Six Not-So-Scary Things About Dog Adoption

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There’s plenty to be scared of in October, whether it’s the fun-scary Halloween preparations of watching scary movies and picking out costumes, or the not-so-fun scary reality of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and how many people seem too scared to give a dog in need a home.

The good news is that some things people may think are scary about adopting a dog aren’t anything to fear at all. Here we break down some of the top things that scare potential pet parents — and how to navigate those concerns so that you might consider the joy and companionship of welcoming a new family member into your home.

1. The upfront cost

There’s no way around it: adopting a dog will cost money. First, when you adopt from a shelter or rescue organization, you’ll usually be charged an adoption fee that covers the costs spent on rescuing and taking care of that pet and helps the shelter or rescue continue doing their lifesaving work. You’ll also want to get them to the vet for a checkup and to make sure they’re up to date on their vaccines. You’ll also want to stock up on monthly heartworm and flea and tick preventatives.

These upfront costs may seem scary, but pet parents who research these costs ahead of time and budget for them should find them manageable. Many pet parents also purchase pet insurance, which will cover part of a pet’s medical bills and, as a baseline, usually covers accidents, emergencies, and illnesses.

2. The ongoing cost

Of course, there are also the long-term costs of keeping your dog well-fed, comfortable, and stimulated. Once you bring your new dog home there might seem to be a never-ending list of costs associated with having a dog such as food, grooming, doggie daycare, professional training, and boarding your dog or paying a dog sitter when you’re out of town.

There are many hacks for all of these costs, though, including making your own dog food, providing free enrichment for your dog, and training your dog yourself.

3. The commitment 

Welcoming a dog into your home means taking care of and loving them for the rest of their life — and that’s no small commitment. Even on a daily basis, your new family member will require your time and care, including daily walks and playtime. That may seem intimidating, but that time commitment doesn’t just benefit your pet — it also benefits you.

Plenty of research shows that committing to a pet benefits human health, both physical and mental. Studies also show that pets benefit childhood development, so if you have children, committing to a pet also means committing to your child’s wellbeing.

4. The unknown illnesses

Even though shelter dogs are considered generally healthy they can experience various health issues throughout their lives, from allergies and minor illnesses to more serious conditions. Vet bills can quickly add up, which can be very scary for pet parents, as can the stress and emotional distress of caring for and worrying about your sick pet.

There are a number of ways pet parents can do everything in their power to keep their pets healthy and prevent these outcomes, however. Regular veterinary check-ups and other preventative care measures, such as dental cleanings and heartworm and flea and tick preventatives, are crucial to staving off illness. Keeping your dog well-exercised, well-fed, and enriched can go a long way toward keeping them healthy, too. Pet insurance can be very helpful, especially when it comes to major health issues, and there are other organizations and options out there for pet parents struggling to cover their pets’ vet costs.

5. The troubles of training 

Training your dog can seem daunting, especially if you adopt a dog who has come from a traumatic past or is otherwise struggling with behavior issues. But from basic obedience to more serious behavioral issues such as separation anxiety, training any dog is absolutely possible, and some argue that training your dog can even make us better people.

If training your dog feels too scary to accomplish on your own, there are plenty of resources out there for help. For example, you can enroll your dog in a training class or private session taught by training professionals who are well-equipped to help your dog succeed.

6. The household disruption 

For those who already have pets and/or children at home, the idea of welcoming a new dog into the fold can be stressful and worrisome. But introducing a new dog to your other dogs and cats or to children doesn’t have to be scary as long as you follow experts’ advice, which involves making those introductions slowly and gradually.

Adopting a dog is ultimately a wonderful, fulfilling experience, and while it may seem intimidating to some, with the right preparation, there’s no reason for it to be scary. Of course, welcoming a dog into your life is a long-term commitment that will involve financial costs, but pet parents find that the rewards of the companionship and unconditional love their dogs bring into their life far outweighs their initial anxieties or struggles along the way.

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