When you adopt a dog you have the wonderful assurance inside of yourself that you did a good deed, at the same time you satisfied your yearning for your own dog. You may feel you are ready to take in a new pet, but it is always helpful not to go into this blindly.

Here are some pointers to help you choose the dog that will be your true soul mate when you go to an animal shelter:

1. Bring your entire family with you to the animal shelter. Everyone who will play a role in your new pet’s life has got to be part of choosing the right pet. This will also be a chance for you to make sure that the pet you choose will interact well with everyone who is important to you.
2. At the shelter, speak to a staff member or a volunteer. Tell them what’s important to you in a dog. They know the animals well and can help you to choose the pooch that is right for you, or narrow your search down to a few dogs among which you can make your choice.
3. Remember that their behavior at the shelter may be different from how they would behave in your home. When you arrive at the shelter, it’s going to be quite noisy. This is because the dogs will be super excited. Remember, they only get out for a small amount of time every day for roaming around the grounds freely. Keep in mind that how each dog behaves in the shelter isn’t necessarily how they’re going to behave when you get them home. They might not bark all the time in their own home. In some cases they may be less timid than they were in the shelter, too.
4. Keep three things in mind when adopting a dog.

A. Temperament. Every member of the family should be able to pick up the dog, put their fingers in their mouth, and touch their private spots. If the dog is comfortable as each family member does that, it is a good sign. It means that the dog is not scared.

B. Energy level. Different dogs have different energies. If you are a very sporty person who jogs or goes to the gym, Jack Russells are good dogs for you because they can match your energy level. However if your life is more relaxing, if you like reading and having a glass of wine, then you would work well with a couch potato dog like a shih tzu or maltese.

C. Lifestyle. You wouldn’t put a Rottweiler or a Great Dane in an apartment where you don’t even have a balcony. These types of dogs need a large acreage property. You have to match your dog with where you’re living, how you’re living, and the hours that the dog is left unattended.

5. Bring your pets to the shelter. If you have other pets, bring them to the shelter, too. They are also a part of your family and you want them all to get along.
6. Check their medical record. Is your dog of choice fully vaccinated? Has it been spayed or neutered? If the dog of your choice is not desexed, you may want to make that your priority.
7. Make sure your house is doggie friendly. Check to see if you left any rat poisoning lying around, or other things that could potentially endanger your dog.
8. Have the basics ready. A bowl, food, collar and leash.

Remember that when you bring home a pet, that is a lifetime commitment. Make sure that you have taken time to choose your pet, and be sure that they are right for everyone—you, your family and neighbors.

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