Regardless of where you are in the world, people love dogs. Australians are no exception. But adopting a canine is nothing a person should take lightly. A pup is not merely a play toy or someone for whom you put down a plate of food and bowl of water and go on your way.
A considerable amount of time, responsibility, and a great commitment come with adopting these lovable creatures. While the animal is highly intelligent, capable of learning tasks and proper behavior, the pup still is almost like a child that never grows up. A canine depends on his pet parent for safety, wellness, and quality of life for the entirety of his lifespan.
In return, you gain unconditional love plus an unbreakable bond of friendship. Spending time together in Adelaide should be something you look forward to and enjoy nearly as much as your pup with plenty of physical and mental stimulation adequate for the age and breed.
Facts To Know Before Committing To Dog Adoption In Adelaide
The responsibility and commitment that comes with “raising” a pet are considerably more than merely plopping down food and water for the day while neglecting care and attention or stimulating the animal physically and mentally.
It will help if you familiarize yourself with what it takes to care for a canine who, while an intelligent species, also remains almost like a child all its life. The animal will rely on you to take care of their needs, protect them, provide security, keep them healthy, and ensure the optimum quality of life. There are many facts to learn before you commit. Some include the following:
** The Cost Can Be Extensive
The “Australian Securities And Investments Commission or ASIC MoneySmart indicates an average expense for those with a pup at nearly $1500 in Australia annually merely for food. Besides, you’ll see almost $400 in vet fees plus $250 for medical products, grooming fees nearing $150, and kennel costs close to $100, and these don’t include the possible charges for pet insurance.
** Rescue Or Adoption Is Generally A Better Option Than “Free”
When you rescue or adopt a dog, these usually have their vaccines, a microchip, have desexing, and deworming. A pup given away will need all these things upfront with an initial vet visit.
While you might believe that microchipping can go on the back burner, it’s vital for the animal’s safety. If the puppy gets lost, clinics and shelters can scan this tiny chip implanted under the skin (size of a rice grain) and retrieve your contact information via the registry through the manufacturer.
Australian regulations mandate that all dogs and cats receive a microchip by the twelfth week of life.
** Prepare For Denial From The Shelter
Animal shelters screen candidates stringently and also take into consideration the dog’s history when considering a home. If the canine comes from a fearful situation or was an aggressor with kids, placement will be with an adult-only family.
The shelter will often have strict recommendations for the household, like perhaps a single-family home or a flat that is on the ground level. These mean to make the home more suitable for the pup rather than make the process more difficult for the potential pet parent.
** Consider Every Age Of Pet Instead Of Only Puppies
Everyone usually tries to rescue or adopt a new puppy. Unfortunately, senior dogs take double the amount of time to find a home as a little puppy or even a kitten. It would be best if you considered every age of canine when adopting. Often these pups make the ideal companion for specific homes if the family would take a second look, especially for those hoping to find a dog who already has a distinct personality and wants to just chill with the family.
That doesn’t translate to laziness or not wanting to take a walk or play. These animals can be active, not as much as an energetic little dynamo, but they still enjoy physical and mental stimulation all the same. The canine will be calm, cool, and collected, ready for you to make him familiar with your lifestyle.
** Big Dog Doesn’t Necessarily Need A Large-Sized Space To Be Happy
A relatively large dog like a Mastiff or a Great Dane can be comfortable in a quaint one-bedroom space, similarly to a pup half its size as long as he receives adequate exercise. In this situation, the animal would need more frequent walks than usual since there’s not a lot of space to stretch his legs at home.
You might take him to the dog park to run more often and lengthen the amount of time he’s outside. Ensure the house offers a private space with an adequate-sized bed holding blankets, toys, and personal items so that the pup has a place to call his own when he is inside.
If you have other animals, each should have its own area to avoid territorial aggression. Everyone will know where their space is and not try to infringe on others’ private spots.
Final Thought
If you’re looking to adopt or rescue a dog in Adelaide, research the level of responsibility and commitment that comes with being a pet parent to see if you aren’t cut out for the role.
There’s a great deal that the pup will expect from you aside from merely food and water. The animal will look to you for protection, health needs, and a positive quality of life.
In order to accomplish these things, you will have a considerable expense, which not everyone thinks of before signing on for adoption. Then sadly, dogs go back to shelters after they felt they had a home. Please pursue the facts before you take a dog home; otherwise, you break a heart.
