Getting a dog for your family home is a big responsibility, making it vital to know whether your daily schedule can match your soon-to-be pet's need for attention, care, and time. You must also determine whether your budget is up for the dog's ongoing food, health, and medical expenses, and research the most appropriate breeds for everyone's safety (your family and the dog's).
If you understand household pet safety, you can make more informed decisions when choosing dog breeds, lowering the risk of behavioral and safety problems. It's also key to preventing you from contributing to the growing issue of unplanned surrenders to shelters.
According to Newsweek, in 2025 alone, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered animal shelters in the U.S.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Dog?
Having a dog, or any other pet for that matter, brings many potential physical, mental, and social benefits to people. They provide companionship, a fundamental human need.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) even published an article explaining at least 10 science-backed benefits of having a dog, some of which include the following:
- Making people feel less alone and reducing loneliness
- Supporting heart health, with research concluding the bond between humans and dogs lowers stress
- Offering comfort and easing worries
- Helping humans recover psychologically from crises
- Encouraging humans to move more, with previous research finding that dog owners are far more likely to meet daily physical activity guidelines than non-owners
What Are the Downsides of Getting a Dog?
Getting a dog comes with many responsibilities that owners can find to be both joyous and challenging and requires a long-term, 10- to 20-year commitment.
Some people, for example, may perceive the high costs of veterinary care as a drawback to having a dog. An article posted on Yahoo Finance and originally published by Fortune noted that a pet emergency can cost $8,000. It further pointed out that nearly four in ten (38%) pet owners have to take on debt to cover an emergency vet visit.
Perhaps a much bigger downside to getting a dog is their shorter lifespan. You'd have to commit and prepare yourself to make heart-wrenching end-of-life decisions and face intense emotional grief from the loss of a dog after only 10 to 15 years.
What Should You Know Before Getting a Dog for Your Family Home?
Determining schedules and ensuring they align with a dog's needs are all critical family pet preparation steps you need to know before getting a dog. Equally crucial is to confirm your household budget can accommodate your future pet's needs (and wants).
Make sure all household members are also on board, ready to contribute, whether you decide to adopt a surrendered Labrador or take one of these Shepherd Kingdom German Shepherd puppies for sale home with you.
Humans' Daily Schedules
One of the most crucial soon-to-be new pet owner tips is ensuring your furry family member gets all the necessary care, attention, and stimulation it needs. Specific examples include:
- Physical care and nutrition (grooming, feeding, drinking, and veterinary visits)
- Daily exercise (walks, agility exercises, and playtime with humans)
- Stimulation (puzzle toys, training, and scent games)
- Social interaction (quality time with humans like cuddling and petting, playing with other friendly and well-behaved dogs, and going on outings to experience new sights and smells)
- Additional puppy care basics (potty training, socialization, sleep training, obedience commands, and leash manners)
Now that you know more about dogs' basic needs, you can determine whether you indeed have the time to welcome and bring up a dog as a family member.
Household Budgets
Another piece of information you need to know before getting a dog is whether your household budget can accommodate the costs of owning one. You have to prepare for significant expenses and, ideally, have a separate family pet savings account or emergency fund.
A recent article by USA Today noted the average annual cost of dog ownership is around $2,932 or $35,184 over a 12-year lifetime. It doesn't include initial vet visits, training costs, medical expenses, and other unexpected expenditures.
Appropriate Dog Breeds
Familiarizing yourself with different dog breeds can help you choose the most appropriate one for your family.
Some dogs are high-energy and require lots of active time. Others, however, have temperaments better suited for calmer living and gentle companionship for younger children and older adults.
Examples of high-energy dogs suitable for highly active owners and families are:
- Border Collies
- Australian and German Shepherds
- Labrador Retrievers
If you have a lower-energy household but still dream of having a dog, consider a breed like the Basset Hound or Greyhound. They still require regular attention, affection, and exercise, but they're chill and calm, having fewer physical activity requirements than Collies and Shepherds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need Insurance When Getting a Dog?
Pet insurance isn't a legal requirement to own a dog. You should still consider purchasing it, however, if you plan on getting one, as it can help offset the high cost of emergency or unplanned veterinary care and emergency medical services.
As for your homeowner's insurance policy, it should cover your new furry family member under its personal liability portion. You must, however, inform your insurer first, as some companies have restrictions on dog breeds or types.
Are There Dog Breeds Less Susceptible to Separation Anxiety?
Yes. Some specific dog breeds can be less susceptible to separation anxiety because they're more independent and self-reliant.
Greyhounds and Basset Hounds are good examples. They often love to sleep and can handle being alone very well. They're usually laid-back and are not prone to panicking when left alone.
Shiba Inus, famous for their cat-like personalities, are another dog breed that can be less prone to separation anxiety than clingier companion breeds. They're highly confident, independent, and self-reliant. They're usually okay playing on their own and rarely demand constant attention.
Getting a Dog Is Life-Changing and a Huge Responsibility
Getting a dog, for many people, is like welcoming a new family member, as they require love, attention, care, and food. You should, therefore, always remember that having a dog is a huge, life-changing, joyous, and challenging responsibility.
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