My SD Moms 
(StatePoint) Dogs play a special role in a home, bringing laughter, love and warmth. But dog ownership comes with great responsibility and there are certain things to consider before beginning the adoption process.
- Getting Your Home Ready
Just as a home needs to be prepped for the arrival of a new baby, you must also make preparations for dog adoption. In fact, many shelters will even check whether your home is suitable for dog ownership with a site visit before approving your application.
If you’re a homeowner, be sure to take steps to make your home more dog-friendly.
Decide in advance which rooms of the house your dog will be allowed to enter. Baby gates may be an option and work well as barriers for dogs. Have all the necessary items for your dog ready for his or her arrival like a leash, collar, crate and toys.
Areas of the home that contain dangerous substances should also be safeguarded. For example, medications and cleaning supplies should be stored securely.
If you’ve never owned a dog before, you may not have paid much attention to your neighborhood’s dog parks, trails and walkable routes. Study these locations in advance so there are no questions on day one.
- Where to Adopt
Between six and eight million cats and dogs enter shelters each year, and 2.7 million adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in such shelters annually, according to the Humane Society. Rather than buying a dog from a breeder, check out your local animal shelter.
“Adoption has become the preferred way to find a new dog, puppy, cat or kitten,” says Abbie Moore, Executive Director, Adopt-a-Pet.com. “Not only is this often a more affordable route, but you are saving a life in the process.”
Fortunately, campaigns can raise awareness about this issue and help dogs and families find each other. For example, Coldwell Banker Real Estate has partnered with Adopt-a-Pet.com for the “Homes for Dogs Project” which aims to find homes for 20,000 dogs in 2015. The company will engage its network of 87,000 sales associates to help adoptable dogs find homes in their communities through a variety of tactics, including hosting adoption days by partnering with local shelters in the Adopt-a-Pet.com network.
To learn more about how you can help make the adoption goal a reality, visit www.coldwellbanker.com/dogs.
- Other Considerations
You should already have identified the veterinarian you plan to use before taking your dog home, as a dog’s medical care should begin immediately after adoption.
Remember to budget for dog ownership. Beyond regular supplies, food vaccinations and check-ups, add in some padding as an emergency fund.
As every dog lover knows, there is nothing quite like coming home after a long day and being greeted by man’s best friend. With a dog adoption, you can make your home an even more welcoming, comfortable place.
