Adopting a dog is a major decision and one of the best you’ll ever make. But it’s important to make sure that you’re completely ready for a dog before you start reaching out to local shelters. Having a dog is a lot of responsibility and a big financial one at that.
So how do you know if your family is ready to take on that responsibility? Here are a few signs you’re ready to bring a new furry friend into your life.
You live in a dog-friendly neighborhood
Over 46 million households in the U.S. own dogs, but not all areas are dog-friendly. While you don’t necessarily need to have a backyard to own a dog, it’s a good idea to live in a community that has plenty of parks and outdoor space where they can run around. If you don’t live in the most dog-friendly area, consider doing some research on which communities in your area have other friendly dogs and ample outdoor space. Keep in mind that your neighborhood might also have breed restrictions, too.
Your kids are old enough
For the safety of both your kids and your future pets, it’s best to avoid getting a dog when your child is really young. According to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, it’s best to wait until your youngest child turns five before getting a dog. While your child may not be old enough to take your dog out for walks on their own yet, they’ll be old enough to know not to tug on the dog’s ears or tail.
You recently bought a house
If you’ve been considering getting a dog, doing so after you’ve bought a house is a great option for two reasons. The first reason is that a dog makes an excellent guardian. Nearly 90% of burglaries are never solved, and dogs can help keep thieves from feeling comfortable enough to break into your new house. The second reason is that buying a house means that you’re not expecting to move anytime soon. Dogs need stability just like you do and a stable home helps them feel safe and secure.
You’re financially stable
Owning a dog involves more than being responsible for their food, toys, walks, and playtime. It also involves being responsible for their veterinarian visits, vaccines, and grooming. Just like your kids, your dog relies on you to pay for their medical care, vet dental care, or their visit to a veterinary hospital to keep them healthy and safe. That said, if you’re struggling with debt as many Americans are with consumer debt having grown to nearly $14 trillion in 2019, now may not be the best time to invest in a pet. But if you’re in a good place financially and you don’t expect that to change anytime soon, getting a dog isn’t a bad idea.
