Am I Ready For A Dog?
If you’ve never owned a dog, answering the question of if you are ready for one can be tricky. Even if you have owned a pooch in the past, it’s still important to evaluate your current situation to be sure you are ready for a furry friend to be in your life. Adopting a pooch is a big step, and you want to be able to give that canine the best home you can offer. So, to help you decide whether or not you’re ready for a furry friend, be sure to ask yourself these questions.
Can you Afford to be a Pet Parent?
There are numerous costs that go into owning a dog. Some costs might only be one-time purchases, but there are still plenty of things you’ll have to pay for on a regular basis to take care of your pooch properly. Here is a list of basic dog needs with their average prices to give you a general idea.
- Food & water bowl: $23
- Dog crate: $27
- Dog bed: $100
- Leash & collar: $48
- ID tags: $10
- Dog brush: $20
- Dog deodorizer: $10
- Poop bags and scooper: $20
- Toys: prices vary
- Dog food: $24
- Treats: $10
- Vaccines: prices vary
- Microchipping: prices vary
- Pet insurance: prices vary
- Training: price varies
- Wireless fence: $260
- Gate: $29
If you need all of the items above, you’re looking at over $600 to care for a pooch properly. While many of the items on the list are one-time purchases, such as food & water bowls and vaccines, that’s still a significant amount that you’ll need upfront to start your furry friend off on the right paw in a happy and healthy environment. Plus, it’s also wise to have at least an extra $100 just in case any surprise expenses pop up in the beginning.
Do You Have the Time?
At the very minimum, a dog needs regular walks, playtime, exercise, and human interaction. Depending on the energy level of the pooch, the amount of time spent on these activities can vary – which is definitely something you should keep in mind if you’re looking at a specific dog breed. However, regardless of the dog’s breed, age, or energy level, it’s not kind to keep them in a crate all day every day because you can’t be there or don’t have the time. While having work is understandable, your pup needs to be stimulated through exercise and experiencing new environments at the end of the day.
Additionally, you also have to consider if you have the time long-term. Will you be able to provide your pup with proper love and support during their entire lifespan? Many dogs live to be between 1o and 13 years. Are you ready to commit that much time?
Is Everyone in Your Home on Board?
Before bringing a furry friend into your home, everyone in your home must be on board with the idea. Talk with everyone that lives in the house and ensure that they are supportive of the idea of a new furry family member. If anyone is hesitant, then it’s best to wait and come back to the idea. The last thing you want to do is make an impulsive decision that someone (including yourself) might regret.
Adopting a canine is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly or made in the spur of the moment. Be sure to think about this decision carefully. To ensure that you’re able to give your new pooch the home they deserve.