Major Red Flags That Show You're Not Ready To Adopt A Dog Yet

Caring for a dog can bring you joy, companionship, and a healthier lifestyle, but if you can't provide the best life for a dog, you probably shouldn't fall for the temptation to get one. After all, dogs are long-term commitments, not quick solutions to problems or spur-of-the-moment decisions. They require your money, time, and energy, and if you're not in a position to offer all three, you might not be ready to adopt one.

Choosing to ignore major red flags that show you're not ready to adopt a dog yet could put pressure on you, cause conflict between you and your housemates, and potentially end with your dog in a shelter or re-homed. Sadly, it can be very traumatic for a dog to change owners or environments, and it can lead to behavioral and health problems, such as separation anxiety and depression. Before bringing a new dog into your home, consider whether you can financially support it, are willing to adjust your lifestyle to accommodate it, and have spent enough time researching the breed you want. With that said, let's take a deeper look into some more major red flags that can help you with your life-changing decision.

If you're between jobs, in an unstable job, or barely covering your expenses, getting a dog might not be a good idea. According to the ASPCA, the basic annual cost of owning a dog in 2021 was $1,391, but with inflation, that figure is likely higher. Some annual costs include high-quality dog food and treats, toys, wellness visits, and pet insurance.

Unfortunately, that annual figure doesn't include one-time costs, such as a crate, a carrier, grooming tools, spaying or neutering, and getting your dog microchipped. These initial costs alone added up to $1,030 in 2021, per the ASPCA, but, again, are likely higher now. What's more, your dog's breed can influence your annual costs, as larger dogs tend to eat more, have more hair to groom, and can even cost more to insure.

Before you adopt a dog, you need to look into pet insurance or building an emergency fund. Accidents and illnesses pop up when you least expect them, and it's your responsibility to get your dog veterinary care. Paying out of pocket or going into debt when an emergency strikes can put you in an even worse financial position, inevitably affecting your dog. Should you get pet insurance as well or only build an emergency fund? Well, that's up to you. Most policies cover accidents, but they don't always cover things like wellness visits, neutering, and dental, so you may still need to pay in. If you have the discipline to put money away each month, an emergency fund is never a bad idea, even if you have insurance.

Most people don't know exactly what life will look like in five years, but we have an idea. However, if you're moving abroad, starting college, or getting married is in your near future, now might not be the time to get a dog. Dogs usually live for over 10 years, so if you can't say for certain that you'll be able to take your dog along with you through all of your upcoming life changes, you should probably wait until you're more settled in life.

Moreover, if your lease is coming to an end and you need to move in the next few months, wait to get a dog until you've found your new place. Having a dog limits your rental options, as some places aren't pet-friendly, don't have a fenced-in yard, or have breed restrictions or weight limits. Moving with a dog is often more expensive and stressful, too, and some dogs don't adjust well to changes of environments. By waiting to get a dog, you won't make any rushed decisions that you may regret later, and you'll have time to create a space where it can feel safe and comfortable. It also allows you and your dog to slowly work through the adjustment period, which is a great way to introduce your dog to a new home.

The hardest part of loving a dog is that you'll likely outlive it. The mourning process can look different for everyone, and there's no strict time period for how long you can or should grieve. If you want to adopt another dog after losing a pet, make sure to do it when you feel ready. Adopting a new dog to avoid feelings of grief can hinder the grieving process and set you back. Adopting another dog before your heart has healed may also cause you to struggle to bond with your new dog because you can't help but compare it to your previous one. People around you might even tell you to adopt a new dog to heal, but you need to know yourself and what you can handle.

Remember, no two dogs are alike, even within the same breed, so appreciate what made your last dog so special and learn to love what makes your new dog unique. If you're unsure whether you're ready to add new responsibilities to your life by adopting a new dog, try volunteering at an animal shelter and spending some time around other dogs before making the big decision.

When you adopt a dog, you have to restructure your day to spend time with it. You can leave a dog home alone for around six hours; however, depending on the dog's emotional needs, environment, and lifestyle, some shouldn't be alone for longer than four hours, while others can manage up to eight. If you have long, demanding work hours, you won't be able to give your dog the play, exercise, and bonding it needs. If a dog is alone and bored or has pent-up energy because it's not exercising enough, behavioral issues can develop, which can cause further problems down the road if you don't have the time to deal with them when they appear.

Asking for help or utilizing care services are solid options, though they can become costly and probably shouldn't be your only options. Consider taking your dog to doggy daycare while you're at work or organizing a dog sitter to spend time with your dog when you're unable to. Remember, too, that you should be home for a few days after you welcome a new dog to your home to help it adjust and settle in. As such, finalizing your adoption before the weekend or other break from work is ideal.

If you suffer from allergies, it's possible for you to adopt and live with a dog, but you'll need to see a doctor and do allergy testing to understand your specific allergies better. Some people have mild allergic reactions to dog dander or saliva, while others have severe reactions. If your allergies are severe, it may never be a good time to adopt a dog because it's too dangerous to your health.

For people with mild allergies, hypoallergenic dog breeds may be better options, so research the breeds you're interested in to ensure they suit your lifestyle. Your doctor may also recommend medication to help you manage your allergies with a dog. Moreover, you can actively work to reduce allergens around your home, including by buying air purifiers.

To ensure you're compatible with the breed you're interested in, spend time at a breed-specific rescue shelter or see if your all-breeds shelter has any dogs of the breed you're looking for. After all, the last thing anyone wants is for their new dog to have to be re-homed. Sadly, too many people realize that they're unable to manage their allergies with dogs too late and end up sending them back to their shelters.

