If you’re here, you’ve probably imagined yourself snuggling up with your own dog someday. However, the ‘ifs’ and the ‘buts’ keep holding you back, and now you’re wondering—should I really adopt a dog? 

Well, don’t overthink it! Just ask yourself these 10 questions, and you’ll know if you’re ready to be a pet parent! And if you’re looking to understand what life with a furry friend will be like, PetHealthMD has you covered with trusted tips on everything from training to health and wellness! 

1. Do I have the time to commit to a dog?

Dogs are social animals that thrive on daily interaction, exercise, and mental stimulation. Be it an energetic puppy or a relaxed senior dog, they’ll need companionship and consistency to feel secure. So, can you realistically make time for daily walks, play, training, and bonding?

If you can make time for these things, a dog could be a great addition to your life. But if your schedule is packed with long work hours, frequent travel, or unpredictable days, would it make more sense to wait or consider fostering until you can fully commit?

You could also consider ways to make your routine more flexible, like scheduling morning walks 30 minutes earlier than your usual wake-up time, setting aside 15-minute play breaks throughout the evening, or combining social time with dog activities – like meeting friends for a park walk instead of coffee. If these sound like reasonable adjustments, maybe you’re more ready for adoption than you think!

2. Can I afford the financial responsibility?

Beyond the adoption fee, you will need to start allocating a monthly budget for your new canine friend. Food, vet visits, and pet care are all necessary to keep your dog happy and healthy. 

The good news? This can all be managed with a good plan! Taking on the financial responsibility won’t seem so daunting if you can plan ahead for your new family member:

• Create a pet emergency fund of $1,000-$1,500 before bringing your dog home – this safety net lets you make decisions based on your pet’s needs rather than financial constraints.
• Prepare for initial welcome-home expenses ($200-300): adoption fees, bedding, food bowls, collar and leash, toys, and basic training supplies.
• Plan monthly care costs ($100-200): nutritious food, preventive medications, grooming supplies, and regular veterinary check-ups.
• Consider pet insurance options ($30-60 monthly) to protect against unexpected medical expenses and provide access to comprehensive care.
• Include occasional care services in your budget: professional grooming ($40-80), training classes ($50-200), and pet sitting ($25-35 daily) for when you travel.

Do you think this budget sounds reasonable to fit into your current life? If so, great! But if finances are a bit tight right now, would it make sense to save up ahead of time, explore pet insurance, or even consider fostering as a first step?

3. Is my home a safe and comfortable space for a dog?

Your home plays a big role in your dog’s happiness, but it doesn’t have to look a certain way to be the right fit. Some dogs thrive in apartments, while others may need more space to run. What matters most is that your home and lifestyle align with your future pup’s needs.

If you rent, it’s worth checking on pet policies, as some places have restrictions on size or breed. If you have a yard, is it securely fenced or safe for a dog to roam? Even without outdoor space, daily walks and playtime can help meet a dog’s exercise needs.

There’s no single “perfect” home for a dog—just the right match between a pup’s needs and your living situation. Thinking about how a dog would fit into your space can help you figure out what might work best!

4. Do I have other pets or small children?

Bringing a new dog into a home with other pets or kids? That’s a whole new level of excitement! But before you imagine picture-perfect moments of them all cuddling together, it’s worth thinking about how this introduction might go.

How would your current pets feel about a new furry sibling? Some are instantly besties, while others need time (and maybe a few treats) to warm up. And if you have small kids, are they ready to learn how to be gentle with their new four-legged friend?

The good news? There’s a perfect match for every family. Shelters and rescues often know which dogs are great with kids or other pets, so you can find a pup that fits right in. So, is your home ready to welcome one more wagging tail into the mix? 

5. What will I do with my dog when I travel?

Dreaming of a dog but worried about your travel schedule? Even the most devoted dog owners can’t be home all the time. Life happens—vacations, work trips, last-minute plans, or even just a long day at the office. So, if you’re not around, who’s got your pup’s back?

Having a reliable support system is key. Do you have family, friends, or a trusted pet sitter who can step in when needed? If not, are there reputable dog boarding facilities or daycare options near you? Some workplaces are even pet-friendly—would that be an option for you?

For shorter absences, some dogs are fine hanging out at home with a comfy bed and a long-lasting chew toy. But for longer stretches, planning ahead ensures your pup stays happy, safe, and cared for. 

6. What type of dog would fit my lifestyle best? 

Not all dogs are the same—just like people, and they have their personalities, energy levels, and quirks. So think about your life for a bit—and consider what dog type would fit in most naturally.

Let’s explore what makes each breed special and help you discover your ideal match:

• Examine daily exercise requirements – Active breeds like Border Collies need 2-3 hours of exercise daily, while breeds like Basset Hounds enjoy shorter, leisurely walks.
• Assess your living environment – If you’re staying in an apartment might connect with adaptable Pugs or Greyhounds, while spacious homes are a good fit for energetic retrievers or herding breeds.
• Explore grooming commitments – Short-coated breeds need to be brushed weekly, while fluffy companions like Samoyeds need to be brushed daily. 
• Investigate breed personalities – Gentle giants like Newfoundlands often excel with children, while independent breeds like Shiba Inus may prefer adult-only homes.

