Adopting a dog is a big commitment and you need to really think about if you are ready before you start shopping for your new pet. Not only will a dog take up quite a bit of your time but there is a significant financial commitment as well. Heres some things to consider before adopting a dog.

Do You Have Room For A Dog?

Some dogs need more space than others but all dogs need an area for a bed and maybe even a crate. If you are contemplating a big dog, you might need a fenced in yard or a dog run so he can get enough exercise. Of course, you wont want your dog to be outside all the time so you need to make sure you have plenty of space inside for your new pet too.

Do You Have Time In Your Schedule For A Dog?

You need to think about how much you are home and when you will be able to let your dog out to do his business or simply to take him for a walk. Aside from daily exercise and feeding, your dog also wants to spend time with you. If you are prone to working late nights and frequent business trips your this could be a problem and your dog could develop some bad habits due to loneliness. Its not fair to get a dog if you wont be around for him.

Can Your Family Handle A Dog?

Do you have small children or plan on having them in the near future? Some dogs are not really good with kids so you need to research the type of dog you want carefully. Some smaller dogs are quite fragile and can get hurt easily by well meaning children who are a bit rough and dont understand about dogs that are small. Make sure you will be able to supervise if your dog will be around kids.

Are You Ready For The Expense Of A Dog?

Depending on the type of dog you want, you can get one pretty inexpensively at the animal shelter. If you want a purebred dog, it can cost you over $1000 depending on the breed you prefer. But there are many more expenses to dog ownership aside from the initial expense of the dog. One important expense is to make sure your dog gets the proper veterinary care including checkups, shots, neutering or spaying, flea and tick control, and dental care. Hopefully you will not have to spring for any surgery or emergency vet care but you should be prepared in case you do.

Another big expense is food. Depending on how much your dog eats, food can be a bit expensive because, of course, you want to feed him a good quality food. Additional expenses include:

- Food and water dish
- Collar or harness and leash
- Dog ID tag with owner information
- Dog bed
- Grooming supplies
- Toys and treats
- A good quality crate that is roomy enough for your dog to move around in and comfortable for sleeping
- You should keep your dog inside, but if you cant a solid windproof and waterproof dog house is a must.
- Dog clothing such as sweaters, booties, rain coats