Is a dog right for me?

Owning a dog is a long-term commitment.

If you are thinking of getting a dog as a pet, firstly consider if your home and family lifestyle are suited to keeping a dog for its lifetime.

There are three key questions to ask yourself.

Is my home right for a dog?

First determine if your living conditions are suitable for a dog

If living in rental accommodation, landlord permission must be sought

Some local authorities do not permit tenants to keep dogs of certain breeds, which might include dogs listed under the Control of Dogs Regulations for example

Is my, and my family’s, lifestyle suited to caring for a dog?

• Are all family members in agreement with having a dog?
• What type of dog will suit your lifestyle?
• Have you time each day to care for, interact with, and exercise your dog
• Will commitments, such as a baby or new job, impact your caring for a dog
• Who will look after your dog when you are away from home

Do I have the financial resources to cover expenses?

In addition to household expenses such as dog food, bedding and accessories, you may need to budget for a dog licence, microchipping, veterinary care, vaccination, neutering, grooming, dog training and boarding fees.