You say you want a dog every time you see a friendly little pooch on the street. But are you actually prepared to bring one into your home? As much as we love the idea of having a canine companion to love unconditionally, being a responsible dog owner is a lot of work. Before getting a dog, you’ll need to consider if you are ready to make the financial, schedule, and lifestyle commitments that adding a dog into your life will require. Here are some considerations to keep in mind before getting one.
How Much Time Can You Devote?
Before getting a dog, you’ll want to think about your daily schedule and overall availability. If you regularly work long hours, having a dog at home may not be fair to your pet. Similarly, if you travel extensively or plan to do so, you’ll want to think if your dog can join you or who will care for them while you are away. Regardless of breed, size, and age, every dog will need some amount of daily exercise and enrichment.
How Much Will a Dog Cost?
While you don’t have to be made of money to have a pet, dogs are still a major expense. Before getting one, it’s important to consider if you are prepared financially to care for a dog. All dogs need regular veterinary visits. But responsible dog owners should also financially prepare for any injuries, sickness, or more advanced care. Depending on the breed and your own grooming abilities, you may need to pay for professional grooming.
How Will a Dog Fit into Your Lifestyle?
How do you spend your free time? For example, if you like to spend every weekend hiking, make sure you get a breed of dog that is going to have the drive, stamina, and physical structure to keep up with you. But if your idea of a perfect day is hanging out on the couch, be thoughtful about getting a dog with a lot of energy. Before bringing home a dog or puppy, think critically about what your normal routines look like and if there’s time to accommodate a dog’s needs.
Can You Realistically Care for A Dog?
Not everyone is able to have a dog at every stage of their life. Before bringing a dog home, be honest with yourself about whether you are ready and able to give a dog everything they need. Ultimately, having to rehome a dog you’re unable to care for may be more painful and stressful than not having one at all.
Being a responsible dog owner can be a lot of work and requires sacrifices to put your dog’s needs first to make sure that you are providing your dog with the best possible life. Sometimes that means changing your plans to do what’s best for your dog, but when the time is right and you find the right dog for your lifestyle, it’s all worth it.
READ FULL ARTICLE Should I Get A Dog? How to Know If You're Ready For A Dog (akc.org)
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