According to the ASPCA and the National Shelter Animal Database, approximately 6.5 million pets enter shelters in the United States every year. There are a variety of reasons, such as stray and rescued animals, but there’s no ignoring that a significant number of these are owner surrenders. In a 2018 study conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (originally published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, and later in an article I found on the Associated Press) the top reasons that people surrendered their pets to shelters were as follows: moving, landlord not allowing pet, too many animals in household, cost of pet maintenance, personal problems, inadequate facilities, having no time for pet, pet illnesses, and behavioral problems.
At the time I’m writing this, it’s the holiday season and many people all over the country are going to try to give a dog as a gift this year. Let me just cut to the chase and say this is a bad idea, no matter the time of year. As romantic as it sounds to wake up one day to a puppy under the Christmas tree, or how great of a story it would be that you surprised a loved one with a fluffy bundle of joy, getting a pet is not something to be considered lightly or acted on impulse. Like any other big life decision, this is one that requires serious, logical thought from the entire family.
Trust me, I have been there. For years and years, I wanted my own dog. I couldn’t even count on both hands the number of times I was seconds away from just saying “screw it” and getting a dog. I’ve had dogs growing up; I can handle it, right? I love dogs so much, I am obviously the perfect candidate, I would think. But then, I’d have to snap myself out of it and come to terms with the fact that I was NOT ready. Financially, I was either a student or fresh out of college with zero money. I was hopping around to a new living situation every six months. All of my jobs were time consuming, and sometimes I was juggling more than one. There were so many reasons and clear signs that I wasn’t ready to adopt a dog, as much as I hated the fact. It is humbling and super disappointing to think of these things, but it has to be done.
Before you get a dog, sit yourself and all of your household down and make a list of the pros and cons of getting a dog in your current situation. Below is a list that covers topics on the table before you bring home the cutest commitment of your life:
