7 Signs It’s the Right Time To Adopt a Dog (And Alternatives if It’s Not)

Adopting a dog is one of the most fun and rewarding things you can do. However, it's not a decision you should make lightly. Dogs require time, energy, and resources. So, how do you know if you're ready to adopt?

Here are seven signs that it might be the perfect time to bring a dog into your life (and a few alternatives if the timing is off).

1. You Understand a Dog Is a Lifelong Commitment

Dogs aren't temporary companions or something you can give up when they become inconvenient. They're family, which means they're a lifelong commitment.

Adopting means making a promise to care for your pet for the duration of their life, which can be 10 to 15 years (sometimes more). If you’re ready for the long haul, that’s a good sign you’re prepared.

However, if you’d give up a dog for any reason, including moving, changing jobs, getting married, having a baby, retiring, or lifestyle changes, adopting probably isn’t the right choice for you.

2. You Can Afford It

Having a dog isn’t cheap. According to MarketWatch, the total cost of having a dog is anywhere from $19,893 to $55,132 over the course of their lifetime. However, these costs may vary based on the size of your pup and their medical needs.

Vet bills, food, grooming, training, pet insurance, emergency care, toys, treats, and more all add up. If your budget can comfortably support these expenses without cutting corners on care, you're financially ready for the responsibility.

However, if the thought of a $600+ vet bill makes your stomach turn, you may want to rethink adopting.

Learn More: Items To Buy Before Bringing Home a New Dog

3. You Have Time

Dogs need daily exercise, play, training, and attention. If your schedule and lifestyle allow you to meet these needs, now could be a great time to adopt a dog.

However, if you work eight-hour days and then spend two hours at the gym or you are constantly traveling, your lifestyle and schedule probably aren't set up for a dog right now.

Think about this from a long-term perspective, too. Recognizing that your schedule may change and evaluating how a dog may fit (or not fit) into those changes will help you determine if now is a good time for you to adopt a dog.

4. You're Ready To Tackle Training

Every dog needs some form of training, whether it's potty training a puppy or helping an adult pup learn house rules. Some dogs may require more intensive behavioral training if they exhibit issues like reactivity, separation anxiety, or resource guarding.

If you're open to being patient and even hiring a trainer, you're likely up to the task.

However, if you don't want to take the time to train a dog or work with a trainer, you should rethink adoption.

5. The People in Your Home Are Ready for a Dog

When you live with family, roommates, or a partner, everyone should be on board with bringing a dog home. It's essential to ensure that everyone who will be around the dog is ok

with having the dog in the house.

Additionally, making sure everyone is on board with the responsibilities of having a new dog (i.e., keeping gates/doors closed, using a leash when taking the dog on a walk, putting away items the dog can chew on, etc.) can help avoid tension and ensure the dog thrives.

If anyone in your home has hesitations about throwing a new dog into the mix or doesn’t want any added responsibilities, it’s important to address those issues before adopting.

6. Other Pets in Your Home Are Ready

If you already have pets, you’ll want to make sure they are ready to have a new dog in their home. Bringing a friend or family member’s dog over to see how your pets react to another dog in their space can help gauge if they are open to sharing their home.

You'll also want to consider if your current pets are social and healthy. Plus, if you already have a dog, make sure you have completed their training and addressed any behavioral concerns, as it can be more complicated to train two dogs at once.

If you still have training to do with your current dog or any of your pets don’t seem thrilled about being around other dogs, adopting might not be the best choice for you.

Learn More: Introducing a New Dog to Your Dogs

7. You're Up for the Challenge When Things Get Hard

Dogs bring a lot of joy, but having a dog isn’t always easy. The reality is that not every day will be picture-perfect.

Dogs can get sick, misbehave, or require extra attention. They might chew your shoes, have accidents in the house, or come down with an illness that requires them to need extra care for the rest of their life.

If you’re mentally prepared for the rough patches and committed to working through them, adoption may be right for you.

However, if you aren't looking for a challenge right now or worry that you might not have the bandwidth to handle any hurdles that arise in the future, it's likely best for you to wait to adopt until you feel more ready.

Not Ready Yet? Here Are Some Alternatives

If you’re not ready to commit to adoption, there are still ways you can get your dog fix!

These include:

• Fostering: Fostering a dog is when you provide temporary care for a dog that’s in a shelter or rescue. It’s a great way to experience dog ownership without the long-term commitment. Plus, it saves lives!

• Volunteering: Animal shelters and rescues always need support. You can walk dogs, assist with transports, clean kennels, or help at adoption events.

• Dog Walking or Pet Sitting: Consider caring for dogs while their owners are working or traveling. It's a flexible way to be around dogs while earning extra income.

Final Thoughts

Adopting a dog is a life-changing decision. With proper consideration and preparation, it can be one of the best choices you ever make.

If found yourself nodding as you read these seven signs, you might be ready to welcome a new best friend! And if not? That’s ok! There are still ways to love dogs without adopting one right now.

Sources

1. Addison, T. (2024, October 28). The Cost of Owning a Dog: Annual and Lifetime Costs. Retrieved from https://www.marketwatch.com/insurance-services/pet-insurance/cost-of-owning-a-dog/