It's always a joyous experience to welcome a new canine into your home, but there's more to it than you may think. When adopting a dog, it's crucial to take both your needs and the dog's needs seriously. This guide shows, in nine clear steps, how to adopt a dog.

• Aside from marriage, adopting a dog may be your only chance in life to choose a member of your family. The decision to bring a puppy or dog into your family and home is a forever one - and should be made only after careful though and consideration about your lifestyle and ability to provide for the pet's needs for its lifetime, which for dogs can be between 8-14 years. If you choose the right best friend—and welcome him or her into your home with real love and care—you'll be repaid in affection, many times over.

If you're frequently away from home, the result could be a spiritless canine. (Creative Commons photo by Simon Law)

• Before adopting, consider whether or not you have the time and money to provide healthy food, regular veterinary checkups and lots of love and attention.

1. Use the Motley Fool budget calculator to determine how much of your salary is already used for current expenses.
   • • $350 has been estimated as the average cost of medical expenses per year for a dog.
     • $25 is estimated as the minimum you're likely to spend per week on food for your dog.
2. Take inventory of your spare time.
   1. Write out your schedule on a piece of paper.
   2. Note how many hours per day are occupied by work or any other activity that keeps you away from home.
   3. Consider how frequently you travel, either for work or recreation.
      • Ask yourself if you're willing to give up some out-of-town travel, or if possible, take along a canine companion.
   4. When you're unable to be away from home for more than a few hours at a time, do you have a spouse, roommate or family member willing to dog-sit?

• There's certainly such a thing as love at first sight when choosing a new dog, but making a quick list of desired attributes won't detract from the romance of the experience. While breed type can predict certain traits - many dogs can have individual characteristics that do not fit into predictable breed profiles. Many adoptable dogs are mixed breeds, but just as often they are pure bred; so studying how to chose a dog breed will help you narrow your list of good potential pets.
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  Every dog is an individual: Chihuahuas are commonly thought of as hyperactive, but many are serene. (Creative Commons photo by Amy)
  • Loving: Most every dog's personality profile includes this attribute, but some will veritably attack you with their affection.
    • If you're very lonely, this sort of dog might just transform your outlook.
  • Outgoing: Some pups are particularly suited to dog parks and barbecues.
    • If you're a "people person," you may want a "people dog" as well.
  • Dog-friendly: Though dogs are pack animals, many do not get along with other dogs.
    • If you already have a dog, try to insure that the newcomer will be its pal, not its nemesis.
  • Introverted: Urbanites seeking a peaceful nest should consider a shy dog that huddles up with its human.
  • Intelligent: Who wouldn't value this attribute in a dog?
    • You never know when it could come in handy.
  • Easy Going: If you're a single parent with a full time job, a serene dog might help you to recharge, while a one that's rambunctious and needy could be a less than practical addition to your lifestyle.
  • Fiercely Loyal: If experience has caused you to distrust other people, consider a dog with a strong sense of attachment.
  • Quiet: Some dogs barely bark at all and only utter an expressive "chuff" now and then.
    • If you spend a lot of time reading or studying, a dog with a disinclination to bark and howl would be ideal.
  • Athletic: Runners, jumpers, and throwers would do well with a furry friend who's bursting with energy and has a long enough stride to keep up with you on jogs.
  • Playful: A lively pint-sized dog can add delight and excitement to your life, even if it's too small to join you on your ten mile run.
  • Scrappy: Certain humans get a real kick out of a strong-willed canine with spunk.
  • Docile: Certain other humans find obedience more rewarding.
    • Note that all or none of these attributes may be apparent on your first meeting; a fuller picture may be gleaned by speaking with a kennel keep, pet shop clerk or breeder who knows the individual dog better than you do.

A Toy-sized dog can be the ideal roommate for a small apartment. (Creative Commons photo by m anima)

• It's important to choose a dog that literally fits your lifestyle. If your roommate has an aggressive German Shepherd, you might hold off on that adorable Teacup dog. Likewise, you may love large dogs, but live in a tiny studio apartment.
  • Toy: Usually defined as a dog less than a foot tall at the shoulder. These can be as useful a room-saving device in small apartments as a flat-panel TV, but they're impractical for very active people, such as avid hikers. "Teacups" are very small Toys.
  • Small: Larger than a Toy, but less than 1.5 feet at the shoulders. These have similar size advantages as Toys, but can be heartier walking companions.
  • Medium: Around 2 feet at the shoulder. They're usually light enough to sit in your lap without crushing you, but large enough to accommodate an athletic, versatile lifestyle.
  • Large: Taller than 2 feet tall at the shoulder. These can be very effective working dogs or formidable companion dogs, but very large dogs typically have shorter than average life spans.