Remember, breed characteristics serve as general guidelines, but each dog is beautifully unique. Working with shelter staff and veterinarians helps ensure you find the perfect match for your family. 

7. Am I ready for a lifelong companion?

Getting a dog isn’t just about the first few months of excitement—it’s a commitment that lasts 10 to 15 years (or more!). That means years of tail wags, belly rubs, and unconditional love, but also daily walks, vet visits, and figuring out what to do when you want to take a vacation.

Have you thought about what life might look like in the next few years? Would a dog still fit into the picture if you moved, changed jobs, or started traveling more? If your routine feels steady and you’re ready for a long-term companion, that’s a great sign! Otherwise, taking some time to prioritize other changes could help create a stable, loving home for when you bring home your dog.

8. Am I emotionally ready for dog ownership?

​​Dogs bring joy, but they also require patience, care, and emotional resilience. There will be moments of frustration—chewed furniture, house-training accidents, or health scares. Are you ready to handle these challenges with patience and love? Puppies take time to learn, and even older dogs may need an adjustment period in their new home.

But on the flip side? Research shows that 74% of pet parents experience improved mental well-being through this unique companionship. After the adjustment period, your daily routine will start to feel much more fulfilled. So, does bringing a dog into your life feel like something you’re truly ready to embrace?

9. Am I prepared for training and socialization?

Dogs aren’t born knowing how to live in a human world—they need training and socialization to feel confident and thrive. Puppies require house training, leash skills, and basic commands, while older rescue dogs may need time to adjust to new routines. No matter the age, every dog benefits from patience, consistency, and clear communication.

But another way to look at is—training isn’t just about setting rules, it’s also a chance to build trust and strengthen your bond. Whether it’s teaching basic manners or fun tricks, training helps your dog feel secure and understand what’s expected of them. But it does take time, repetition, and a little problem-solving when things don’t go as planned.

So, are you ready to commit to training and guiding your dog, knowing that the effort now will shape your relationship for years to come?

10.  Why do I want to adopt a dog?

There’s something special about the idea of having a dog—daily walks, cozy couch naps, and a best friend who’s always happy to see you. But before you take the leap, have you thought about why you want to adopt?

Maybe you’ve always wanted a dog, or maybe you recently met one that made you realize how great it would be to have a four-legged companion. Either way, it helps to think about what’s driving your decision. Are you looking for a loyal friend to share life with? Or is this more of a spontaneous idea that might be worth planning for a little longer?

There’s no single “perfect” reason to adopt—everyone’s journey is different. What matters most is that it’s the right time for you and that you’re ready for everything that comes with having a dog by your side. So, does this feel like the right moment to bring a pup into your life?

Your dog adoption questions answered

We understand if you still want more clarity on what life would be like after adopting a furry friend. And that’s great! Having a clearer idea of what to expect will help you make the most informed decision. 

How can I find a trusted adoption organization?

Look for shelters that welcome your questions and communicate openly about their practices. Verify their licensing, ask about their adoption success stories, and notice how they interact with their animals. 

What should I prepare before bringing my new dog home?

Create a cozy welcome space with essentials like food and water bowls, a comfortable bed, and appropriate toys. Stock up on the same food your future friend enjoys at the shelter, and grab basic grooming supplies. A collar with ID tags and a sturdy leash complete your preparation checklist.

How do I help my new dog adjust to their forever home?

Give your new family member time to get comfortable by setting up a quiet space where they feel safe. Let them explore at their own pace, using treats and gentle encouragement to build trust. Our guide to the first day with your adopted dog offers proven tips for creating positive experiences during this transition.

What kind of support will I receive during the adoption journey?

Rescue groups offer invaluable guidance throughout your adoption experience. From training tips to medical history, you’ll have a network of caring professionals ready to help. Many organizations will also help you match the perfect dog to your lifestyle, making a significant part of your adoption journey much more manageable. 

Why choose adoption over buying a dog?

Adopting a dog isn’t just about finding a pet—it’s about giving a deserving pup a second chance at a happy life. Shelters and rescues are full of incredible dogs of all ages, sizes, and personalities, all waiting for a loving home. Plus, adoption is often a more practical choice, as many shelters include spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping in the adoption fee.

Making the decision to adopt a dog

Adopting a dog is a big decision, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding one when the timing is right. If you’re excited and feel prepared, that’s a great sign that you’re ready to take the next step! Visiting a shelter, talking to adoption counselors, or even fostering can help you find the perfect fit.

If you’re still on the fence, that doesn’t mean a dog isn’t in your future—it just might mean taking some time to plan, learn, or explore other ways to spend time with animals in the meantime. Either way, thinking things through means you’re already on the right path.

When the time comes to bring your new best friend home, having the right supplies on hand makes all the difference. From everyday essentials like food and grooming products to vet-approved medications, 1800PetMeds has everything to keep your pup happy and healthy from day one.