Adopting a Dog: Is a New Puppy or Adult Dog Better for You?
No doubt about it, adopting a dog is a life-changing decision. And with animal shelters across the country filled to capacity, it can be a life-saving decision, too.
However, finding the perfect pooch to welcome into your home requires a lot of careful consideration. One common question potential pet parents typically face first is whether to adopt a puppy or an adult dog.
While both are excellent choices, there are important factors to consider about each before making this life-long commitment. The best choice for you will depend on your lifestyle, family situation, personal preferences, and more.
Want to know more about how to navigate this decision? Our article has you covered.
Adopting a Dog or Puppy: Where to Begin
Deciding whether a rambunctious puppy or a fully grown canine is the perfect fit for you starts with research — and lots of it.
Before you even peep at potential adoptees, research different dog breeds, their characteristics, grooming needs, and exercise requirements. The goal here is to start identifying what qualities you do (and don’t) want in a dog or pup.
Don’t forget to explore things like how fast they grow, adult size, average life span, and potential health issues. These factors could come into play when deciding between a puppy or an adult dog.
Once you have a sense of what type of dog might fit you best, local animal shelters and rescues are great places to start your search.
These organizations provide care, medical attention, and socialization for stray, abandoned, and unwanted animals. Adopting dogs from a shelter or puppy rescue doesn’t just improve the life of a deserving pet. You’re also supporting those who protect animals in need.
Should I Get a Dog or Puppy?
If you can’t decide whether to adopt an adult dog or a puppy, here’s what experts say potential pet parents should consider.
Your Schedule
Take a good look at your schedule when deciding between a puppy or adult dog, says Bradley Phifer, Executive Director of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
“Do you have the time to commit to meeting the dog’s individual needs?” he asks. That includes daily exercise and training needs, which often vary depending on a dog’s breed and age.
A new puppy usually requires more time and resources than an adult dog, says Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society.
“There’s potty training, leash training, socializing, and many more factors to consider,” she says. “These are necessary to set up a puppy for success in becoming an adult.”
Because adult dogs have already lived in homes, they can more easily adjust to family life, says Castle. “Many are potty-trained and just require a quick refresher course at their new residence.”
Your Household
According to Dr. Steven Hansen, DVM, president and CEO of the Arizona Humane Society, it’s also important to weigh the needs and contributions of your entire household.
Welcoming a new dog into the home often requires everyone to pitch in and help. House training a dog is usually a team effort. You may need everyone to share dog walking responsibilities to help a new puppy avoid accidents. Or you may just need consensus on house rules, such as whether or not a dog is allowed up on the couch.
The impact of the change can be widespread, too. A new puppy may keep everyone up at night if they’re having a hard time adjusting to a crate.
Consider your home environment, Hasen urges. That includes “whether you have resident pets, the needs of any family members (including furry family members), lifestyle and activity levels,” he says.
Your Budget
The joy a dog can bring to your life is priceless. However, caring for your adopted pup or adult dog will cost you. So it’s important to factor the cost of caring for a puppy or adult dog into your decision.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog vs puppy?
Adopting a dog generally ranges between $50 and $750. Much of this depends on the shelter’s location, current demand for a specific breed, and whether a dog has special needs.
A dog’s age also plays a factor. Because puppies are typically in higher demand, shelters charge more for them.
The following is a composite of what it costs to adopt a shelter dog. These fees often include health essentials like a physical examination, behavioral evaluation, microchipping, vaccinations, and spay or neuter surgery.
- Cost of adopting a senior dog: $125 to $200
- Cost of adopting an adult dog: $225
- Cost of adopting a puppy: $300 to $500
In addition to adoption fees, it’s important to factor in the overall cost of care for your new pet. According to The American Pet Products Association, dog care costs pet parents about $1,400 a year, on average. A study by Synchrony estimates the lifetime cost of care for a dog over 15 years to be between $19,893 and $55,132.
6 Things to Know About Adopting a New Puppy
Still on the fence about whether or not to adopt an adventurous pup? That’s understandable. After all, “puppies are wicked cute!,” says Dr. Terri Bright, a clinical behaviorist and Director of Behavior Services of MSPCA-Angell.
“They are fun to train, and you can shape and tailor their behaviors in lots of ways,” Dr. Bright adds. Here are some other things to consider about puppy adoption.
Puppies Require a Bigger Time Commitment
While adopting a dog of any age requires time, a puppy has more needs. “They need house training, socialization, and basic life skills education, all of which can be very time-consuming,” says Phifer. They’re also high-energy creatures who need frequent exercise to prevent undesirable behaviors, he cautions.
Puppies Need a Dedicated Training Schedule
Adopting a puppy often means committing to a consistent training and socialization regimen, says Phifer. This typically continues through their first two years of life.
“Training costs vary widely depending on where a person lives and what training program they enroll their dogs in,” Phifer says.
A Puppy’s Personality Isn’t Fixed
Even with dedicated training, there’s no way to guarantee a new puppy will have a set temperament as an adult.
“Puppies’ behaviors will reflect what they have learned, whether you have taught it or not,” says Dr. Bright.
“You may see behavior changes during adolescence, when inherited behaviors such as resource-guarding or territorial behaviors may flower,” she adds
You’ll Need to Puppy Proof Your Home
Puppies are notorious for getting into everything. So it’s crucial to ensure that their new environment is safe to prevent accidents, Dr. Hansen says. This includes “securing electrical cords, removing toxic items, and keeping small objects out of reach,” he adds. Dr. Bright recommends crate training your new puppy and close supervision whenever they’re outside their crate. “The more this can be scheduled, the easier it is for all,” she says.