• While there do exist different sets of personality traits common to male and female dogs respectively, these should be taken—along with breed—with a grain of salt. In general, though:
  • Females are more reserved and territorial.
  • Non-neutered males are more aggressive.
  • If you already have a dog, it's somewhat more likely to get along with another dog of the opposite gender.

• Personality is as fluid between canine age ranges as it is between breeds, but there are as many potential advantages to adopting a 7 year old dog as a 7 month old one.
  • Puppies mature into adult dogs at 12 to 16 months--and before they do, are quite possibly the most adorable creatures in the universe. But keep in mind the extra responsibility of parenthood, including close supervision, house training and extra obedience training.
  • Adult dogs bear the advantage of being full grown and having outgrown puppy destructiveness and excessive energy. Many adoptable adult dogs were well loved, are housebroken and are generally well behaved but their families fell on hard times.
  • Elderly dogs, (8 years and beyond) It can be a remarkably gratifying experience to give an aging dog its final chance for comfort and happiness.

• The right dog could be waiting for you just about anywhere, but there are benefits and disadvantages—both personal and otherwise—to choosing one kind of adoption facility over another, particularly if you're concerned about the welfare of dogs in general.

• A dog rescue organization typically does not have a central facility, but rather is a network of animal lovers dedicated to rescuing dogs from the streets, or from euthanasia at a municipal shelter. The dogs are often fostered in private homes and advertised for adoption on the internet or in the newspaper.
  • Pro:
    • Thanks to their foster care, dogs are likely be habituated to the domestic environment.
    • Many rescue organizations are dedicated to a particular breed, so they can be a benign alternative to the worst breeders and pet shops.
    • By adopting and making a donation, you may be supporting the rescue of another needy dog.
  • Con:
    • Though most rescues are very humane, a network of individuals may not take the same responsibility (or have the resources to provide) for immunizations, medical records and overall health that a responsible and well-funded facility can provide.

AKC Breed Rescue groups exist nationwide. Individuals active in breed specialties offer assistance and help organize fostering and re-homing of many wonderful purebred (many registered by the AKC) dogs. Visit the AKC website to find the breed rescue group. www.akc.org

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  Kissing Jindos: purebreds account for a quarter of all dogs available for adoption in pounds and shelters. (Creative Commons photo by Joel Burslem)
• If your priority is a clear conscience, consider adopting from a "no-kill" shelter that doesn't euthanize except in cases of chronic or terminal illness.
  • Pro:
    • Because no-kill shelters keep animals for longer periods of time, the people who work at the shelter can often give you a very accurate description of their individual personalities.
    • Dogs in no-kill facilities are often cared for by bona fide canine lovers who can provide excellent tips, including veterinarian references.
    • You will pay a nominal amount compared to breeders and pet shops, and the money will likely go toward the rescue and care of other needy animals.
  • Con:
    • Some animal rights groups have criticized certain no-kill facilities as dismal "pet warehouses" and consider euthanasia to often be a better alternative than confinement.
    • Because these facilities have limited space, some do not accept animals deemed "unadoptable."

• If you want to save money and save a life, a municipal animal shelter may be the way to go. About 56% of dogs who enter shelters are euthanized. City-sponsored shelters and animal control facilities have to mop up the problem of dog overpopulation—and this means that millions of adoptable dogs meet their ends in shelters every year.
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  Give a shelter dog a loving home, and you'll get love in return. (Creative Commons photo by Erick Pleitez)
  • Pro:
    • If you adopt from a shelter that practices euthanasia, you will in-effect be saving a life.
    • Springing a dog from death row can be one of the most gratifying experiences of your life.
  • Con:
    • Your adoption fees may be supporting euthanasia policies that indiscriminately end the lives of adoptable animals.
    • Some animals are available for adoption for such a short period of time before their scheduled euthanasia that you could easily miss the window of opportunity.

