A dog may be a girl’s best friend, but just like discovering your BFF in 7th grade, choosing the right pooch for you can be tricky.

Making the decision to adopt a dog should be a researched choice. Michael O’Sullivan, Chairman and CEO of the Humane Society of Canada gave us his valuable advice to help make the ideal selection.

Lifestyle
Your lifestyle can determine the type of dog you choose. Active and sporty types match well with a larger dog that needs plenty of exercise. Smaller pets are perfect when space is limited, and if your job requires you to travel often, the timing may not be right to adopt.

Dedication
Dogs are very social animals that require love, patience, and energy. You should be able to devote 1.5 to 2 hours of together time everyday during their (up to) 15-year lifespan. Young pups are cute and cuddly but may take one year to fully train. Untrained adult dogs can pose a risk if they pull and slip out of your grip during a walk, potentially dangerous for yourself, your dog, or another person.

Family Members
Choosing to adopt a pet must be a group decision. If you live with children or an elderly person, look for a smaller, well-trained dog that needs less attention. Having a dog is not recommended for families with children under 5 years of age. Young children are curious and would pull a dog’s tail without thinking, causing injury to the dog and possibly, themselves.  Importantly, you should never purchase a dog as a gift for your family because they may not be prepared for the responsibility.

Costs
The purchase price of purebred dogs can range from $500 and up, while crossbreed dogs usually start around $100.  Medical costs include vaccinations, treatment of disease or disability, and sterilization -  important for population control and to curb the spread of pet STDs. The operation is usually done before the animal reaches sexual maturity. Veterinary costs can range considerably, so consult a local veterinarian for rates. Check with your local SPCA or Humane Society office for low-cost spay/neuter clinics available in many major cities.

General care costs can come to $1500/year including food, grooming, toys, licenses, and other supplies. Consider also microchip identification or tags to make finding a lost pet easier.

Laws and Regulations
Dog laws and regulations vary cross country, so check your state or province's rules for specific breeds (eg. pit bulls). Special considerations that come at additional cost or inconvenience could influence your final decision.

Where to buy your dog
The ideal place to find your new best friend is at an animal shelter or rescue group because you are providing an animal in need a loving home. Many such organizations vaccinate and sterilize their animals before they can be adopted, saving you money at the same time. If you choose to get your pet from a breeder or pet shop, take note of the animal’s living area. A cramped and dirty space with a unpleasant odour can be an indicator of animal mistreatment.

Sharing your life with a dog can be a wonderful experience. You will build many memories and gain a loyal companion along the way.  For more information visit your local Humane Society or SPCA.

Humane Society of Canada, (800) 641-KIND
SPCA International

by Jacqueline To