Things you should think about before you adopt a dog.

When considering a pet, there is a lot to think about. It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute little sad eyed puppy and next thing you know you are shopping for dog food! However, adopting a pet is a HUGE decision. It is a big responsibility and pups grow up. They require a lot of time and attention. In many ways just like a baby so owning a dog can be very rewarding as there are a lot of pros, but you need to really think it through before committing.

Why do you really want a dog? Adopting a pet just because you can, can be a mistake. Dogs are with you for a long time fortunately. They have up to a 15 or more life span, so you will need to remember that. So in your 60's are you going to be able to keep up? I am not saying that is old by any means but what condition are you in? If you are not a person who runs jumps plays or who is active, and your dog is, you could be in trouble.

Can you afford a pet? The costs of dog ownership can be quite high. Toys, grooming, vet care, think about it.

Do you have time for a pet? Your dog cannot be ignored if you are tired or feeling sick. They still need to be fed and walked. They require the basic needs just as any of us do. They did not choose you, you chose them and it is up to you to step up to the commitment and responsibility. Many animals in the rescue centres are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.

Can you have a dog where you live? Make sure you know what they are before you bring an animal to your home.

Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Think about the dogs size and home.. Do you have a garden? Is your flat too small for a dog? For example, you would never get a Rottweiler for a studio flat would you? Some small dogs such as terriers are very active—they require a great deal of exercise to be calm. They bark a lot too. Make sure that if you get a dog like that, you do not have any close neighbours around. Do some research? That way, you'll ensure you choose an animal that will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.

Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on holiday? If not, you had best reconsider if you are someone who likes to go away all the time. Or find places to take your pet, it's few but there are some.

Will you be a responsible pet owner? You will need to abide by a few laws. These require that every dog, while in a public place, wears a collar with the name and address of his owner inscribed on it or on a disc attached to it. If a collar is not worn when out in a public place, the dog may be seized by the police and treated as a stray. Also the owner, and any person in charge of the dog permitting him to be in a public place without a collar, will each be guilty of an offence and may be prosecuted and fined.

If your dog does stray, you should immediately contact your local dog warden (through the Environmental Health Department at your local council) and the local police station. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows for your dog to be seized and sold or destroyed if unclaimed after a seven day period, and picking up their poop after them.

It is strongly advised that you get them microchipped, because sadly, dogs are often destroyed because their owners cannot be found and the dog cannot be found a home. If a dog is microchipped with his own unique identification number registered on a national database, owners can be traced very quickly and the dog can be returned safe and sound.