So you want to own a dog? First things first, do you really want a dog, and can you care for it? See the questions below and see if you answer yes to them.
Do you have time?
Many people jump to get a dog before they consider the obvious. Dogs take an extraordinary amount of time to take care of, whether it’s walking, feeding, playing, and taking them to appointments. If you find that you won’t be able to commit a chunk of your time into these activities, you might want to consider a low maintenance pet, like a fish or hamster.
Will your pet fit your lifestyle?
Before going out and buying the cutest dog you can find, do some research. Some dogs like labs are very energetic as puppies, if you have work or school 8-10 hours a day, maybe you should consider a less energetic dog. Huskies are a pet that thrives in cool weather, if you live in a hot place like Texas, a Husky may not fit your lifestyle. However, if you give a dog the right treatment, they will still be able to fit your lifestyle. For example, a Husky can live in warmer weather, but you would have to give it proper hydration, don’t walk it on hot days, and take it to the vet often.
Can you afford a dog?
The average expense cost of a dog in the first year $1270. Costing about $500 every year after that. This is not including the cost of actually buying the dog though, which can cost up to $300 for adoption, and $500-$5000 for purchasing from a breeder, depending on the breed and gender. Costing about $8000 on average, during a dog’s life. This is a lot of money! Not including any emergency visits or special circumstances. If you don’t have a stable income, then you should hold off on buying a dog until you can afford one. This is one of the biggest complications when trying to get a dog.
If you answered yes to all of these questions, and you truly do want to be a responsible dog owner, then a fluffy little friend might just be the pet for you!
