Taking the step to adopt a dog is one of those decisions that can change your life for the better.But it’s also one of the biggest responsibilities you’ll ever take on. We’re not talking about a toy or a passing whim, but a companion who will depend on you for everything for many years, with their joys, their expenses, their daily needs, and also their difficult moments.
Before falling in love with furry eyes in a photo or at a shelter, it’s worth taking a moment to think very seriously. What will your actual cohabitation be like: schedules, travel, money, pet hair around the house, potential illnesses, house rules, relationships with neighbors, children, other animals… If you consider all of this calmly, you’ll have a much better chance of the adoption going well and that dog not ending up as just another statistic in the abandonment figures.
Adopting a dog: a long-term commitment
When you adopt a dog, you are committing, in practice, to living with it for 10 to 15 years or even longer.Depending on their size and health, medium and large dogs typically live 10-13 years, and many small dogs easily live past 15. Throughout that time, you’ll have to be there for them, taking them for walks in the rain, going to the vet, rescheduling vacations, and adjusting your life to theirs.
Animal shelters and rescue centers are full of animals that ended up there because their families didn’t think long-term.Job changes, moving, the birth of babies, separations, projects abroad… Many of these situations were foreseeable or, at least, could have been considered. It’s not about predicting the future, but about honestly asking yourself how you imagine your life in 5, 10, or 12 years and whether that dog fits into those plans.
Your current health status and its potential evolution also come into play.If you know you’re going through a difficult time, with surgeries, reduced mobility, or long treatments, it might be best to wait. When you’re unwell, your dog will stay by your side, but when he gets sick, he’ll need exactly the same from you: time, care, medication, vet visits, and lots of patience.
Thinking about all this isn’t being negative, it’s being responsibleIf after asking yourself these questions you are still sure that you want to share your life with a dog, you are well on your way to a truly responsible adoption.
Money and real expenses of living with a dog
Many people believe that owning a dog is not expensive because they only think about the bag of dog food.But the reality is that the annual budget can increase considerably, especially if you want to provide a good quality of life. You don’t need to be a millionaire, but you do need a certain level of financial stability, the ability to forgo luxuries, and a financial cushion for unexpected veterinary expenses.
Firstly, there is an initial outlay that is not usually taken into accountBed, food and water bowls, leash, harness or collar, ID tags, carrier if needed, toys, brushes, shampoo, perhaps a gate for the home, plus the adoption fee (or the price if buying from an ethical breeder). Just the basic equipment can easily add up to several hundred euros.
Then there’s the fixed monthly expense.A good quality diet with sufficient protein content; also find out about fruits that a dog can eatTraining treats, regular deworming, veterinary checkups, vaccinations, insurance (in many regions liability insurance is already recommended or required, and mandatory for potentially dangerous dogs). If the dog needs grooming or has a coat that requires professional trimming, add that as well.
Medical emergencies are a separate issue.A severe case of gastroenteritis, a torn ligament, a serious dental problem, or a chronic illness can send vet bills soaring to hundreds or thousands of euros. That’s where having an emergency fund or good pet insurance makes all the difference, so you don’t have to cut back on their well-being.
If we add education and professional support, the figure continues to rise.Many families need to go to a dog training school, a trainer, or an ethologist for behavioral problems, fears, reactivity, or simply to learn how to communicate better with their dog. And during busy periods, you might also find yourself using dog walkers or doggy daycares. These are all expenses that you should keep in mind before saying «yes» to adoption.
Housing, renting and living with neighbors
Your housing situation can completely determine your ability to adoptIf you rent, the first thing to do is check your contract: in many apartments, pets are strictly prohibited or only allowed under certain conditions. In these cases, you should have written permission from the landlord; otherwise, you could face legal issues or even the termination of your lease.
Many contracts also include clauses regarding noise, smells, and disturbances to the neighborhoodThis means you’ll need to make an effort to avoid excessive barking, respect common areas, always pick up after your dog, and keep it on a leash inside the building. Peaceful coexistence with your neighbors isn’t just a bonus; it’s practically a requirement for your dog to continue living with you without problems.
Even though the house is yours, you’ll also have to think about those who live around you.Not everyone is enthusiastic about dogs; some may be afraid of them or have allergies, and others simply don’t want to hear barking at six in the morning. Being empathetic, keeping common areas clean, and working on your dog’s training will help avoid unnecessary conflicts.
