Aries is a naturally impulsive sign that may find themselves making big life changes at any time of year, but there are a few things going on in the sky that may mean they have big changes coming this month, in particular.

"Mercury, the ruler of your 6th house, the house that rules domestic pets, has been slowing down before turning retrograde," Barretta says, "so chances are you are revisiting the idea of doggie adoption."

Aries will, however, want to pause and make sure they're good financially before making such a big decision. As Barretta says, "Mercury will be turning retrograde in Scorpio, your 8th house of investments, so make sure you consider the expense of owning a dog such as food, vet bills, and doggie daycare if needed."

They may even want to be a bit choosy when it comes to which breed they adopt, and perhaps stick with one they grew up with, Barretta says, as well as going for a smaller to mid-sized dog. "For the dog, the retrograde indicates relocating to a new home," she says. "A win win for the both of you."

"Taurus is a loyal sign so naturally they vibe to anyone, including pets, that are also loyal," Barretta says. "You are definitely in the mood to get your loyalty fix by adopting a homeless dog."

According to Barretta, Libra, the ruler of the 6th house of pets and Venus, Taurus' ruling planet and the 6th house ruler, is transitioning through their 7th house of friendships until November 22nd, when it will roll into their 8th house of investments. All of that means "adopting a dog now while under these aspects pretty much ensures that you will also be getting a very loyal and protective friend."

Taurus will, however, want to keep the Mercury retrograde in mind when choosing their new pet, while trying to stick with a breed they once owned or a very similar breed. "Read all adoption papers carefully before signing," she says, "and it is a good idea to get your dog chipped during the Mercury retrograde in case [they ever get] lost, the chip [will help] in getting your pet returned."

For Gemini, "this fall has all of the markings for you to adopt a dog," Barretta says. "You may have kicked the idea around in the past but now Mercury, your ruling planet, will be retrograde in Scorpio, your 6th house of pets, from October 31st to November 20th," meaning it's the perfect time to go for it.

"You’ll most likely make a few return trips to the dog shelter before deciding on just the right dog to adopt," she says. That doesn't necessarily mean it isn't the right time, but that Gemini will want to make sure they're making a good choice, and really understanding the big life change that'll come with it.

"Pluto, the planet that rules your 6th house along with Mars, the co-ruler, form a bit of a hard aspect," she says. "Pluto now transiting through Capricorn, your 8th house of investments, and Mars now transiting through Libra, your 5th house of recreation and enjoyment, just caution you to keep in mind that with all the fun of owning a pet there also comes the responsibility."

Cancer always wants to help those in need, including dogs looking for a new home. And it's this natural ability to nurture that'll likely put them first in line to adopt a dog, Barretta says, along with what's going on in the sky. "Jupiter has been transiting your 6th house of pets for nearly a year so it is likely you may adopt more than one dog," she says.

"The Mercury retrograde will be going through Scorpio, your 5th house, which relates to entertainment, pleasure, and children," she says. "Your new dog is most certainly going to be considered your 'child' and also a source of sheer pleasure for you." So if Cancer wasn't already sold on the idea, thinking of all the good times they'll have with their dog — walks in the park, hanging out, etc. — will be enough to convince them.

That said, "the retrograde will most likely mean that you make a few trips back and forth before deciding on what dog or dogs to adopt," Barretta says. But that will only result in Gemini feeling extra good about the decision, and moving forward with the adoption on a positive foot.

If you're one of these signs, and have put a lot of thought into what it means to adopt a dog, then this October very well may be the time to do it.