If you are a dog lover, it may always feel like the right time to add a canine companion to your home. Adding a dog to your family can be a fantastic and fulfilling experience for everyone. It can be hard to find anyone who loves you unconditionally and gives you the same amount of affection that a dog does. However, dog ownership comes with a lot of responsibility. There are many families who jump into it, and the only one who suffers from the impulsive decision is the new fluffy member. So, before you go out there and take the plunge, have a look at this list of things you need to consider before making that big commitment.

How Much Time Do You Have?

Any pet requires a lot of your time and patience. If you are planning on adding a young dog to your family, you will need to make sure you put some time aside to ensure your new family member gets the exercise and the training he/she needs. You will also need to consider how many times a day you need to feed your dog. Puppies need to be fed more regularly than an adult dog. If your job is demanding, you travel, or there are other reasons you may not be at home, then you need to reconsider dog ownership.

Can Your Children Be Responsible?

If your children are under 6 years old and have never owned a dog, then you should wait until they are a bit older before adding a dog to your home. Children that are too young won’t understand the responsibility or how to handle the dog properly. Ultimately, the responsibility of any pet in your household falls under the care of the parent/adult. You should never get an animal and expect your child to take full responsibility. This leads to pet neglect and abandonment.

Can You Afford a Dog?

Dogs are expensive. As well as food and enrichment, you need to pay for yearly vaccinations, annual vet check-ups, flea, tick and worming medication, licensing, neutering and microchipping (to name a few). The bigger the dog, the bigger the bills. Browse Lucy Pet to get an idea of some of the dog products you will need for your new furry friend.

Where Will You Get Your Dog From?

There are two options; breeder or adoption. Do not purchase from a pet shop. These puppies come from cruel puppy farms and will usually become sick and die young. If you purchase one of these pups, you will be contributing to the cruelty and it will continue to stay in business. There are pros and cons to the two options you can consider. Make sure you think very hard before making the decision.

If you are still undecided, then there are options. The best thing you could do is foster a dog from a shelter. Not only do you help the dog, but it gives you a proper taste of dog ownership without messing up a life, and if you fall in love with the dog you’re fostering, you can adopt him/her for good.