The type of housing also mattersAn interior apartment without a balcony is not the same as a house with a garden. An active dog in a tiny attic can suffer greatly if it doesn’t get enough exercise and stimulation. And be careful with gardens: having a yard doesn’t mean the dog should live isolated outside; they are social animals, they need to be inside with the family and use the outdoors as an extra space, not as their «prison.»
Choosing the right dog: breed, size and temperament
Not all dogs are a good match for all people, no matter how cute they may seem.Beyond aesthetics, there are breeds and types of dogs that need several hours of intense exercise and mental work daily, while others are calmer and adapt better to a relaxed life of moderate walks and time on the sofa.
Before deciding on a puppy or a specific dog, find out about its characteristics.Energy level, tendency to bark, need for companionship, tolerance of children or other animals, coat care, predisposition to certain diseases, etc. A border collie, a pointer, or a mixed-breed hunting dog usually needs a lot of activity and stimulation; putting them into a sedentary life of short walks and back to the sofa is a sure recipe for behavioral problems.
It’s also worth considering whether you prefer a puppy, adult, or senior dog.Puppies are adorable, yes, but they require a huge amount of time for training, socialization, housebreaking, and constant supervision. There will be accidents in the house, potential damage, and an energy level that not everyone is prepared to handle. In contrast, an adult dog usually has a more defined personality and, in many cases, already knows how to relieve itself outside.
Older (senior) dogs can be wonderful companionsThey tend to be calmer, appreciate leisurely walks and long naps, and often adapt wonderfully to homes where strenuous sporting activities aren’t the norm. In return, they may require slightly more veterinary attention, medication, or specific care, but the bond you form with them is profoundly special.
In animal shelters, volunteers usually know each dog quite well.Ask questions without rushing, visit several times, walk with him, observe how he reacts to other dogs, people, noises… The more you know before bringing him home, the better you can assess whether he is truly the companion that fits your lifestyle and environment.
Time, daily routine, and the dog’s loneliness
One of the most delicate points before adopting is the actual time you have to dedicate to the dog.It’s not just about a quick walk so he can relieve himself, but about quality exercise, playtime, basic training, attention, and companionship. If you work outside the home for 10 hours a day and spend another 10 hours commuting, it’s difficult to offer a balanced life to a dog that spends almost the entire day alone.
Dogs are social animals; they are not designed to spend long periods in isolation.A well-trained adult dog could be left alone for 4-5 hours at a time without suffering too much stress, but leaving it alone for 8-9 hours every morning can cause separation anxiety, destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or deep apathy.
Before adopting, consider how their workdays and yours will be organized.Will you be able to get back at midday? Do you have someone you trust who can come and take him out? Can you afford a professional dog walker? Does your company allow dogs in the office? If you’re currently studying, working part-time, or on maternity leave, also think about what will happen when your schedule changes later on.
Weekends and holidays are not «free» time for the dog either.On that Saturday when you’d rather stay in bed until noon, someone will have to get up and take the furry friend out. It doesn’t matter if it’s pouring rain, a freezing wind is blowing, or you’re dead tired: bodily functions don’t care about the weather or your mood.
A useful exercise, especially if children are involved, is the famous «walk without a dog».Take your dog out three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening) for a month with an empty leash and harness, respecting schedules and responsibilities. This is a very clear way to see if the whole family truly understands the commitment involved.
Family, children, “godparents” and support network
Before bringing a dog home, it is essential that all family members agree. and understand what living with him entails. Adopting to please a child, a partner, or someone who insists, without the rest of the family being clear about it, often leads to conflicts and, sometimes, abandonment.
If there are children at home, the compatibility between dog and children must be carefully considered.Not all dogs tolerate sudden movements, shouting, or intrusive hugs equally well. Similarly, not all children understand that a dog is not a toy. It’s essential to teach them to respect the dog’s space, not to disturb it when it’s sleeping or eating, and to avoid games that might frighten or overexcite it.
Although children can help with small tasks, the responsibility always lies with the adults.The adults will be responsible for walks, going to the vet, making health decisions, hiring trainers, paying expenses, managing trips and, in general, being the dog’s main point of reference.
It is also worth thinking about who will be the dog’s «godparents».Friends, family, or neighbors who can lend a hand in case of an emergency, trip, or illness. Although kennels, dog hotels, and professional pet sitters exist nowadays, they are not always available, require prior booking, and have a cost that not all families can afford regularly.
