 Loving and caring for a pet for the rest of his/her life is a big commitment. We strongly encourage you to take a few minutes and ask yourself the following questions. In the end, you'll be fully aware of your responsibility and can make an informed decision.
So, now the big question: are you prepared to open your home, and your heart, and care for your new canine family member for the rest of his/her life? We are not trying to dissuade anyone from bringing a dog or pet into their life. But if the previous guardians of most rescued dogs had asked themselves these questions upfront, it might have prevented many of them from being abandoned at shelters in the first place.
Why do you want a pet?
It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get an animal. Adopting a dog because it's 'the thing to do' or the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Sharing your home with a dog can be one of life's greatest joys. But, dogs require lots of time, affection, exercise, training and money. Furthermore, dogs are demanding beings; they have personalities, feel physical pain and have emotions like loneliness. They develop very strong bonds with their human keepers.
Are you and your family ready for that responsibility now?
If you have kids under six years old, you might want to consider waiting a few years before you adopt. Having a dog in the family requires children who are mature enough to appropriately interact with a dog, and be responsible (e.g., knowing that doors and gates cannot be left open). Also, if you're a student, in the military or travel frequently for business (or pleasure), you might want to wait until you are more settled and have more time to spend with your dog.
Do you have time for a pet?
Dogs (and especially puppies) cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require being fed and walked (exercised) on a regular schedule, lots of care and companionship every day of the year. Many dogs end up in a shelter because the guardians didn't realize how much time it took to properly care for their dog. Leaving a dog all day either confined or in a backyard is not the answer. Dogs that are emotionally neglected will show negative behavior.
Are you allowed to have a pet where you live?
Many rental communities don't allow pets, and those that do often have restrictions. Make sure you know if pets are allowed where you live and that you have written permission to have the pet you want (e.g., some places won't allows dogs over a certain weight or allow certain breeds). You should know what the restrictions are before bringing your new companion home. If you have roommates, talk it over, and make sure no one in the house is allergic to animals or doesn't welcome a new household member. You will be relying on roommates to be responsible too!
Are your living arrangements suitable for the pet you have in mind?
Choose a pet that will be comfortable in your surroundings. Adopting an energetic dog to share your small apartment may not be a good idea. Your dog will need enough room to move around and play. Giving him/her enough off-site exercise will require quite a bit of time and activity on your part.
Who will care for your pet while you're away?
If you sometimes travel places where you can't take your four-legged buddy with you, you'll need either reliable friends, neighbors and family members, or the money to pay for a good boarding facility or pet-sitting service.
Will you do what it takes to be responsible?
Spaying and neutering is the first step. Your DB's dog will already be spayed/neutered. However, there's more to being 'responsible' including: obeying community leash and license laws, keeping identification tags on your dog/pet at all times, being considerate of your neighbors, making sure your yard and home are "puppy proof."
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