Becoming a dog parent is extremely rewarding, but it is no easy task, especially if you are adopting a puppy. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before you decide to become a dog parent.

Are you financially ready to get a dog? 

Dogs come with expenses. These expenses include, but are not limited to, food, veterinary care, grooming, supplies, and possible training or boarding fees. Make sure that you can comfortably afford these costs and provide for your dog’s well being. American Dog Society educates and provides resources for dog parents who are looking to reduce expenses when it comes to their dog, but there’s no case in which dogs are free to care for.

Do you have the time to commit to a dog?

Dogs require attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. Assess whether you have enough time in your daily routine to commit to a dog’s needs including feeding, exercise, training, grooming, and playtime. There are several factors that affect how much exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and playtime your dog may need. The dog’s breed will determine a lot of these things, but their age, background, and health are also key factors in determining how much time your dog will require from you. Before getting your dog, do ample research, consult these things with the rescue or breeder as well as your dog’s veterinarian. For example, dogs with short hair may require less grooming attention than dogs with long hair, and senior dogs may require less exercise than puppies. 

Are you ready for a long-term commitment?

Dogs live for many years, so it’s important to evaluate whether you’re ready for a long-term commitment. Consider potential life changes such as job changes, moving, relationships, starting a family, etc., and how a dog would fit into those plans. If you are unsure, fostering a dog is a great opportunity to provide a home for a dog at a rescue, while also learning about the level of commitment, care, and time it may take to care for a dog until your foster dog finds his/her forever home. Remember that every dog is different, so your foster dog may be slightly different from the dog you will adopt, unless, of course, you decide to adopt your foster dog!

Have you researched and educated yourself?

Educate yourself about dog breeds, their specific needs, temperaments, and any potential health issues associated with them. Different breeds have different exercise requirements, grooming needs, and temperaments, so choose a breed that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. There are numerous free and accessible resources available online to learn more about different dog breeds.

Are you emotionally ready to get a dog?

Dogs require love, attention, and patience. Evaluate whether you have the emotional capacity to provide a loving and stable environment for a dog. They require consistent training, socialization, and care. 

While owning a dog may be an exciting pursuit, many new dog parents are unaware of the level of commitment that owning a dog requires. As a result of this and other factors, around 3 million dogs are either surrendered or abandoned in the United States alone. American Dog Society provides resources and education to dog parents and prospective dog parents in order to reduce this number as much as possible.