7 Things You Should Consider Before Getting a Dog
7 Things You Should Consider Before Getting a Dog – [Updated for 2026]
You can’t put a price on the love of a dog, can you?
But, you also can’t put a price on the cost of caring for one.
That’s why it’s important to do your research before getting a dog, so you know 100% that you’re ready for the responsibility.
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If you’re thinking about adopting a new pet, make sure that it’s definitely the right choice.
To help you make that decision, here’s some things to consider first.
7 Things You Should Consider Before Getting a Dog
1. How much room do you have in your home and garden?
Before getting a dog, it’s important to consider how much space you have in your home and garden.
Do you have enough room for a dog? Will it have its own space and be able to take themselves off for quiet time?
Is there space in your garden for the dog to run around and have outdoor dog toys?
It’s important to go through this as honestly as you can to make the decision for both the dog and yourself.
When considering how much room you will need, think about how big the dog is and if you can accommodate another member of the family.
Also consider if you have any home improvements that will need completed before you get a get or that you need to make a start on.
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How big is the dog?
The size of your new dog should be a big part of the decision making process.
Naturally, a larger dog breed will need more room than a smaller dog will.
If you are looking at getting a Great Dane for example, but only have a 1 bedroom apartment, then that’s probably not the breed for you.
Always take into account that the dog will need space to roam and do their thing, and if a big breed of dog is stuck in a tiny place, it’s probably not going to stimulate it.
2. Do you have the time to dedicate to your dog?
A dog is a big responsibility, so you need to make sure that you are fully equipped to take one on.
Are you sure you have enough time to dedicate to your dog?
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Can you give the dog 2 walks per day minimum?
- Are you able to play with your dog throughout the day?
- Do you have the time to house train your new dog?
- Do you have the time to bathe your dog?
- Are you able to commit time to stimulating your dogs mind?
- Do you have the time to groom your dog or take them to the groomers?
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Asking yourself these questions will help you make the best decision in regards to getting a dog or not.
You have to make sure you are being realistic and answering the questions openly because skimming over these logistics can cause unnecessary heartache down the line.
3. Will a dog fit your lifestyle?
Before you make the big decision of getting a new dog, make sure you’re looking at your lifestyle with unbiased eyes.
Sometimes we just don’t have a lifestyle that fits with having a dog and that’s ok.
But be honest with yourself about it because there is no use telling yourself it’s the right fit when in reality it isn’t.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Do you have enough flexibility in your work schedule?
- Do you travel a lot?
- How many hours do you work per week?
- Are you active?
- Do you have any health conditions that will hinder your mobility?
- Are you out of the house for more than 10 hours of the day?
All these things should be considered before getting a dog.
Dogs need attention and care every day, even if you have a dog that sleeps most of the day.
When you have a dog and are away from the house more than you are actually there, this can in-turn cause behaviour issues for the dog and lead to high separation anxiety.
4. Are your children ready to have a dog?
If your kids are still too young and can’t take care of a dog, then it might be best to wait until they’re a little older.
If you have already got a dog in the home, this doesn’t present as much of an issue because the dog has already been in the family home and your children are growing up with them from the beginning.
But, if this is your first dog and your children are still very young and can’t communicate with you yet, it may be best to hold off on getting a dog.
It’s a magical experience for the whole family! But make sure it’s one you are ALL ready for
Getting a new dog is such an amazing experience for children! So, when they are at an age where they can understand rules and you feel they are ready for the responsibility, it will make that magical feeling even more exciting.
It’s also a good idea to wait until they are able to help out with the care of the dog such as feeding, walking, and grooming.
This will help them gain a sense of achievement and teach them about routines.
Using teaching aids such as books aimed towards teaching children about owning a pet is a great way to make the learning fun!
Here are some book recommendations:
- Easy Peasy Awesome Pawsome Dog Training for Kids
- Puppy Training for Kids: Teaching Children the Responsibilities and Joys of Puppy Care
- Kid’s Guide to Dogs, A: How to Train, Care For, and Play and Communicate with Your Amazing Pet!
