Getting a dog is one of the most exciting decisions you can make. It is also one of the most underestimated.
Whether you are adopting a rescue dog or buying a puppy, the reality is the same.
You are bringing another living being into your life who will rely on you every single day.
This checklist is not here to push you toward getting a dog. It is here to help you decide if now is the right time.
No guilt. No pressure. Just honesty.
First, Let’s Reframe “Ready”
Being ready for a dog does not mean:
- Having a perfect routine
- Owning a big house
- Working from home full-time
- Being an expert trainer
It does mean:
- You’ve thought beyond the Instagram version
- You’re open to adjusting your life
- You’re prepared for uncertainty
With that in mind, let’s begin.
The Honest Dog Ownership Readiness Checklist
1. I want a dog, not just the lifestyle that comes with one
Ask yourself:
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Do I want companionship even on inconvenient days?
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Am I okay with early mornings, bad weather walks, and changing plans?
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Would I still want a dog if no one else ever saw them?
Dogs are not accessories or phases.
They are daily companions.
2. I am financially prepared for the real costs
Dogs are not a one-time expense.
Beyond the initial cost of adoption or purchase, can you cover:
- Vet visits, both routine and unexpected
- Food, flea and worming, preventative care
- Training or behaviour support if needed
- Boarding or pet sitting when you travel
If an unexpected vet bill would cause serious stress, it may be worth waiting and building a buffer first.
3. I have consistent time, even if my schedule is busy
You do not need unlimited free time.
You do need reliability.
Ask yourself:
- Can I commit to daily walks and interaction?
- Do I have time to help a dog learn routines and feel secure?
- If my schedule changes, do I have a backup plan?
Dogs thrive on consistency far more than perfection.
4. I am emotionally ready for an adjustment period
This applies to puppies and adult dogs alike.
In the first weeks or months, you may fee overwhelmed, tired, anxious and like you have made a mistake.
This does not mean you are failing. It means you are adjusting, and is COMPLETELY NORMAL!
Ask yourself:
- Can I sit with discomfort without panicking?
- Am I open to learning as I go?
- Can I give myself and my dog time to settle?
Bonding is built, it is not instant.
5. I am prepared for training, patience, and setbacks
All dogs need guidance.
That might look like:
- Toilet training accidents
- Chewing, barking, or jumping
- Fear, overstimulation, or frustration
- Needing professional training support
Ask yourself:
- Can I respond with patience rather than anger?
- Am I willing to ask for help if needed?
- Can I adjust my expectations when progress is slow?
Dogs are learning a human world from scratch.
6. My living situation genuinely supports having a dog
This is about suitability, not size.
Consider:
- Are dogs allowed where I live now and long term?
- Is there access to safe walking areas and enrichment?
- Am I prepared to manage noise, neighbours, and shared spaces?
Many dogs live happy lives in apartments when their needs are met.
7. I have thought beyond the next year
Dogs are long-term companions.
Think about:
- Career changes
- Travel plans
- Moving cities or countries
- Family changes
You do not need every answer, but you do need to recognise that your dog comes with you - your life needs to revolve around theirs as much as their life revolves around you.
8. I am choosing a dog for the right reasons
Getting a dog is not:
- A solution to loneliness
- A way to fix instability
- A spontaneous decision after a tough week
It is:
- A commitment to another life
- A relationship that grows over time
- A responsibility that shapes your daily routine
Motivation matters more than method.
Not quite ready yet?
That doesn't mean you should never get a dog. It means you are already being a responsible dog owner.
Waiting until the timing is right is one of the most responsible choices you can make.
In the meantime, you can still:
- Spend time with friends’ dogs
- Foster short term if suitable
- Volunteer with animals
- Learn about training and behaviour
- Prepare financially and practically
Dogs will still be there when you are ready.
If you are ready...
You may not be perfectly prepared, but fi you're confident you are in the right position to share your home with a dog for the next 10-15 years, then congratulations, it sounds like a good time! ogs do not need perfect homes.
They need committed, patient ones.
Whether you choose a puppy or an adult dog, adoption or breeder, the most important thing is readiness. A thoughtful yes is far more powerful than a rushed one. And whatever you decide, choosing with honesty is something to be proud of. If you do welcome a dog into your life, Toro & Friends will be right here to support you every step of the way.