They don’t call them man’s best friend for nothing! Because of their companionship, affection, and loads of fun, dogs make great pets for families of every size. Whether you’re considering bringing a puppy or an adult into your home, getting a dog is a big commitment that requires a lot of preparation. Done right, the choice to add Fido to your family will bring everyone lots of joy. Read on for some advice and tips from your friends at Boulder’s Natural Animal.

Consider the Commitment
Dogs make great friends and can be very entertaining, but they are also living beings that require much time and attention. Dogs need to be fed, walked, groomed, and played with on a daily basis. They cannot be left alone for extended periods of time and so might require daycare and restrict your ability to travel. Puppies especially require a substantial amount of time and energy in the beginning because they are naturally curious and will need to be trained; for this reason some folks may elect to adopt older dogs. We recommend that you consider your current lifestyle and the ways in which it will change if you bring a dog into your home. If you’re ready for those changes and have the time to offer an animal, you may be well-suited to become a dog owner.

Pets = Money
The money that you pay to purchase your new dog is just the beginning of your financial commitment. You may want to create a monthly budget that covers food, grooming, daycare, veterinary, and pet insurance costs. While most dogs will not visit the vet that often, it is wise to save up on a consistent basis for the planned and unplanned care that your pet will require. Also keep in mind that your financial situation can help to determine what breed of dog will be most compatible with your financial capabilities as a pet parent; for instance, smaller dogs require less food.

Where to Purchase your Pup
There are a multitude of different places to get a dog, with prices ranging from free to thousands of dollars. Whether you’re thinking of purchasing a purebred pup from a professional breeder or adopting from a rescue organization, do some homework to ensure that the company you choose is on the up and up. Avoid ‘puppy mills’ (organizations that breed large volumes of dogs for the sake of profit over safe conditions) at all costs. If you’re not getting a dog for the purpose of showing it, we recommend you skip costly breeders and adopt a pup from a shelter or rescue program. These dogs almost always grow up to be just as happy and healthy as their pedigree counterparts but may also be given a second chance a life through your generosity. We highly recommend the Humane Society of Boulder Valley and the Mountain Dog Mission (one of our BNA Paw Partners).

Get a Healthy Start
We suggest that you never adopt or buy a dog or puppy without seeing him or her in person first. It is best to travel to the location of the animal so that you can observe the conditions that he or she is currently living in. A dog’s surroundings can have a large impact on their social and physical health and the last thing you want to experience at this happy time is the heartbreak of an unhealthy new furry family member. Do a visual inspection of the dog’s health and, if possible, ask the seller whether or not you can bring the dog to your veterinarian for a more in-depth checkup. Dogs are often kept with other dogs or animals when they are waiting to be adopted or sold, so meeting in person might allow you the chance to observe your potential pet’s social behaviors; this is especially important if you have other pets or small children in your home.

Be Patient
Patience is important while you’re preparing for and selecting a dog to bring into your family. Allow yourself enough time to make a selection that represents the best fit for you and the dog’s needs. Also, make sure that your house is ready to receive it’s new furry inhabitant; consider all measures of safety  and comfort for you and your new dog. It is also important to have patience once you have brought your new pet home. Even older dogs will need time to adapt to their new surroundings. Training can be a time-consuming and repetitive process, but every last second you spend doing it will be totally worth it.

If you’ve read through this post and feel that you’ve already considered each pointer: congratulations- you’re that much closer to being the best pet parent on the planet! On the other hand, if you know you’ve got a few more things to consider and a couple kinks to work out in your plan, be proud of yourself for doing your homework. We hope that when the time comes, your experience getting a new dog is a positive one and that it leads to a lifetime of joy with a new and unconditionally loving best friend.