• There are responsible breeders. But often the actions of pets shop owners and irresponsible breeders supplying dogs to them contribute to the rising number of homeless animals and also to the genetic health related issues facing many breeds. The worst breeders have been dubbed puppy mills because of a factory-like approach to breeding and disregard for the comfort and welfare of dogs. Some pet shops support these operations through their retail sales of purebred puppies.
  • Pro:
    • If breed is your primary concern, breeders may offer the purest selection of purebreds.
    • A breeder is likely to have more knowledge about their specialty breed than a worker or volunteer at a shelter, but many animal care facilities can refer you to excellent breed resources if they do not have an expert on staff.
  • Con:
    • By buying a purebred dog from a breeder or pet shop, you may be contributing to the suffering of dogs, directly or indirectly.
    • Purebreeds are readily available in animal shelters or through breed rescue groups as well. One in four dogs in shelters is a purebred.
• Note that some pet shops do sell dogs through partnership programs with local shelters—so that doggy in the window could be a rescue after all. Usually a representative from the shelter will be stationed near the dog if this is the case.

• Now that you've decided where to look and what to look for, it's time to visit the rescue group and find your new pal.

1. Find a facility:
   • Internet resources may be the most useful.
     • • SaveOurStrays.com provides a comprehensive list of no-kill shelters in the US.
       • Petfinder.com allows you to browse photos and profiles of available dogs. Results include both municipal and private shelters, no-kill and otherwise, as well as rescues.
       • If you're after a particular breed, before contacting a breeder, pet shop or shelter, try this list of dog rescues nationwide, alphabetized by breed.
   • The Yellow Pages have listings of local facilities, but won't necessarily provide much info on the facilities themselves.
     • • Yellow Pages.com
       • Yellowbook.com
       • Superpages.com
       • AOL Yellow Pages
2. Make an inquiry:
   • • Call and ask the following questions:
       • Do you have a dog like this? If you want a specific size, breed or temperament, ask if the facility has any dogs that fit the description.
       • What is your euthanasia policy? If you want to support a no-kill shelter, make sure they only euthanize animals that are suffering.
       • What is your adoption fee? These can vary dramatically. Make sure you can afford it.
       • Does the fee include tests, shots and spay/neuter? Some shelters, rescues and pet shops will include these services in the adoption fee.
3. Visit each location (more than once if possible):
   • Bring a list of the personality traits and other attributes you'd prefer, but be prepared that you may want to toss it out if you fall in love.

• When adopting a dog, you are choosing a best friend who may be with you well into the next decade of your life. Take this decision very seriously. Once you've arrived at the adoption facility, meet as many dogs as you can before you make a decision.
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  Feeling loved: Signs of a "connection" between you and a particular dog are sometimes none too subtle. (Creative Commons photo by bastique)

1. Is there a connection?
   • Do you find the dog to be endearing, both physically (cute and snuggly, for example) and in terms of personality?
   • Does the dog respond to you? Is he/she relaxed in your presence and willing to accept affectionate caresses? Does the dog appear excited and playful? These can all be signs that you have been picked out for adoption.
2. Does the dog fit your lifestyle?
   • Review the criteria in steps 2 and 3 and to determine if it is practical—and in the best interest of the dog—for you to take it home.
     • If the connection is so strong that you are willing to make some changes in your own life (moving into a larger apartment, for instance), just make sure those changes are possible to make on short-order.
3. Is the dog compatible with other members of your household?
   • Especially consider small children and other dogs.
   • If there are members of the household who might have some objection (one that can't be washed away with a few doggie kisses, that is) call them and arrange for them come to the facility and meet the dog, as soon as possible.
4. Is the dog obedient?
   • All dogs are trainable, but if you value obedience highly, test if the dog will sit when told and whether or not it responds to its name.
     • Keep in mind that many shelter dogs may not be too familiar with their "name."
5. Is the dog available?
   • Many states require a certain impound period before a dog can be put up for adoption. Some shelters will have dogs on display before this has elapsed.

