There’s nothing like coming home to a wagging tail and big brown, owner-adoring eyes. Sometimes a sloppy lick on the face is all an ASU student needs to forget the tribulations of campus drama.

The Arizona Humane Society and other pet-adopting organizations are crowded with cute little puppies just begging to be adopted, so there’s no need to purchase a dog at a special puppy shop.

Dogs from pet shops and malls are priced ridiculously high. The puppies often come from mills or breeders where money is the priority, not the puppies’ health or well-being. Adopting a puppy, however, will save an animal in need and costs $50 to $200.

Jennifer, the operations manager at Petsmart in Scottsdale, knows all the right tips to bring home a puppy safely. “You should do a lot of the same things you do for a kid,” she says. So before bringing home your new furry friend, take a look at these few tips.

1) Do Your Research.

Different breeds have different personalities and needs. Find out what kind of breed works with your lifestyle and living situation.
2) Be Patient.

Don’t be overanxious to find the perfect dog right away. It may take weeks of searching adoption centers to find your perfect pup.

3) Do a Background Check.

Ask questions about where the dog came from, what its parents were like, what health issues it’s had in the past. Find out how much training the dog has had. Jennifer points out that “people give them back for behavioral issues, like if they are not potty trained.”

4) Spend Time with the Dog Before You Buy.

Most places will let you take the dog on a walk or play with it in a fenced area. Take time to get to know the dog’s personality and make sure your personalities match. Looks aren’t everything, even when it comes to dogs.

5) Get Your House Puppy Proofed.

“Make sure nothing is low, especially cabinets with cleaners,” Jennifer says. Puppies chew a lot and have accidents, so figure out what parts of the house the dog will be allowed to roam and make sure it has plenty of toys to chew.

6) Budget. Taking care of a dog costs money.

They need food, bedding and a ton of toys. Depending on the breed and brand, food can range from $15 to $150 a month. Toys are usually at least $10 each, and the puppy still needs treats and bedding. Training classes aren’t unreasonable, but plan on spending at least $100 a month if you want an obedient puppy. After all the little stuff, make sure you have money in reserve for shots, medications and any unsuspected trouble your mischievous pup might get into.

7) Be Realistic.

Don’t let those droopy eyes sucker you into a purchase you’re not ready for. Dogs need a great deal of attention, especially when they are young. Young puppies can barely be left alone, and need to be let out every couple hours. The less attention a dog gets, the more disobedient it will be. So make sure to consider your schedule, your living space and your roommate’s schedule.

Are you really ready to adopt? The best place to start the search is online, where there are online breed specific adoption centers and online groups can help you locate a dog. Who needs friends when you can have a cute little puppy?

Reach the reporter at kelsey.havens@asu.edu.