Adopting a rescue dog can be a truly feel-good, fulfilling experience. There are unfortunately many unwanted animals in shelters; last year, The RSPCA revealed that the number of abandoned pets in England and Wales has risen by 25%. Adopting a rescue dog can not only give you an opportunity to create a loving bond with your new furry friend, but it can also save it from this risk of being euthanized in an overcrowded shelter.
There’s nothing more important than your pets’ wellbeing. A pet becomes part of the family and so you want to do everything you can to make sure they’re happy and healthy. But how exactly can you make sure you prioritise your newly adopted dog’s health and happiness? [1]
Plan ahead
You might have been thinking about adopting a dog for some time, but have you actually planned ahead? Ask yourself if you are willing to commit the time and energy and if you can afford the expenses. Also consider your lifestyle and if it’s suitable for having a dog.
For instance, different shelters may have specific criteria that must be met in order to adopt a pet:
- Most shelters and rescue centres will require you to be at least 18 years old before adopting a dog.
- Some shelters may require a home visit to make sure the environment is suitable and safe for your pet. For example, larger dogs may require a garden with suitable fencing.
- In many cases, insurance must be taken out on the pet to ensure veterinary care and public liability is covered in the event of an accident.
- Annual vaccinations and insurance may need to be kept valid annually.
Some shelters will require you to commit to not planning or going on any holidays within the first three months, to ensure the dog has sufficient time to settle in.
Set out a budget in advance for your weekly and monthly costs to ensure you’ll be able to stick to it before you proceed with the adoption process. For example, pet parents in the United Kingdom claim to spend an average of anywhere between £20-£145 per month on their dog. However, when you first get a dog there can be a lot of upfront costs you’ll need to consider:
- Adoption costs will typically range from between £160-£200.
- Initial veterinary check-up: £230-350
- Pet license & microchip: Up to £150
- Toys: £5-£40.
- Spray or neuter surgery: £160-£200.
Set out a budget for weekly and monthly costs and ensure that you know you’ll be able to stick to it before you proceed with the adoption process. Work out all your expenses for things that you need over the longer term– for instance food and water bowls, cages, leads, bedding and grooming costs.
Register your dog
One of the first things you should do when adopting a new pet is register it with a veterinary practice. Most rescue centres will be able to give you details of the animals’ veterinary records from the time they’ve been in the shelter. Even if your new companion has a perfect clean bill of health, it’s vital you get them registered with a vet. Your pet will need medical care at some point in its life; plus, it might require annual vaccinations. Veterinary fees can be very costly so do consider getting pet insurance to help out. Many standard insurance policies will automatically exclude pre-existing conditions from the outset, meaning your pet may not be covered if it needs medical attention due to the pre-existing illnesses. The policy offered by petgevity.com covers pre-existing conditions; something which animals coming from shelters often have[2] .
Another important thing you should do is get your pet microchipped. Many rescue centres will do this before they place an animal up for adoption, although you might have to pay a small fee to get the information changed. Having your pet microchipped will ensure that if they ever get lost and end up back in a rescue shelter, they can be traced back to you.
Get your home dog-ready
You need to make sure your home is dog-friendly before you bring your new companion home. This means providing the necessary supplies for your pet to thrive. For instance, you should ensure that there is a comfortable bed in a quiet spot, as well as toys for them to play with. Feeding bowls and litter trays should be kept[3] apart and in quiet areas, and fresh water should always be available. But not only should you have all the relevant environmental set-up to help them settle in and feel at home, you need to make sure that they’re safe from harm.
Certain foods, medicines, and even plants can seriously harm or kill dogs if ingested, so it’s vital that you identify and remove any potential hazards[4] .
You might not realise, but many garden plants can also be harmful to your dog. For example, did you know that Daffodil bulbs are highly poisonous to dogs? These are just one of many garden plants to be aware of when introducing a new dog into your home.
Conclusion
Welcoming a rescue dog into your life can open yourself up to can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. You’re opening up your home to a new best friend who will bring lots of love to your home, while giving a loyal dog a second chance at a happier life. However, adopting a dog comes with multiple costs and considerations. Carefully consider whether you can provide the right care and environment before adopting so that you can ensure your new pet stays happy and healthy.
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