Plan on Frequent Trips to the Vet for the First Year
Although animal shelters usually provide initial health essentials, the care doesn’t stop there. “They will need vaccines at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age,” says Dr. Bright.
“Remember, they should be socialized before they get all of their vaccines, as the sensitive socialization period ends at about 14 weeks old,” she adds.
Puppies Require a Special Diet
Puppies require a complete and balanced diet that’s formulated to meet the nutrient standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials to sustain growing puppies.
These specially formulated diets ensure puppies receive all the required vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need to grow.
“Selecting the right food is crucial for a puppy’s growth and development,” says Phifer. It can cost between $40-$100 per month, depending on the brand. If you’re unsure what diet to choose, ask your veterinarian for help deciding what diet fits your growing puppy best.
8 Things to Know About Adopting an Adult Dog
Adopting a rescue dog — especially an older dog — truly saves a life. Animal shelters across the country are at full capacity with dogs in need of good homes, and most of these are adults. Here are some other things to know about adopting older dogs.
Adult Dogs Have Set Personalities
An adult dog’s temperament is already developed, so you’ll have a better idea of what to expect, says Dr. Hansen.
“Many adult dogs come with basic training and socialization skills,” he says. “That can make the transition easier, compared to a puppy.”
Adult Dogs Have Experienced Stress
Even shelter dogs who haven’t experienced past trauma have likely dealt with a lot of change during their lives, says Castle. This can take a toll on adult adoptees.
Many may have left their previous home and family unwillingly, says Castle. After that, perhaps they entered a shelter environment crowded with other dogs or lived with a foster family…or maybe both. “That can be very stressful,” Castle says.
Adult Dogs Need Time to Adjust
Although adult dogs have more established temperaments, they still need time to adjust to your home, says Dr. Hansen.
“Be prepared for a transition period,” he advises. “Your new family member may need time to acclimate to their new environment and routine.”
“If the dog has lived in different environments or experienced changes, be ready to work on reinforcing good behavior,” Dr. Hansen suggests. “That will help them adapt to their new home.”
Adult Dogs are Generally Calmer
Because of their advanced age, adult dogs are typically calmer than their younger counterparts.
Still, “Adult dogs can also have varying energy levels. Some might be more relaxed and content with moderate exercise, while others may still require regular activity,” says Dr. Hansen.
“Understanding your dog’s exercise needs is crucial for their well-being,” he adds.
Adult Dogs Have Special Dietary Needs
While obesity is an issue for dogs of all ages, it’s more prevalent in older dogs.
“Adult dogs have different dietary requirements,” says Dr. Hansen. “Often, they need food that helps maintain a healthy weight and supports their overall health with a precise balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.”
Finding the right diet to help your adult dog reach or maintain a healthy weight can be challenging. Your veterinarian can advise on the best diet to feed your dog.
Adult Dogs Tend to Have More Health Issues
Older dogs are more likely to develop issues like dental disease and arthritis. That means you’ll need to manage your dog’s age-related conditions, while still maintaining regular veterinary visits.
Consistent veterinary care — including vaccinations, routine check-ups, and preventive care — is crucial, says Dr. Hansen.
“Depending on the dog’s age and health, these expenses can vary, so it is wise to budget accordingly and consider pet insurance to help manage unexpected medical costs,” he recommends.
You May Have Fewer Years with an Adult Dog
At some point in most dogs’ lives, pet parents must make hard end-of-life decisions. If you adopt an older dog, you may face these decisions sooner than you think.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with questions about whether to have the procedure done at home or at the veterinary clinic, and where to bury the remains.
Senior Dogs May Need Special Accommodations
As your dog ages, you may need to make changes in your home to keep them safe and comfortable. Think of it like puppy-proofing but for the other end of the life spectrum.
Most senior dogs have arthritis, which can take a toll on their mobility. But you can help ease their pain and frustration with simple fixes like dog stairs or dog ramps.
Even if your dog has been house-trained for years, they may begin to have more bathroom accidents as they age. This can mean having to purchase belly bands, diapers, pee pads, or taking your dog on more frequent walks.
Puppy vs Adult Dog Adoption: How to Decide
“Remember that — regardless of age — every dog deserves a loving home,” says Dr. Hansen. “Whether you choose a puppy or an adult dog, you will be giving a deserving animal a second chance.”
To make the best decision for you and your future pet, always consider the following:
Look at your schedule. Puppies require a lot of time, patience, and energy, and need consistent guidance and enrichment, says Dr. Hansen.
“Adult dogs, on the other hand, often come with established personalities and may have some basic training already, which can make the transition easier for busy families or individuals.”
Be sure your home environment is a good fit. While adopting a dog of any age requires a time commitment, puppies are more demanding. Is everyone in your home ready to pitch in?
Also, consider other pets already in your home. “Puppies bring a lot of energy and may need to be introduced slowly to other pets, while adult dogs might already be accustomed to living with other animals and could adapt more quickly to your home,” says Dr. Hansen.
Experts recommend fostering a dog you’re interested in to see if it’s a great fit for everyone in your home.
Understand your dog’s care needs. Dr. Hansen recommends thinking about health and longevity when adopting a dog. “Puppies generally have fewer health issues but may be more prone to certain conditions as they age,” he says.
“Adult dogs often come with a clearer picture of their health history, which can help you make more informed decisions about the care they may require,” Dr. Hansen concludes.
