CLEVELAND — As many Northeast Ohioans are spending most of their time at home due to the stay at home order in across the state, some people have decided to use their time at home to bring a new, furry friend into their lives.

With a surge of people heading to shelters to adopt a dog, Dr. Susan Jatsek from the Independence Veterinary Hospital shared some tips for new adopters.

"When you go back to work, your kids go back to school, when you're not home that much anymore, your dog is gonna be in a totally different environment than what you just taught it to be in," Jatsek said.

To help prepare for life after the stay at home order is lifted, Jatsek suggested new owners give their dogs some alone time so it can get used to being alone for a few hours at a time, as they most likely would be under normal circumstances.

When it comes to a budget, those considering adopting a dog should take into account that most of the money spent will come in the first six months with vaccinations, spaying or neutering and other veterinary costs, Jatsek said.

Jatsek reminded those considering adopting a dog also plan a monthly budget for food, toys and preventative care, including flea and tick prevention with spring on the way.

Once a plan is set and the decision to adopt is made, many shelters across Northeast Ohio are taking phone and online applications for adoptable pets to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, so a call ahead of time is important.

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