9 Signs You Are Ready to Be a Dog Parent

Being a dog-parent isn’t as easy as it looks. It’s a lot more than just playing with your dog and showing him/her off.

Adopting a dog is a full-time responsibility that requires you to take complete care of every single need of your furry friend.

It’s almost like look after  a child. If you’re wondering how to know whether you’re ready or not to be a dog parent, here are 9 signs that will help you find out!

1. You Have Time on Your Hands

The first thing to consider when you’re getting a dog is whether or not you have that extra time to look after them. Getting a dog is a huge responsibility and will require more time than you think.

From taking them on walks everyday to feeding them their meals and giving them constant love and attention, dogs can be demanding creatures. Remember, dogs are social animals so you can’t just leave them on their own, you will have to play with them and spend adequate time with them.  If you already have that extra time on your hands then it means you are ready to be a dog mama.

2. You Can Afford It

Keeping a dog is more expensive than you think. It is almost like raising a child; you have to pay for its food, toys, grooming, vet bills etc. Don’t underestimate the costs! If you feel like you are making sufficient money to support yourself and a dog then go for it! We would recommend that you sit down and calculate your finances before making any decisions.

3. Your House is Dog-proof

Just like you need to baby proof your house, dog-proofing is a real thing too. If you’re ready to put all the fancy stuff away along with your valuables and anything that the dog could possibly chew on, chances are that you are ready. Make sure to cover wires and outlets and anything else that could harm the dog.

Use gates where necessary. Even if you are bringing on an adult dog you still need to dog-proof to an extent. If you have delicate pieces around the house and are deeply considered about your furniture and belongings you may not be ready to be a dog-parent just yet.

4. You’ve Done your Research

Just like with anything else, you need to do your homework. If you have done your research and are well versed in everything dog-related then you are ready to be a dog-parent! It is integral that you do tons of research before bringing the dog home. Read books, articles, blogs and talk to people who have dogs.

Make sure that the information isn’t outdated and that you have read all the current stuff. There’s no such thing as too much research, so the more research you do the more prepared you are for your little one.

5. It’s Been on Your Mind for a Long Time

If being a dog parent is something that you have been thinking about for a long time then you are probably ready for it. When we truly want something we do our best to take care of it. It’s a huge responsibility and something that should not be done on an impulse.

You need to think about it seriously and thoroughly before going through with it. If its something that you have been wanting for a long time and it’s not just a phase then go ahead with it! If the thought comes into your mind, wait to see if it persists for a while and if it does then you’re most likely ready for it!

6. You’re Ready to Deal With the Not-So-Pretty Side of It

Having a dog isn’t all-glamorous as it may seem. Even though they are cute creatures there’s a not so cute side of them too. This includes their poop, puke, other gross fluids, etc. You will have to deal with all of this on a regular basis if you decide to become a dog parent.

You have to be prepared for the worst; if your dog is more mischievous then you could end up dealing with a lot more. If you find yourself prepared for it and the thought of touching it or cleaning it doesn’t freak you out, then you are ready and can go get yourself a cute little dog!

7. You’ve Found a Vet

Being a dog-parent includes having their medical needs sorted. You need to be prepared for all kinds of situations. If you’ve thought of everything and found a vet for your dog then it means that you are ready to be a dog parent. Look for one online or ask around to get the perfect one. This will ensure that you don’t go mad finding one at the last minute just incase something happens to your dog.

8. You Have Outdoor Space for Them

Most dogs need enough outdoor space to let themselves be free. If you have arranged some kind of outdoor space for them where you can take them daily then it means that you are ready to parent them. The space doesn’t have to be too big but normal-sized and enough for them to be able to move around in and let loose.

9. You Have an Urge to Parent

If you’re getting a sudden urge to nurture then chances are that you are ready to be a dog-parent. You can only really be a good one if you want to do it whole-heartedly, so if you’re feeling the nurturing vibe then you’ll probably be great at it so go for it!

If you find yourself resonating with these 9 signs, you are most likely ready to be a dog-parent. Remember the key is not to rush into it and to carefully think about it from before.


by Maria A Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™

Facts About Animal Homelessness:

  1. Only 1 out of every 10 dogs born will find a permanent home.
  2. The main reasons animals are in shelters: owners give them up, or animal control finds them on the street.
  3. Each year, approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed every year because shelters are too full and there aren’t enough adoptive homes. Act as a publicist for your local shelter so pets can find homes. Sign up for Shelter Pet PR.
  4. Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats.
  5. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2% of cats and only 15 to 20% of dogs are returned to their owners.
  6. 25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.
  7. About twice as many animals enter shelters as strays compared to the number that are relinquished by their owners.
  8. It’s impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States. Estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.
  9. Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. Overpopulation, due to owners letting their pets accidentally or intentionally reproduce, sees millions of these “excess” animals killed annually.
  10. Many strays are lost pets that were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification.
  11. According to The Humane Society, there are about 3,500 brick-and-mortar animal shelters in the US and 10,000 rescue groups and animal sanctuaries in North America.

Here are a some adoptions for consideration:  puccicafe.com/adoptions