#when to adopt
GALTx eNews: Six Signs It’s Not The Right Time
Deciding when to adopt a dog is a deeply personal decision requiring the evaluation of all relevant factors. None of us can ever predict how our lives will unfold, however, some circumstances suggest waiting to adopt is best:
1) If you are planning a move, research the costs of dog ownership in your target market and find your new housing first. Urban areas often lack affordable housing with yards such that dog walkers are essential and quiet, small-dog safe hounds that can manage stairs and elevators tend to be a better fit. In some markets, you can expect to pay extra “pet rent” if you can find a rental that will accept dogs at all. Additionally, many apartments and condos only allow one or maybe two dogs under a certain weight, which usually isn’t as much as a typical Greyhound weighs.
2) If you rely on having a roommate to make financial ends meet, this might not be the right time to adopt. Roommates usually are not as committed to you as family and are more likely to move out or fail to pay bills than most spouses. Additionally, a roommate might not be as concerned about providing a safe home for your hound as you would hope, increasing the risk of escape or other injury.
3) Working in a job or an industry that is not stable is clearly a red flag for adoption as your income may be devastated by a job loss or you might have to make a significant relocation to remain employed. We often fail to consider, though, how much change can come with a successful career. If you are the company’s up-and-comer, promotions might lead to longer work hours and relocations that make caring for a dog harder. You might want to get where you are going with your career before making a commitment.
4) Consider how changes related to the people closest to you will affect whether dog ownership is right for you. If you are dating to find someone special, that person might turn out to love travel more than dogs, to be dog phobic, or to have a dog allergy. Weddings typically come with expenses, distractions, and a honeymoon that can make integrating a new dog into your home challenging. Likewise, adding a human baby to the family is expensive, exhausting, and potentially overwhelming. We recommend waiting to adopt until all children are over six years old. And when an elderly parent moves in with you, you might find small dogs or cats a better family fit.
5) When we lose someone close to us, whether from death or divorce, it’s natural to want to fill the void by adopting. However, most of us need time to grieve and to consider whether additional life changes will flow from the loss such as moving closer to family or down sizing the home. These changes almost always impact the type of dog that fits best in your life as you find your way forward. Give yourself some time to adjust.
6) Finally, if you have no idea how you could ever pay an unexpected vet bill of $3,000 to $8,000, you should wait to adopt. We are not saying everyone who adopts needs several thousand dollars set aside that will not be used for anything else. We are saying you need to acknowledge the possibility of a big, unexpected vet bill and have a plan for addressing it. That plan might include a combination of savings, easily accessible credit, or support from trusted friends and family.
We know how irresistible hounds are and how strong the urge to adopt can be, but, surrendering your hound for re-adoption because you adopted when the time just wasn’t right is one of the hardest things ever. Waiting a little while can be the best gift you give your new pet.
3/24/2022
