Choosing the Right Pet for Your Home & Lifestyle

Getting a dog is a fun and exciting new addition to your life. Deciding you want a dog is pretty easy. They're cute and cuddly, loving and fun, what more is there to know? When it comes to choosing the dog you're going to take it home; it's not always so easy. Taking the time to select the right dog for you is the best decision you can make for you and him. It's essential to review lifestyle, needs, and home to ensure you select the right pet. Here are some basic but probing questions to ask yourself before you head over to the local animal shelter.

Have you cared for a dog before?

If you’re new to dog ownership you might not be considering, all the factors that go into your dog's care. Take a few moments to do a little research and reading about pet ownership and care to get a clear understanding of the commitment you'll be making. A dog will require your time and attention and will affect scheduling and traveling in your life. If you previously owned a dog think back to that time and what was needed from you to care for it. You might even already have a dog, or two. Consider if you have enough to give an additional animal the care they need. 

How much free time do you have to devote to your pet? 

Examine your lifestyle and determine how much time you can devote to your dog. If you can't find enough time in your schedule to walk your dog or play with your new pet multiple hours a day, you should avoid adopting a high energy breed. On the other hand, you might love taking walks and already lead an active outdoor life so adding an active dog to your lifestyle fits nicely. If your schedule doesn't permit enough time to do a lot of training with your pet, you might not be ready at this time to adopt a difficult rescue dog or potty train a brand-new pup. Consider adopting a young (3-6mo old) female dog in a small to medium-sized breed. You might find a long-haired Border Collie or Palmerian beautiful, but do you have enough time to manage all that hair? Your pet should be a positive, comforting and fun addition to your life and each dog requires a different commitment to the next. Whether it’s time spent playing and wearing the dog out, brushing hair or rehabilitating a traumatized animal find a dog that is the right commitment for you. 

Does your home have a yard?

How much space in your home do you have for a dog? You might have a huge yard that is just perfect for a large active dog. The same dog might not be so happy in your downtown studio apartment. Especially if your available time for walks and play is limited (see above). Read about the different breeds of dogs you’re considering or have noted as cute and learn what space requirements they have, outdoor and indoor. If your dog is going to be an indoor pet consider how much space you have inside for them, a small dog can run around and play indoors much better than a large breed. Finally, make a note of any changes you need to make to make your home pet-friendly — furniture arrangements, breakables, expensive rugs, etc. 

Do you have children? 

What are their dispositions and ability to pitch in and help?If you have children, you’ll need to consider their contribution to and experience of the dog's life as well. What are their ages, interest level and ability to help care for the animal? Find a pup that your kids can play with and help train and teach them how to take care of a pet of their own properly. 

What amount from your budget can you invest in your dog?

Finally, consider what amount of money you can afford to put into the dog's care. Larger breeds eat more food and will affect your monthly budget. If you need to groom and board your dog frequently for work travel or take them to doggie care daily run the numbers on possible costs to make sure, you’ll be able to sustain your commitment to your animal. 

If owning a dog indeed is important to you make it a priority during your next home search so you can find the right space for you and your future best friend.