I know, I know—you’re back in quarantine and need oxytocin, AKA the love hormone, STAT. And a cuddle puddle with a new pooch may seem like the perfect fix.
But adopting a new best friend is a lot more than a mid-Pandemic impulse. And you don’t want to end up resenting your little bundle of joy, like my landlady (she calls her pug “my pandemic mistake”).
So here are some tips for fighting—or justifying—your animal instincts.
Do: Plan a trip to the local animal shelter!
Go play with some puppies if Covid precautions allow it. You can cosplay the quarantine walks you’d take with your future pup three times a day, every day. You’ll help the dogs get their energy out and even get in some cuddles.
Don’t: Fall in love.
If you haven’t prepared for the responsibility of adopting a puppy, imagining your future together might do more harm than good.
I know—that corgi looks insanely cute in his little sweater. But how will your clothes look when they’re chewed up on the closet floor? Perspective.
Do: Download the Rover App.
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Dog-sit! Once your virtual background check clears, you’ll be on call for every Dog Parent in your city. Then, you can get your steps in, make some extra cash, and even play house(-sitter).
Don’t: Go into pet-parenthood blind.
Different issues arise across breeds, and it’s essential to research your Dream Dog before you start bulk shopping at Petco.
Do you want a chill, low-maintenance pup? That doesn’t exist—but you definitely shouldn’t adopt an Australian Shepherd. Want lazy days when you can skip walks? A Golden may be too demanding. Think of Air Bud.
Do: Consider your schedule.
Are you working from home during the pandemic? Awesome! Though many companies are considering making remote work permanent, your circumstances could always change.
And back to work means reshuffling puppy care at home. Plus, a moaning husky drowning out your Zoom meeting? Only cute the first few times.
Don’t: Underestimate your pandemic pup’s separation anxiety.
You got your dream dog! And you’re spending every waking (and probably sleeping) moment together. But then it’s three months later, and you want to get out of town for the weekend.
Of course, your socially isolated pup is not going to just chill with a dog-sitter; they’re going to cry through the night, destroy your couch as revenge, and pee. Everywhere. But, at least you found love?
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