October Is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month: What To Consider Before Bringing A Pet Home

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and you or your family may be thinking about adding a pet to the mix. Veterinarian Dr. Rebekah Hartfield spoke with Dave Davis about some things to consider before adopting a dog.

Dave: Let's talk about adopting from a shelter versus a breeder. What are the differences?

Dr. Hartfield: I have a great opportunity in Holdenville to work with the Holdenville Animal Lovers Association, also known as HALO. They partner directly with our local shelter and bring dogs to me for vaccinations, spaying, and neutering before adoption. That's a big benefit for potential pet owners since all those things are already taken care of. I always recommend, whether you adopt or buy a dog, that you take it to a vet to get established.

Shelter volunteers also spend a lot of time with the dogs and know their behaviors well, like whether they’re good with kids or other dogs. If you buy from a breeder, make sure it's a reputable one. You can ask your vet about that. You might get a younger dog, around eight weeks, but you still need to ensure they've had their vaccines and continue with their care.

Dave: What can people expect to pay?

Dr. Hartfield: The price varies. Some shelters charge $25 to $50, while others could go up to $500. HALO, for instance, operates mainly through donations and volunteers, so adoption fees are lower. But some places may include vaccination or spaying costs in the fee.

Dave: Let’s go over some questions people should ask themselves before adopting. What is my lifestyle like right now, and what are my expectations?

Dr. Hartfield: This is huge. If you're busy, like me, or have kids, you need to think about whether you have time for a puppy, which needs to be taken out every few hours. For older dogs, do you have a yard, or will you need to walk them regularly? Dogs are a big time commitment, and they need attention.

Dave: Who will be responsible for the dog and the time commitment?

Dr. Hartfield: Many people want their kids to take on the responsibility of a dog, but if they're involved in lots of activities, they may not have time to care for it. If they can't, who will step up to take care of the dog?

Dave: Am I in a place to financially care for a pet on a routine basis? This includes vet bills.

Dr. Hartfield: This is really important. On average, a dog can cost $40 to $100 a month for food and preventative care. They need to be on heartworm, flea, and tick prevention, especially in Oklahoma. You also need to be prepared for emergencies, as vet bills can range from $100 to several thousand dollars. Pet insurance can be helpful in those situations.

Dave: Can you explain the rule of threes?

Dr. Hartfield: The rule of threes is a shelter term. In the first three days, the dog might have anxiety and hide. After three weeks, they start to get acclimated, and you may see some behavioral issues. By three months, they should be feeling comfortable and settled into your home.

Dave: Great advice, as always. You can reach her at DoctorHartfield.com.