This past summer I made one of the best decisions of my life and adopted a beautiful, intelligent and slightly evil puppy who I named Poppy. Having a dog in college is incredibly rewarding, but it also involves a lot of work. Here's 12 things to consider when looking for your new canine companion.

1. Think. Am I ready for a dog? Or should I look into less time consuming/cheaper/easier to care for pets?
   
2. Should I get a puppy or an older dog that's already been potty trained? Yes, puppies are cute, but as someone who has a already busy lifestyle, it's probably smarter to get an older dog unless you're really serious about investing the time into a puppy.
   
3. If you have a roommate or housemate, make sure it's ok with them. Have a conversation about dog responsibilities and discuss what rules would be in place.
   
4. If you rent, make sure having a dog is allowed where you live! If not, look into other types of pets.
   
5. Make a puppy budget! This is very important. Think about things you might not normally consider, i.e. how much you need to invest in incidentals like vet bills or new shirts now that your adorable, cuddly puppy has now eaten several of your shirts.
   
6. Now that you’ve accepted the responsibility and have a budget, you can start the fun part! Figure out what type of dog is right for you. Although I did adopt a puppy, as I said, in college it is much easier if you adopt an older, already house-trained dog. Also, look into breeds that are good for apartments. Dogs that are smaller and lower energy are typically best for college students, but it’s also a matter of choosing a dog that fits into YOUR lifestyle.
   
7. Once you narrow down the parameters of what general type of dog you’re looking for, start the search for your dog! I found Poppy on adoptapet.com, but local shelters are also a great resource. Beware of pet stores that obtain their puppies from puppy mills (Petland is an example).
   
8. Always stick with your gut. When I first saw Poppy’s picture, I knew she was the dog for me. When you find the right pooch, you’ll know.
   
9. But even then, trust but verify. Research the adoption agency/seller. There are scams involving dog adoptions and purchases, especially with regards to puppies, so please be wary.
   
10. Plan ahead. Once you've found your new best friend, make sure to have everything they'll need already ready for when they get home.
    
11. Be sure to take your new dog to the vet to get a preliminary check-up and find out if your canine companion needs any shots or veterinary care.
    
12. Bring your dog home! Spend as much time as possible with them in the first week both to bond and to help them get used to their new surroundings!

Having a dog is one of the biggest blessings in my life, but make sure you’re prepared! Dogs may be a lot of work, but if you're ready they are absolutely worth every minute of it.

Pictured Below: Poppy on her first day home.