There are lots of reasons why people want to buy a dog – they’re cute, they’re loyal, and they show their owners unconditional love. Unfortunately, these days people sometimes think of dogs as a fashion accessory that they can carry around in their handbag like a toy. It’s important to remember that dogs are living animals, with needs and feelings of their own that might not match up with yours. So, before you head out to your local animal shelter, be sure to give the following questions thorough consideration. Both you and your potential new pup will be glad you did!
Does a dog match my lifestyle?
Owning a dog is a big responsibility and might not fit with the way you live your life. For example, if you travel a lot, then you’ll have to be able to either take your pup with you or find someone to look after them while you’re away. Likewise, if you’re out of the house all day at work then your dog will feel lonely and bored unless you have a dog-friendly office. Luckily these are far more common these days! You also must be willing to take your dog for a walk at least once a day, come rain or shine.
Do I have the money to care for a dog?
Pet ownership can be more expensive than you realize. You need to cover costs such as food, toys, vet bills and pet insurance, as well as dog sitters, trainers, kennels or dog walkers if you use those services. Thankfully the existence of affordable vets, such as Easy Vet clinic, can bring these costs down, but you should still do the math to check you can afford a pet before committing to one.
Is my home suitable for a dog?
Where you live also plays a role in whether you should get a dog. For instance, dogs need to go outside to use the toilet, so you’ll need to have a backyard or other suitable area where they can do that. Plus, if you are currently renting then you’ll need to check whether your lease allows you to have a dog. Another factor to think about is size – do you have enough space for items such as dog beds, toys and food bowls?
What breed of dog should I get?
Dogs come in a wide variety of breeds, from tiny chihuahuas to huge Bernese Mountain dogs, so it’s important to pick the right type of dog for you. The sort of factors that will affect which breed you should choose include how much room you have, whether you have children or other pets at home, how much time you can spend walking and playing with your dog, whether you’re happy to groom them, and so on.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, no one else can decide whether getting a dog is the right choice for you. Take your time and consider all these factors carefully. You could even borrow a friend’s dog for the night to get a better idea of what it’s like to be a dog owner. As long as you have your potential future pup’s best interests at heart, you’re sure to make the right choice!