How Old Do You Need to Be to Adopt a Dog? Age Requirements & Considerations
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Adopting a dog can be a great way to make a new friend or provide a forever home for an animal in need. The age requirement to legally adopt a dog depends on your geographical location and where you adopt the dog.
Most rescue organizations and shelters will let you adopt a dog if you’re 18 or above. Meanwhile, some places may require you to be 21 years old, but 18 is the minimum age requirement in most areas.
What Should You Know About Adopting a Dog?
Before you decide to adopt a dog, you must understand the commitment. Dogs need lots of love and attention and require regular exercise, grooming, and vet visits.
Adopting a dog also comes with financial considerations like food, supplies, and vet bills. It’s essential to research the breed of dog you’re considering and ensure it’s a good fit for your lifestyle. If you already have a dog at home, it’s best to choose a breed that is compatible with the one you already have.
How to Adopt a Dog in 4 Steps
If you’ve decided to welcome a new member to the family, there are some steps you should take before making such a big commitment.
1. Choose the Breed
Do you already have a specific breed in mind, or are you open to options? Researching different dog breeds can help narrow down your choices. Consider these factors when choosing a dog breed to adopt:
- Size: If you live in a small apartment, you should opt for a smaller dog rather than a larger breed that would have difficulty adjusting to a limited space. Note that some dogs are more active than others and may need a yard for daily physical activity. So, consider your living situation before selecting a dog.
- Behavior: Different breeds have different temperaments and behaviors. For example, some canines are naturally more protective and territorial, while others are more friendly toward strangers. If you have kids or other pets at home, try to get a more sociable dog rather than an aggressive breed that may require extensive socialization training.
- Energy Level: Some breeds are more energetic than others. They will need more attention and playtime too. If you’re busy with work most of the day, you should look for a calmer, low-maintenance breed.
Besides these features, you should also consider the physical characteristics, health problems, training requirements, recurring costs, and grooming requirements of the breed you’re interested in.
2. Visit the Shelter
Rescuing is always a better alternative than buying from commercial breeders. Animal shelters are full of lovable and deserving dogs that need a home. Look for a local animal rescue organization or a shelter that allows adoption.
3. Pay the Adoption Fees
Adopting is not free in most instances. The adoption fee can be anywhere from $50 to $300, depending on the shelter. The cost covers vet exams, deworming, vaccinations, neutering surgery, collars, tags, etc.
4. Buy Grooming Supplies and Accessories
Your dog will need a few supplies, such as a harness, an ID tag, and a leash. If you’ve adopted a pup, you might want to get a replacement collar for when it’s grown. Other accessories, such as beds, toys, and treats, are also recommended.
Dogs also require maintenance and grooming, such as nail clipping and baths. You should buy the following supplies for grooming:
- Nail clippers
- Doggie toothbrush
- Dog shampoo
- Brush
- Pet wipes
- De-shedding brush
- Comb
As for food, you can consult a vet or ask the shelter which type of diet is best for your pet.
How to Set Up Your Home for an Adopted Dog
When you bring a new member home, you should always set your place up to meet their needs. Here are some tips:
- Designate Their Own Space. Give your dog its own spot in the house—a space where it can feel safe and secure. It should include their bed, food bowl, water bowl, and toy box.
- Have the Food Ready. When you pick up a dog from the shelter, ask them what they have been feeding it. It’s best to replicate the same diet for the first few days to prevent gastric problems. You can slowly transition to a different diet over the course of several weeks.
- Create an Exercise Area. If your home has a yard or garden, create an exercise area for your dog. It should include obstacles and toys that will keep them entertained. But if this is not available, you can start introducing your dog to dog parks in the area.
If you already have another dog or a pet at home, start socialization training from day one. It will help everyone get along well.
Conclusion
You must be at least 18 years of age to adopt a dog. While it may seem like an exciting step in your life, keep in mind that dogs require maintenance, grooming, training, and care.
You should have the time and resources to care for a dog before you choose to bring them into your home. If you have limited space or are on a budget, consider getting a low-maintenance dog that doesn’t require extensive exercise.
The best course of action is to adopt a dog from a rescue organization or a shelter. Choose a dog, pay the adoption fees, and learn as much as possible about your new friend from its previous caretakers. With this information, you’ll be all set to give your furry friend a comfortable new life.
Featured Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock
