Puppies are cute and furry, but require a lot more time, attention, and money than you may think. It would not be fair to you or your puppy to bring him home when you are not truly ready for, or committed to, caring for him. Asking yourself a few questions—and answering them honestly—will help you determine if you are ready to take on the responsibility of adopting a puppy.Do I have the time groom
, train, and exercise my puppy?
]1]Puppies are very time-intensive—although some breeds are more laid back than others, you will need to devote a lot of time to properly caring for your puppy. If you have a busy schedule or are out of town a lot, you may need to reconsider if you will be able to make time to take care of a puppy.Am I financially able to cover the costs of caring for a puppy?[2] There’s no getting around the fact that puppies are expensive. Think about if you are ready to pay for all of the necessities (food, collar, toys, bedding, etc.) plus regular and unexpected veterinary visits.[3]Is anyone at my house allergic to dogs?[4] If you do not live alone, you should consider whether anyone else who lives with you is allergic to dogs or pet dander in general.