- Pocket Eyewitness Dogs: Facts at Your Fingertips
- My First Dog Book: Teach your dog to be happy and confident
- Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend
Your kids also need to understand that dogs are living creatures that require attention and care.
Dogs have feelings just like people do, so they won’t appreciate being treated badly by children who do not understand how important it is for both humans and animals alike to treat each other kindly at all times.
No matter what kind of relationship you share with one another.
Free printable New Dog Checklist
Have you made the decision to get a dog?
Then this handy New Dog Checklist is perfect for any new dog owner to be!
Not only do you get important pre-filled checklist items, there is also space for writing your own and recording important details.
You can write out all the dog name suggestion, write the arrival date, record the first place you went on a walk and the first trick your pouch learned.
Turn the boring checklist into a cute keepsake to make getting your new dog even more special.
There are three designs which come in the one PDF file; A black and white one, one with dog drawings and one with just paw prints.
Download your Free New Dog Checklist today!
5. Can you afford the costs associated with ownership of a dog?
The cost of owning a dog is more than just the initial purchase price.
There are also many other expenses to consider, including food, veterinary visits and health care; training and toys.
A dog isn’t a one off expense, so you need to make sure you have enough money to be able to properly take care of your pouch.
You also need to make sure that you have money put away for any unexpected bills that may pop up.
For money budgeting tips, see my post: A Helpful Guide to Effectively Managing Your Money
Here are some things you might need to budget for:
- Pet Insurance
- Microchipping
- Vet fees
- Unexplained illnesses
- Dog bed
- Tooth brush & toothpaste
- Food for your dog
- Lead and collar
- Poop bags
- Dog shampoo
- Nail clippers
- Treats
- Harness
- Food and water bowls
- Personalised dog name tag
- Crate
- Car restraint
- Puppy pads for training
- Long lead for training
- Brush or comb for grooming
- Blankets
- Toys
6. If you get sick or injured, will someone be able to take care of the dog?
If you get sick or injured, will someone be able to take care of the dog?
I know it may seem like a silly question, but it’s one that should be asked.
After all, who’s going to walk your dog if you’re bedridden after surgery? or if you get an illness that means you can’t take care of your dog?
Make sure that someone in your family or group of friends is willing and able to help out if something happens.
This can mean anything from taking over walking duties for a few weeks (or months) while you’re recovering from surgery, to having someone stay at their house during vacation time so they can watch over everything for an extended period of time.
Have a plan in place that if something unforeseen happens, then you don’t have to worry about your dog not being cared for.
7. Is everyone in your family ready for this commitment?
One big question you have to ask yourself is, is everyone in your family ready for this commitment?
If you have children, make sure they are old enough to understand the responsibility of caring for a dog.
If you already have other pets, make sure that everyone is on board with adding another animal into the mix.
Your current pets may not like having a new canine friend and vice versa. Even if everyone agrees to take in a pup, it’s important to remember that all animals have different personalities and will react differently in various situations.
Make sure that everyone in the house is willing and ready for a new dog to join the team.
It’s important you are all on the same page, especially with a decision this big.
Final Thoughts
A dog really is a big responsibility!
If you’re thinking about getting one, it’s important that you know what kind of work they require.
Dogs need food, water and shelter, and they need this everyday.
They have to have regular walks at least once per day, preferably more so make sure you can commit to this.
Dogs also require regular grooming: brushing their fur several times weekly will help keep tangles out of their coat (which could lead to skin infections) as well as make them look their best!
Dog Grooming appointments can be expensive over time if they aren’t combined with other services like baths or haircuts. So, plan ahead when budgeting how much money this might cost over its lifetime!
Everyone has to be ready for this change and you need to know you can count on your family to help take over some responsibilities as well.
A dog is a big responsibility. If you have the time and resources to commit to one, you’re in for a lifetime of love and companionship.
But if you aren’t ready for it, there are plenty of other options out there!
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I would’ve never thought about writing this post, this is a great reminder for anyone thinking of getting a dog. I held off for 3 years before I decided to get my corgi. Now he’s my best friend and goes almost everywhere with me. I work from home so he gets a lot of attention and is very well-mannered. I even make his own dog treats