The truth about dogs is that they take time and effort to become house-trained, learn commands, and outgrow chewing and other undesired behaviors. Even when dogs become familiar with certain commands and training, you may need to reinforce them every now and then. It's okay to feel upset if your dog chewed up your favorite shoes or ask for help from a dog trainer if you don't see improvements in your dog's behavior, but you should never take your negative feelings out on your canine.

If dealing with disappointment and frustration isn't easy for you or you lash out when angry, you need to take time to work on yourself before getting a dog. When feelings of anger toward your dog begin to swell, be cognizant of what you're feeling, move on, and switch up how you think about what happened. Focusing on your breathing can also help you work through your emotions in a healthier way. However, shouting at a dog when you're angry will only make it fearful and damage the beautiful bond your dog shares with you.

Dogs are cute, but you shouldn't adopt a dog based on looks alone. Never start the adoption process until you've researched the breed's energy level and size, whether they shed and drool a lot, and what their temperament is like. If you're adopting a mixed breed from a shelter, you may not be able to get as much information on the dog, but you can still ask the volunteers about the dog's temperament, exercise needs, history, and expected size as an adult.

Moreover, look for breeds that suit your lifestyle. If you live in an apartment, a smaller breed that doesn't bark much might be better, but if you enjoy running and hiking, an energetic dog might be a great companion. Think about long-term factors, too. If you plan on having children in the next few years, make sure the dog you adopt is well-socialized and does well with children. Some breeds have a tendency to herd and nip at small children or are so large and sturdy that they accidentally knock kids over, so these are solid factors to keep in mind.

Welcoming a dog into your home means making lifestyle adjustments and prioritizing it. You'll need to set time out of your busy day to exercise it, even when you're not in the mood, and you'll potentially need to wake up during the night to let it out to potty, even when you're sick. It also means changing your home around, packing away dangerous or expensive items, and creating dog-safe zones. If you're unwilling to do these things for your dog, you're not ready for one.

Another big adjustment that many people overlook is their smoking habit. Smoking tobacco or marijuana can have negative effects on a dog's health, including inducing breathing problems, cancer, heart issues, and allergies. Your dog doesn't even have to be around while you smoke for it to impact it negatively, as nicotine sticks to surfaces. If your dog comes into contact with those surfaces, it may be affected by thirdhand smoke. 

Never surprise someone with a dog, even if it's your partner, roommate, or parents. You need to inform everyone you live with that you want to adopt a dog, and if they're on the same page as you, go ahead. However, people may not want a dog because they're allergic, afraid of dogs, don't want to deal with noise or mess, or don't feel ready to take on the extra responsibility. Not wanting a dog doesn't make your housemates bad people, so kindly discuss your points for getting a dog and listen to their concerns. If you can't reach an agreement, now may not be the right time to get a dog.

Surprising your family with a dog or getting a dog when your housemates don't want one may create tension and cause potential conflict in the home. It's also unfair to bring the dog into an environment where it's not prioritized. Unhappy housemates may ask you to move out or re-home the dog, turning your life upside down.

There's nothing wrong with being a little disorganized, but if you can't keep a light schedule or remember to accomplish important tasks, you're not ready for a dog. Dogs do particularly well with routines, and although you don't have to be rigid about it, consistency is important. For example, stick to taking them for walks before work every day and spending time playing together before dinner. You also don't have to feed them strictly at 5 a.m. every day, but get to it as soon as you wake up because they'll be looking forward to it.

What's more, taking your dog for regular vet checkups and vaccinations is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. Puppies should generally go to the vet once a month, but as they get older, this need is less frequent. Adults should have an annual wellness check, and senior dogs go twice a year. Serious symptoms you shouldn't ignore in your dog may pop up occasionally, which will warrant another visit to the vet. Forgetting about these appointments puts your dog at risk of developing gum disease, itching, skin infections, internal parasites, and other health problems that can be avoided.

If travel is your passion in life, a dog may not be a good option for you. Traveling with a dog is possible, but it takes thorough planning, is expensive, and can be difficult, as many hotels aren't dog-friendly, leaving you with limited options. It's also costly to leave your dog behind, as you'll still need to pay a dog sitter to feed, care for, and look after your pup while you travel.

Kennels are another option, but sometimes they're full, and your dog may feel anxious being away from their environment. If you have a strong support system near you, you can ask them to stay with your dog while you're away. This might be the best option because it'll likely be more affordable (or free if you're lucky), and your dog will feel comfortable because it will already know the friend or family member staying with it. Basically, you can't just pack up and leave whenever a new adventure comes your way, which is something you need to consider if you want to get a dog.

Dogs are messy, and unless you clean up after them regularly, you're going to live with a bit of mess and smell. They can't groom themselves or brush their teeth, so you'll have to do it for them (or take them to a groomer if you don't have the time or energy). Most dogs have some level of shedding, but regularly brushing them can reduce it.

Bathing your dog when necessary will also reduce shedding and dirt around your home. However, if your dog smells bad even after you've taken steps to freshen them up, book an appointment with your vet because there could be an underlying health issue. One thing you won't have much control over is drool. Although brushing your dog's teeth will freshen up their breath, drool is something you'll have to accept. If you can't, avoid dog breeds that have a tendency to drool excessively.

Another thing many new dog owners forget about is dog toys. They're excellent for mental stimulation, dental health, and exercise, but your dog will drop them everywhere, meaning you'll need to continuously pick them up or dodge them as you walk from one area of your home to another. Ultimately, if mess and smells aren't something you can tolerate to some degree, a dog might not be right for you.

Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search the American Animal Hospital Association's online database.