Are you ready for the joy of dog ownership? Perhaps a friend’s new puppy has sparked your interest, or you’re considering rescuing a dog from a shelter. Few things in life can bring as much joy and fulfilment as becoming a dog owner, especially if you’re a pet lover.
Dogs can and do bring many benefits to your life. However, it’s not as easy as simply having love to offer and a warm home for them to reside in. There is a lot to consider when it comes to owning a dog, and there are some questions you need to ask yourself before you bring a dog into your life so you know exactly what to expect and you are prepared.
Can You Commit Time?
Dogs, especially puppies, require a significant amount of time and attention, which can become a major part of your daily life. It’s crucial to be certain that you can dedicate the necessary time to care for your new family member, who will rely on you for the rest of their life. While unexpected situations can always arise, it’s important to evaluate your current lifestyle and how it can accommodate a pet and its needs. If you find that you’re unable to commit the time, it might be best to wait for a more suitable time to welcome a four-legged companion into your life.
Can You Afford Vet Bills?
Vet bills are expensive; you still need to pay appointment fees even if you don’t need treatment. Add to this vaccinations, worming and flea treatments, general healthcare, and emergency care, and before you know it, vet bills have taken over your income and even savings. You can and should take out pet insurance; however, this won’t cover everything you need to pay, and there will be limits on this in relation to payouts. But you need to be confident that you can afford vet bills, especially if you are taking on senior dogs or those with existing health conditions.Â
Are You Willing To Change Your Life?
Having a dog can bring so much into your life, but depending on the dog you choose and the lifestyle you have, you might need to change some aspects of how you live. For example, partying every night of the weekend won’t work well if you have a pet at home, nor will taking spontaneous trips be as easy as they once were. While a dog won’t necessarily stop you from doing these things, you need to think about the complexities of caring for a dog while still doing what you enjoy. For example, are you willing to take on more pet-friendly holidays or find suitable dog kennels for boarding when you go somewhere you can’t take your dog? Are you willing to do more pet-friendly activities so your dog can be involved?
Why Do You Want A Dog?
It goes without saying that you should not buy a dog or a puppy, especially for a birthday or Christmas gift. Dogs are lifetime commitments, and you need to address why you want a dog before committing to bringing one home. Do you want companionship? Or are you swayed because others have one, and they’re cute? You need to do this for the right reasons to ensure your decision isn’t made on a whim.