Questions to Ask Yourself

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Owning a dog is a commitment. There would be fewer animals looking for homes if more people did research into which type of dog fits best with their family, lifestyle & personality. Please take the time to ask yourself these questions before bringing a dog into your family- 
it will make it a better experience for all of you.

What type of residence do you live in? House_____ Apartment____Condo_____

Do you own or rent? If you rent, does your landlord address pets in your rental agreement? 

Do you have a fenced yard? Yes___ No___

If you don't have a fenced yard, how will you keep the dog on your property?

Where will the pet be kept? Indoors ___ Outdoors____ Both____

If the dog is kept outdoors, do you plan to make time each day to train and play 
with him/her to ensure proper socialization? 

How many hours will the pet be alone each day? Where will the pet spend this time? 

Have you evaluated the time commitment involved with owning, training, grooming 
and exercising a pet? 

Which of the following best describes your reason for wanting a dog? 
Companion/ Pet / Guard Dog / Hunting / Search & Rescue / Obedience / Other

Have you researched various groups (Sporting, Terriers, Non-Sporting, Hound, Toy, 
Working & Herding) and breeds to decide what type of dog will fit in with your family, lifestyle & personality? Even if you don't want a purebred, the dog's group & breed origins provide information as to its temperament. How to Choose the Right Dog

Where will you get your dog? Will you go to a shelter (for links to local shelters), look for a breeder ( Hallmarks of a Responsible Breeder) or save a purebred through a rescue organization (Breed Rescue information)

Do all members of your household want this pet? Yes_____ No____

Which household members will be responsible for feeding, exercising, training, grooming and playing with the dog?

Do any member of your household have allergies? Yes____ No____

Will you spay or neuter your pet? Click here for information on spaying and neutering

What will you do if your pet becomes ill and needs expensive veterinary care?

What steps would you take to find your pet should it become lost? (Please put a tag on your dog's collar with your contact information. Even if your pet is "always" in the house or yard or on leash, things do happen and a tag makes it much easier for your pet to find his/her way home. Microchips and tattoos are also good identification tools.)

What will you do with the pet if you move? 

Owning a dog is a commitment. 
Click here to read The Dog Owner's Responsibility Code

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Remember to carry bags and clean up after your dog!