Many who choose to bring a new dog into their lives consider it one of the best decisions they’ve ever made for their happiness, health, and quality of life. But dog ownership isn’t a one-off decision that’s to be taken lightly; it comes with significant responsibilities that require careful preparation and commitment.

The fact of the matter is, dogs are completely reliant on their owners for their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Before you decide to bring a puppy or an adult dog home, you’ll want to assess whether you’re truly ready for the challenges and rewards of pet ownership.

Use this checklist to figure out if you’re ready for the many responsibilities that you’ll take care of in the future as a dog owner:

1) You Understand the Commitment of Dog Ownership

First off, owning a dog is a long-term commitment that can last 10 to 15 years or more, depending on the breed. Keep in mind that throughout your dog’s lifetime, you’ll be responsible for their daily care, health, and happiness. This includes providing them with sufficient food, exercise, medical attention, and companionship.

Beyond time and energy, owning a dog requires a significant financial commitment on your part. Costs from regular veterinary check-ups, unforeseen medical emergencies, pet-sitting, and pet-friendly accommodations when you travel together may all add up if you’re not conscious of them. If you’re looking to bring a new dog into your life, you’ll want to be in the most stable position possible so that you can promise them consistent care throughout their lifetime.

2) Your Lifestyle Accommodates a Dog

A dog’s needs must also closely align with your lifestyle. If you work long hours or travel frequently, carefully consider whether you’ll have the time to meet your dog’s requirements for walks, play, and human interaction. Some breeds demand more activity and attention than others, and it’s best to do some research to find which type of dog matches your daily routine.

A naturally athletic person, for example, would likely be the perfect companion to a high-energy breed; if you fall under that umbrella, you and your pooch could spend many days on runs together, and you could even outfit them with custom dog jerseys to match your favorite athletic apparel.

Living arrangements are another key consideration. While many dogs can adapt to apartment living, others would do best in homes with spacious yards. If you rent, ensure your landlord permits pets and that the space is safe and suitable for the type of dog you intend to care for.

3) You’re Prepared for Your Dog’s Health and Nutrition Needs

Dogs also have special dietary needs that you won’t be able to meet with just your table food. Look into the nutritional requirements of different dogs and choose high-quality food that supports your pup’s age, size, and activity level.

Puppies, for instance, require specific nutrients to support their growth, while senior dogs may need specialized diets. Regardless, it’s also important for you to be wary of what you feed your dog, since some food items can be harmful (or even toxic) to dogs.

Apart from nutrition, regular veterinary care will be a constant need for your dog. You’ll want to take them to their routine checkups, stay on top of their vaccination schedules, and get them spayed or neutered. Don’t forget to plan for unexpected health issues, as emergency vet visits will be inevitable down the line.

4) You’re Ready to Handle Grooming and Hygiene

Grooming and hygiene aren’t just a matter of vanity for a dog. They require both to stay in the pink of health. Depending on the breed, their routine might include brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and regular baths. Some breeds, like poodles, need professional grooming, while others, like beagles or dachshunds, have minimal grooming requirements.

Caring for a dog also comes with the duty of keeping shared spaces clean and hygienic. Be prepared to clean up after your dog, both indoors and outdoors, and to manage shedding or messes, especially during their training phases.

5) You’ve Prepared Your Home for a Dog

It can be stressful for any dog to adapt to a new environment. Long before you introduce them into your household, you’ll want to create a dog-friendly space for them with essentials like a bed, food and water bowls, and a playpen for security. Pet-proof your home by removing hazards such as toxic plants, chemicals, or small items that your dog could accidentally swallow.

Beyond these essentials, toys and accessories also play a big role in keeping your dog mentally stimulated and happy. Invest in durable chew toys, puzzle feeders, and interactive games to prevent boredom and promote healthy behaviors.

6) You’re Ready to Train and Socialize a Dog

You should also be ready to take charge of training your new dog or puppy to establish proper boundaries and ensure their safety. Positive reinforcement techniques work best to encourage desired behaviors while building trust with your dog.

Remember, too, that being a responsible pet owner doesn’t just entail preserving your safety and that of your dog; it also requires keeping your dog’s behavior in check so that they don’t cause others harm. Being proactive about their training is the considerate thing to do not just for yourself, your dog, and your household, but your community at large.

Socialization is equally important, especially for puppies. Make the effort to expose your dog to new people, environments, and other animals so that they can grow into a well-adjusted companion. You want to enroll them in obedience classes or work with a professional trainer to support this process.

7) You’re Emotionally Ready for the Journey

Owning a dog is an emotional commitment as much as it is a practical one. Dogs are naturally pretty good at sensing their owners’ moods and energy. Be prepared to offer maximum patience and understanding, especially during challenging times such as the first few weeks of house training.

The emotional rewards of dog ownership are immense, just so long as you’re honest with yourself about your ability to handle the highs and lows of being a pet parent. Decide whether it’s for you knowing that there could be as many difficult moments as happy ones.

Again, beyond the joys and rewards, your awareness of the responsibility, costs, and emotional readiness that all come with owning a dog should be at the fore. If you feel confident and ready based on what you’ve learned above, it may be the right time to welcome a new pup and raise them with all the love and attention they deserve.