospital and then a nursing home. Gabriel was 5 years old and scared in a rescue … it felt like bringing him home was the right thing to do.
But before you rush to get your next pet, it’s important to take a second, slow down and really assess if this is the best time for you and your family. Pets are a lifetime commitment and, even though you can’t predict the future, it’s important that you make sure you can always care for them well.
What You Need to Take Into Account Before Getting a New Pet
Time
Pets take up a lot of time. You need time for their multiple meals, enrichment, exercise, grooming, playing, and of course cuddling.
And that’s not considering the amount of time it will take to get your new pet acclimated to your home!
- A new pet will need time to learn the new environment—My rescue boy, Gabriel, wouldn’t eat for two weeks (other than a few things hand fed to him), he wouldn’t leave my dining room for nine weeks, etc. He needed lots of time and patience and to be able to trust and adjust! If you are considering getting a dog for the first time, you would need to take into consideration pet-proofing your home. If you are considering bringing a new dog home to dogs already in the home, you need to consider properly introducing them.
- A new pet will need time to adjust to a routine— As my guy, Gabriel, learned our routines, he began to get more comfortable and follow along. Dogs are more comfortable and less scared when they know what to expect.
- A new pet will need time to get to know each family member and become comfortable with other pets or children—most dogs have gone through have been through a lot before they come to your home. Rescues may have been living on the streets before going into the rescue or shelter, some had to leave the only home and people they’ve ever known, even a little 8 week old puppy would have just left it’s mom, siblings and the only humans it has ever known, etc. These changes can be hard for most dogs and traumatizing for others. They will need time to decompress and learn that they are safe. They will need time to bond with everyone in the home. Try to give your new dog time and space to adjust before introducing to new pets and/or new people.
- You’ll need the time you need to grieve the loss of a pet before getting a new one. A new dog will never be able to replace your previous one. They are each unique beings. Some people get a new dog right away to help fill that empty void and bring laughter and love back into their lives while others need time to grieve. There is no right or wrong timeframe other than what is best for you. Whenever you do bring a new dog into your home, after losing a beloved dog, try your best not to compare the new one to the old. They are both uniquely beautiful and will have their own personalities.
Money
Buying a dog costs money, whether you’re adopting or not. You’ll also need to invest in some basic equipment and necessities. For example, a new dog might need:
- Collar
- Leash
- ID tag
- Dog license
- Vet visit
- Grooming
- Spay/Neuter (depending on age and if it has already been done)
- Vaccines (if they haven’t been done)
- Food
- Treats
- Toys
- Enrichment items
- Training (in-home training and/or classes)
- etc.
You’ll also need to budget monthly for their caretaking. Food, toys, groomers, vets…they all cost money.
If you don’t have extra money to spare at the end of the money, can you really afford another pet?
Patience
Even the best behaved, cuddly furball will require some extra TLC and patience from their new human! Puppies generally have more energy than adult dogs, so you’ll need to consider your pet’s age and energy levels before committing to them.
We all know life can be stressful. I remember, back when my twins were born (my oldest daughter turned 4 years old four days after they were born) there would have been no way that I could have managed a new pup[y or even an adult dog at that time! It was just too busy in my household and it would not have been fair to anyone … including the new dog!
If you’re new on a job, about to move, or going through any other major life event that increases your stress levels, you might not have the patience to train or bond with a new pet. And that’s okay!
Catering to individual needs
Every pet is unique. When I first got Loca, I was surprised when she suffered with diarrhea for an entire month! After many vet visits, medication, probiotics, and ultimately changing her food we got it resolved. But it was hard to watch her not feel well, it was hard on the housebreaking, and hard on her growth as a puppy.
Some pets need regular, professional grooming. Others don’t. Some pets will need to be walked 3+ times a day. Others don’t. Some pets have medical conditions that must be consistently monitored. Others don’t.
Finding the right service provider—whether a dog walker/pet sitter, dog trainer, vet, groomer, etc.—it’s good to consider your prospective pet’s needs and find folks to help you in advance of bringing your new pet home. Many providers have waitlists, so good to get ahead!
Space
Is there extra living space inside and outside your home? Different breeds need different amounts of space, and younger pets often need more room to play than the sleepier, cuddlier older pets.
Before choosing a new dog consider, where will they relax and hang out most of the time, where will they play, go to the bathroom, etc.? It’s a good idea to research which breed of dog might do best with what you have available.
Commitment
When you choose to take on a new pet, your life will never be the same again! This can be an amazing thing, but it can also be stressful at times. Consider your level of commitment to what it will take to keep your pet happy and healthy – and the lifestyle changes you’d like to make and those you’d rather not. For example: If you like to stay out late at night or work a 3rd shift job you might need an evening dog walker or pet sitter. If you like to fly to remote vacation locations, you may want to consider a breed that is smaller and can fly with you or find a pet sitter or boarding facility.
Having a dog has it’s challenges, but for me the positives out way those challenges. A dog can provide constant companionship, a sense of responsibility, increased activity, and lots of unconditional love.
How did you know it was the right time for a new pet? Let me know below!
#adopt, #goodtimetoadopt