Finally, imagine possible future scenarios within your family unitThe arrival of a baby, a job change with more travel, an elderly person moving in who doesn’t tolerate animals, etc. You can’t foresee everything, but thinking about these situations in advance helps you know to what extent you would be willing to reorganize your life so that the dog remains part of the family.
Hygiene, hair, feces and daily life at home
Anyone who imagines a perfect and always spotless house might want to reconsider the idea of adopting a dog.No matter how clean you keep it, living with a furry friend means hair on your clothes, on the sofa, on the carpet and in unexpected corners, as well as muddy footprints on rainy days and a bit more dust and dirt in general.
Some breeds shed a lot of hair, especially during shedding seasons.Daily brushing during these seasons helps reduce the amount of hair that ends up everywhere, but you’ll literally never have a completely hair-free home again. Choosing curly-haired dogs or those that shed very little (like poodles) will reduce this problem, although they usually require regular grooming.
Besides the issue of hair, there’s daily hygiene.Dry your dog when they come home soaking wet or covered in mud, clean their paws before they get on the sofa or bed (if you let them), ventilate the room well, keep their bed clean, and wash blankets or covers regularly. You’ll also need to get them used to occasional baths, nail trimming, teeth brushing, and basic ear and skin care.
Outside the home, feces are your direct responsibility.In cities and towns, on sidewalks or country roads, it’s always right to pick up after your dog. Besides being a requirement in many municipal ordinances, it’s a matter of civic responsibility, hygiene, and respect. In agricultural areas, dog feces can spoil fodder or cause problems for other animals, so the excuse «it’s just in the countryside» is unacceptable.
Investing in a good pet hair vacuum, lint remover, and poop bags is almost as essential as buying the leash.Accepting this from the beginning will prevent unnecessary surprises and frustrations when you discover that life with a dog is not like a television commercial with the house always spotless.
Travel, vacations and life changes
If you’re the type to take a low-cost flight from one weekend to the next or jump at any impromptu plan, your dog will force you to slow down.From the moment it enters your life, any getaway, long vacation, or change of residence has to go through the question: «What do I do with it?»
The good news is that there are more and more dog-friendly options.Hotels, country houses, tourist apartments, restaurants, and activities that accept dogs, as well as trains, boats, and, to a lesser extent, airplanes where they can travel with you depending on their size. Traveling with a dog can be a wonderful experience, especially by car, campervan, or van, but it requires planning, finding suitable accommodations, checking transport regulations, and anticipating their needs during the trip.
When your dog can’t accompany you, you’ll need reliable alternatives.Dog kennels, private sitters, family members, or friends can all be used for pet care. These services should be booked in advance, and you should consider whether your dog will be comfortable in them. In many cases, it’s advisable to do a trial night at the kennel before a long vacation to see how your dog handles it.
It’s also worth thinking about possible moves in the medium term.Moving to a new city or country with your dog is more complex and expensive than doing so without one, especially if it’s an international flight with requirements for documentation, vaccinations, quarantines, or other special procedures. None of this is insurmountable, but it’s worth knowing that you and your dog will be a «package» when making certain life-changing decisions.
That furry companion will influence your plans, yes, but it will also give you experiences you might never have otherwise.: countryside routes you wouldn’t have discovered, new park friends, different getaways and an extra reason to leave home even when you don’t feel like it.
Legal requirements and responsible adoption process
In Spain, adopting a dog involves fulfilling a series of basic legal requirements. These rules may vary slightly depending on the autonomous community or municipality, but they generally have commonalities. It’s important to be aware of them to avoid problems and, above all, to ensure the animal’s well-being.
To begin, you must be of legal age and have the capacity to take responsibility for the dog.In a formal adoption, the shelter or pound usually requests ID, proof of address (deeds, rental agreement or registration certificate) and, if you live in a rental, some type of confirmation that the owner allows animals.
Almost all animal protection organizations follow a similar protocolThe adoption process includes a preliminary questionnaire to get to know you better, interviews, sometimes a home visit to assess the environment, and finally, an adoption contract. This contract outlines clear commitments: to care for the dog, not to use it for hunting unless intended, not to breed it, to neuter it if necessary, to provide veterinary care, and to return it to the organization if, for serious reasons, you can no longer keep it.
In addition to the contract with the animal shelter, the law requires that the dog be microchipped and registered with the town hall.You must keep vaccinations and deworming up to date, and in the case of certain breeds classified as potentially dangerous, it will be necessary to obtain a special license and use a muzzle and short leash in public, among other requirements.
