Thinking About Adopting a Dog in Quarantine?

Aug 26

Aug 26 Thinking About Adopting a Dog in Quarantine?

Meet Koa, Enzo and Freddie, the stars of this post! Koa is my friend Juliana’s sweet husky, (featured above) who at five months old is the best hiker I’ve met. Enzo is my friend Skylar’s three month old lab mix with the most lovable face. Freddie is my mom’s spunky miniature dachshund with his very own ramp to take naps on the couch. These adorable dogs gave me the inspiration to write this blog.

Dogs are amazing lifelong friends, but adopting a pup is an important decision. I grew up with dachshunds and recognize the time, patience and hard work it takes to raise a dog. And to be honest, my mom did most of the heavy lifting with our family pets. I felt lucky to have our pets’ unconditional love and cuteness, but there is a lot to think about before diving into pet ownership.

“While dogs are the perfect companions, adopting a dog is a huge decision. Here is what you need to consider before bringing home your pup…”

Three Big Things To Consider Before Adopting:

Finances: The first major thing to consider before adopting a dog (or any pet) is the cost. Adopting a dog averages about $500. This may cover spaying/neutering the dog, which can cost an additional $300. Purchasing a breeder dog can cost $1000 or more. Shots average $350 yearly. Dogs, like humans, can pick up illnesses and vet visits are expensive. This is all before the fun stuff like toys, beds, a crate, car seat, and food, which can average $50+ a month.

Time & Energy: Getting a puppy requires a lot of attention. Potty training, leash training, crate training, and other behavioral training can take hours a day. Freddie whined at night until he settled into his new home. Cleaning up after countless indoor accidents takes a lot of patience. Every dog breed is different and may require varying levels of attention. For example, Koa is great on a leash even from a young puppy age.

Lifestyle & Space: The size of your home, the dog’s weight, and your lifestyle are all critical to consider when adopting a dog. Homebodies with flexible work hours may be more inclined to adopting a dog rather than avid travelers. Even so, Freddie easily fits into a carrier and travels everywhere with his mom. Bigger dogs often need lots of exercise, so having a backyard, nearby park, or even a more active lifestyle could be ideal. Enzo loves playing in his mom’s backyard and loves being outdoors.

(Check out these cute photos of Freddie!)

Benefits of Adopting NOW, During The Pandemic

If you were planning on adopting a dog pre-pandemic, now may be the best time to do it! With increased work from home flexibility, there is more time to potty train, crate train, and bond with the new puppy. Since most of us are home during the pandemic, there may be more family and friends who are willing to puppy-sit as well.

Quarantine can be lonely and isolating, and the excitement of a new family member may be just what you need. Dogs are unconditionally loving and adorable. Having a pup will add structure to your daily routine and caring for the dog may help you get out of the quarantine rut.

How cute are Juliana and Koa?! Taking a little break post hike :)

Downsides of Adopting During The Pandemic

Separation anxiety can be a real issue for many pets during quarantine. Adopting a dog during the pandemic means that they will spend the majority of their time with you. As a result, separation may be even harder. Many of my friends who have adopted dogs during this time have experienced panic from their pets when they are left alone or with other family. They whine, bark, and are very anxious.

While we are all stuck at home, it’s important that the dog learns to be alone. This could mean building up time out of the house so the dog can adjust to being by themselves, or just scheduling more crate time for the pup.

Another consideration is the cost of post-quarantine pet ownership. Many of us will return to work, classes or other out of the home obligations. This means budgeting for a dog walker or day care, which can become expensive.

(Check out these photos of Enzo getting his first Starbucks puppuccino!)

Why I Chose Not to Adopt During Quarantine

I highly considered adopting a dog during quarantine. Working from home has allowed me greater flexibility with my schedule. However, I don’t have the energy or lifestyle to currently support a dog. Growing up with dachshunds, I remember the countless times I complained about walking my childhood pets and I’m not ready for the full time responsibility. I often travel cross country to visit my family and would not want to put that strain on a dog.

I’m so excited for the day I feel ready and prepared to get a dog. I love pups and enjoy spending time with other people’s dogs, but now is not the right time for me to adopt.

Thank you!

A big thank you to Juliana & Koa, Skylar & Enzo, and my mom & Freddie for all their help with this post. Their puppies are adorable and they were so helpful with answering all of my questions. Koa, Enzo, and Freddie are the sweetest, most lovable dogs and they are so lucky to found wonderful homes.