• Some states require shelters to spay or neuter a dog before taking it home, while others don't. What's important to know is that "fixing" your new dog benefits you, the dog and dogs in general. Why?
• Benefits to you:
  • Females in heat may attract uninvited, disease-carrying males onto your property.
  • Non-neutered males are more aggressive and may injure a neighborhood child or pet.
  • Without the procedure, there is a higher likelihood that your dog will run away and leave you heartbroken.
• Benefits to the dog:
  • If your dog runs off looking for a mate, there is a strong possibility that he or she will end up either dead, or suffering on the streets.
  • Without the procedure, your dog will be many more times susceptible to certain cancers.
  • Spayed and neutered dogs live longer than those which aren't.
• Benefits to dogs in general:
  • Three to four million dogs and cats are euthanized in animal shelters every year. If you don't spay or neuter, you may be contributing to that number, as well as to the hundreds of thousands of homeless dogs suffering every day.

Chocolate is a potentially deadly poison to dogs. (Creative Commons photo by Martin L)

• Just as you'd baby-proof your home if you were expecting a child, you should make safety improvements before your new dog moves in. Depending on the facility you're adopting from, there may be little or no grace period before the homecoming, so make the changes as soon as possible.
  • Cleaning solutions: Household solvents and disinfectants can be toxic to your dog if swallowed. Place them in a secured cabinet.
  • Human medications: Substances therapeutic to us, including aspirin, cold medicines, pain killers and vitamins can be toxic to dogs. Keep them secure and hidden.
  • Chocolate: Unless you're trying to lose weight, you probably don't think of chocolate as a hazard, but it's potentially lethal to dogs! Move all chocolate, especially dark baking chocolate, into the fridge.
  • Waste baskets: Get ones with lids if you don't want your dog eating trash.
  • Plants: Review About.com's list of plants that are poisonous to dogs and make sure none are on your property.
  • Bacteria: Standing water in plant pots or toilet water can cause bacterial infection if your dog slurps it up. Keep plants lightly watered and toilet seat covers shut.
  • Choking hazards: Anything small and sharp, from crushed soda cans to parts of kids' toys, should be thrown out or stashed safely away in drawers.

Before you bring your new puppy or dog home you need to have certain items and supplies ready. Other items are nice to have as well.

"Must Haves"

• Dog Collar: The kind of collar you chose is up to you but the most important thing is a proper fit. A good rule 'of thumb' is to be able to fit two fingers under the collar when it is fitted properly on your dog - this way it won't slip off his head but also will not be too tight. Many collars are adjustable but only within certain limits (10"-14").

Collars can be leather or made of synthetic webbing, cotton or even hemp. Buckles are metal or plastic composites. Martingale collars have a 'limited slip' function which allows for some tightening around the dog's neck but only to a point - these collars are typically worn by sight hounds or breeds with heads that are smaller than their necks where normal collars easily slide off. Please note that a check chain or choke collar is a corrective training tool for use only during training sessions (and with proper training techniques) and should not be an every day collar for any dog. These collars are not designed as 'every day' collars.

• Leash: Buy two strong, high quality leashes, a 6 foot and a 4 foot. That way you'll have different lengths to experiment with and will have one on-hand if the other is damaged.

• Food and Water Bowls: Stainless steel bowls resist bacteria. Get two: one for food and one for water.

• Dog Food: If you feed your dog a high-quality protein diet, it will absorb more nutrients, be happier, healthier and have a shinier coat.

• Dog Crate or Pet Gate: Consider purchasing a crate or kennel (and or pet gates) to create a safe place for your dog to be when you cannot supervise them. In addition crate training your new puppy or dog helps to increase the rate of success in housebreaking. The crate becomes your dog's den where they will go for peace - they will keep this place clean and will not soil it - therefore you can use this instinct to your advantage to teach the pup to 'go' outside in the yard or on walks. Remember - for young pups especially - to provide lots of breaks from the crate to eliminate and for socialization.

Nice to Haves:

• Dog Treats: Those big, imploring eyes will have you doling out treats at every turn, but beware of junk food. ***Only Natural Pet ships a wide variety of healthy treats. For resources on making morsels in your own kitchen, see Homemade Dog Food Recipes.

• Pet Toys: There's nearly as wide an array of toys for dogs as there is for kids, but to start, get one soft plush squeaky toy and one rubber toy. To avoid choking hazards, do not use kids' toys or any toy that seems to have parts that may break off.

• Pet Apparel: If it's winter and you live in a cold climate, consider a warm, functional dog coat.

• Dog Bed: To provide your pal another dozing option beside your own bed, buy or make a cozy dog bed.

• The right dog can fulfill parts of your life that you never knew were empty. If you adopt with real care and compassion, you may gain as much from the experience as the dog does.