When it comes to dog adoption in San Diego you will be spoilt for choice. You will find dozens of dog breeds which include purebred and mixed breeds. Making the right choice can be hard. That is why you need to do your research before heading to the animal shelter. In this post we will be sharing a few tips that will help decide on the best dog to adopt.
What do you absolutely need in a dog?
This is without doubt the first question you need to ask yourself even before you head to the dog shelter. Do you need a companion dog or a jogging partner? Do you have kids, cats or other dogs in your home? If you have other pets and kids in your home, the dog you choose should be known to get along well with other pets and kids. You also need to think about your living conditions. Do you live in a small home or an apartment? If you live in an apartment, does your lease permit dogs? For small homes, a small dog will be the best choice.
You will also need to think about your allergies before proceeding with a puppy adoption. If you or any of your family members has allergies, you should opt for hypoallergenic dog breeds. The problem is that there are only a few hypoallergenic breeds out there. Picking dogs that rarely shed will also be a great idea.
What would you like in a dog but can live without?
You will not be able to find everything that you want in a single dog breed. This is why you need to make compromises. For example, you might like a dog breed with short hair but can settle for one that requires extra grooming. You must also not be afraid of the mixed dog breeds. The rescue organization will be happy to let you know which breeds make up the dog you are considering.
What is not acceptable?
This is a very important question you need to answer before proceeding with a dog rescue in San Diego. There are certain qualities that will be unacceptable to you. They could be related to temperament, size and exercise needs. Compile a list of all the things that are unacceptable to you.
When not to adopt
As much as a puppy rescue is a noble thing to do, not everyone is fit to care for a dog. Timing is also everything. It will not be ideal to adopt now if any of these situations apply:
- You are in the process of relocating
- You are handling major repairs or remodeling your home
- It is the holiday season. These periods are often too hectic.
- Someone in your household is going through major life events. The dog might be lost in the shuffle.
- You are about to have a baby. You should first have the baby and adopt after things settle down.
Adopting a dog saves the dog from being euthanized and also helps the rescue organization to rescue more homeless dogs. This is a noble thing. You should, however, never rush the process.