Things to Know Before Adopting a Dog: Your Guide to Responsible Pet Ownership

Laila's Legacy Team
3 days ago
4 min read

Adopting a dog is a rewarding experience, but it's essential to understand the responsibilities and costs involved. At Laila’s Legacy Animal Rescue, we aim to ensure that every adoption leads to a lifelong, happy home for both the pet and the owner. Here's what you should consider before bringing a dog into your life.

💰 Financial Commitment: What to Expect

Owning a dog comes with both upfront and ongoing costs. The first year can be particularly expensive, with expenses ranging from $870 to $4,565, depending on the dog's size, breed, and health needs.

Initial Costs:

Adoption Fee: $0–$600 depending on the organization. Our fees are listed here!
Spaying/Neutering: $250–$525
Vaccinations & Vet Exams: $167–$515
Supplies (crate, bed, toys, etc.): $200–$1,000

Annual Costs:

Food: Avg. of $60/month, $720+/year
Flea/Tick & Heartworm Prevention: $450–$500
Routine Vet Visits: $400-1000
Training: $500+
Pet Insurance: $10–$100/month

Pet insurance can help manage unexpected medical expenses. On average, dog insurance costs about $749 per year, or $62 per month.

🕒 Time Commitment: Daily Care and Attention

Dogs require daily exercise, mental stimulation, training, and companionship. Every dog and every will be different, so having this in mind each day is key! Some days, it'll come easy for you, but other days you'll have to be very mindful of how you're prioritizing your dog's needs! For mental stimulation, can you work it in with a quick training session mid-walk? Or a puzzle feeder toy while you're at work? If you work long hours, consider the following:

Dog Walkers: Hiring a dog walker can cost $15–$30 per walk. Having a dog walker set up in advance is key to ensure your dog walker knows your pup, and has had time to understand their needs and access to your home.
Doggy Daycare: Dog daycare services range from $30-80 per day in the DMV region, depending on location and services offered.

🐾 Training and Behavior: Setting Up for Success

Training is crucial for a well-behaved dog and a responsible owner (that's you!). Many rescues, including Laila’s Legacy, require adopters to complete a certain number of training sessions post-adoption. This ensures that both the dog and owner are equipped with the tools for a successful relationship. In most cases, basic obedience classes or a few 1:1 sessions with a trainer is all that's needed to build a foundation. Then you can maintain that foundation in short 10-15 min. spurts each day!

P.S. Behavior care should be treated like medical care - if something negative starts to come up you should have a trainer ready to call, just like you'd call your vet. Keep your trainer's number handy, just in case!

🏡 Home Environment: Preparing Your Space

Ensure your living situation is suitable for a dog:

Pet-Friendly Housing: If you own your home, confirm that you don't have an HOA or state and county limitations such as breed, size, etc. before adopting. If you rent, confirm that your landlord allows pets and understand any associated fees or deposits.
Safe Environment: Dog-proof your home by securing trash cans, removing toxic plants, making sure cords are tucked away from curious chompers, and ensuring that hazardous items are out of reach.
Build their 'bedroom': Like humans, dogs needs a place that is just their to decompress, be safe when left alone, or to be when there's guests over or other safety risks! Laila's Legacy recommends a crate -- crates are not punishment, but a safe space or dogs to be when you're away or they need to decompress! Wherever your new dog will be, prepare the space with beds & blankets and have their bowls and toys all ready for them when they arrive.

🐾 Not Sure? Try Fostering First

If you're feeling unsure about what's shared above, try fostering! Fostering a dog allows you the responsibility and experience of owning a dog, with the support of a rescue behind you. Read more here about how it works but a few perks include:

Expenses Are Covered: Unlike when you own a dog of your own, the rescue incurs the cost of supplies, medical care, and behavioral support.
Less Commitment: While the hope is that you're able to foster until the dog is adopted, you're able to foster for as short as a weekend as a temp-foster or 2-3 weeks a longer term foster!

❤️ The Reward: A Lifelong Companion

Adopting a dog is a commitment that brings immense joy and fulfillment. By considering the financial implications, time commitment, and emotional investment, you're setting the stage for a harmonious and loving relationship with your new furry friend.

Ready to Adopt?

Explore our adoptable dogs at Laila’s Legacy Animal Rescue and find your perfect match. Our team is here to guide you through the adoption process and ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new companion.

👉 To view more about our adoption process and available dogs & cats, visit Laila’s Legacy Animal Rescue

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