Choosing adoption over buying from dubious shops or breeders has a huge impactYou help reduce abandonment, free up space at the shelter for another animal in need, and, in most cases, ensure you receive support and advice from experienced people. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, find out about the conditions, and choose an organization that inspires transparency and trust.
Education, behavior, and professional support
Behind almost all «problem dogs» there are unmet needs, lack of information, or an unsuitable environmentIt’s more about the animal’s behavior than its malice or stubbornness. Therefore, before adopting, it’s important to consider how much you actually know about dog communication and training, and to what extent you’re willing to learn or ask for help.
Old methods based on punishment, choke collars, and “dominance” theories are outdated.Today we know that respectful approaches and positive reinforcement work much better, taking into account the dog’s emotions and seeking to build a bond of trust, not fear.
Good training begins with understanding how your dog communicatesBody language, calming signals, ways of expressing fear, stress, or discomfort. The better you interpret what your dog is telling you with its body, the easier it will be to prevent conflicts with people and other dogs, and the simpler it will be to teach it what it needs to learn.
It is highly recommended to have the contact information of a trusted professional dog trainer almost from the beginning.Ideally, this should be recommended by the animal shelter itself or your veterinarian. There’s no need to wait for a serious problem to arise to ask for help; in fact, taking preventative measures during the first few weeks of adjustment is often the best investment you can make.
If the dog arrives with fears, traumatic experiences, or complex behaviors, you may even need the help of a veterinary ethologist.These professionals specialize in animal behavior and can assess whether there are clinical factors (pain, hormonal diseases, neurological problems, etc.) influencing what you see as «bad behavior.» Treating the root cause, not just the symptom, is key to truly improving their well-being.
Dog’s age: puppy, adult, or senior
The age of the dog you adopt will greatly influence the type of care and the pace of living together.There isn’t one option that’s generally better than another, but there is one that’s more suitable for each family, lifestyle, and experience level.
Puppies practically need almost full-time dedication at the beginningThey have to learn where to relieve themselves, what they can and cannot chew, how to interact with other dogs and people, get used to noises, cars, elevators, transportation… All of this requires time, consistency and patience, as well as some investment in cleaning and, sometimes, in furniture that suffers from their baby teeth.
With a puppy, it is more difficult to predict its final size, temperament, and energy level.Unless you know the parents well and have a lot of information about the breed. With mixed-breed shelter dogs, an estimate is often made, but there can always be surprises.
Adopting an adult dog has the advantage that you already know much better what it’s like.: whether it gets along well with cats or children, whether it enjoys long walks or prefers quiet strolls, whether it barks a lot or a little, what fears it has, whether it is sociable with other dogs… All this information is usually provided by animal shelters after observing their behavior for a while.
Senior dogs deserve a special mentionThey are the forgotten ones in shelters, and yet they are usually sweet, grateful, and incredibly companionable. They may require medication for arthritis, more frequent checkups, or a specific diet; find out more about it. vegetables that dogs can eatBut in return they offer a calm and emotional stability that is hard to find in younger dogs.
How to prepare and what to expect when you get home
Before the dog sets paw in your home, it’s a good idea to have everything reasonably prepared.: a quiet resting area, a food and water bowl in a fixed location, suitable toys, a space where it can retreat if it needs calm and, if necessary, barriers to avoid dangerous areas at first.
The first few days are usually an emotional rollercoaster for both you and him.It’s normal for him to be nervous, eat less, have an accident at home, or seem insecure around certain noises or movements. Give him time, minimize changes and visits, and focus on creating a predictable routine of walks, meals, and rest.
Don’t expect instant gratitude or a magical connection from minute oneMany newly adopted dogs arrive overwhelmed by everything they’ve experienced and need weeks or even months to show their true selves. Stay calm, offer reassurance, avoid constant scolding, and celebrate every small step forward.
A good idea is to maintain close contact with the animal shelter during this adjustment period.They know the dog and can guide you if any behavior arises that you don’t know how to handle. Furthermore, seeing how the dog develops in a home is often very rewarding for those who cared for it before it came into your life.
Adopting a dog means accepting profound changes in your routine, your home, and how you organize your time and money.But you will also receive in return a unique bond, unconditional companionship, and a real opportunity to change the life of an animal that, without you, might never have left a shelter.
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