It’s estimated that anywhere from 3-4 million dogs are not adopted every year, and are euthanized or put down. If you’ve always wanted a dog, and are finally financially and emotionally ready to adopt a dog, this may be the perfect month to do so.

Check out your local shelters and see what kind of dogs are available. You need to consider what kind of dog you’re looking for. Are you more interested in a male or female dog? Are you looking for a puppy or a more mature dog? Getting a puppy can be quite time intensive so you want to make sure that you have the time and resources to take care of and train a new puppy.

Mature or older dogs can be great for someone that wants the companionship of a dog, but isn’t ready or able to invest the time that a puppy needs. Do consider the breed of the dog that you adopt as some breeds need more exercise or attention. Some older dogs may have been surrendered because they’re not suitable to be around small children, but they’re perfectly happy to be in a home with adults. They may even be relatively low maintenance to take care of, only requiring minimal activity. All they really need is love and attention.

Some dogs have been brought to shelters due to behavioral problems, so it’s important to learn about them and see if they’re something you’re ready for. Remember the more a dog is adopted and brought back to a shelter, the more stress it is to them, so you want to be sure that they’re the dog for you before you bring them home.

Most dogs with behavioral issues are being worked with at the shelters or in their foster homes, to help them improve those issues. It’s still important to see if they have issues you think you have the time and money to work with them on. It may require taking them to an obedience class or two.

American Humane Society established the Adopt a Dog month in October 1981 as an annual event to encourage people to adopt dogs. Adopting dogs saves dogs lives and enhance their owners lives too.

Check out your local shelters and see what breeds, ages and sexes of dogs are available. The care and keeping of your dog is important. You may not have the health records of an adopted dog, so it’s important to schedule a check up or introductory appointment with your local veterinarian in Bend, Oregon.