Getting a dog is not something you can do on a whim. A dog is a major responsibility, and you first must ensure that you have the time, resources and knowledge to properly care for the animal before bringing it home.

Dogs require love, certain basic necessities, and patience, and if you can’t provide it all, it’s best that you don’t get a dog. Instead of making a poor decision, the following are five questions you must answer before getting a dog.

Can I afford taking care of a dog?

Adding a dog to your family will be an added expense, and most people don’t realize just how much owning a dog will cost. Not only do you have the initial fee of buying or adopting the animal, but you will also have to buy all of the dog’s necessities, such as bowls, toys, collars, ID tags, leashes, etc. Plus, along with the items you’ll need right away, you also have to consider your regular expenses, such as vet bills, food, and preventative medications. You also want to make sure you have enough money on hand to care for your dog in case of emergencies. Before you go out and adopt or buy a dog, it’s very important that you determine if your budget can afford one.

Should I buy a dog from a shelter or a breeder?

While most people will likely push you to adopt an animal from a shelter, the choice is ultimately up to you. Buying a dog from a breeder will allow you to receive a specific breed of dog, but you need to be careful. Too many breeders today are associated with puppy mills, and you may end up spending a fortune on a dog that ends up being extremely sick or even dying shortly after you bring it home.

Adopting a dog from a shelter will allow you to give a dog a second chance at life, but there’s no guarantee that you will find the exact breed you’re looking for. Plus, puppies at animal shelters tend to be adopted quickly, so you will usually be limited to choosing from older dogs. While you may not want an older dog, remember that older dogs are usually already trained, so you don’t have to deal with housebreaking or chewing. Dogs an animal shelters are also usually monitored, so you’ll be able to know right away if the dog is good with other animals or children before bringing it home.

Should I buy an adult dog or a puppy?

As mentioned above, many people love the cuteness of puppies, which is why they tend to want to get a puppy. While puppies are cute, they are a lot of work, so if you don’t have a great deal of time to deal with training or don’t think you can handle the constant accidents, chewing and whining, then a puppy may not be the right choice.

Older dogs are usually already trained and set in their ways, so you won’t have to spend as much time training the animal or getting to know its habits.

Do I have time for a dog?

Dogs need you in order to survive, so you need to make sure you have the time to spare. Not only will you need to spend a great deal of time training the dog right away, but you’ll also need to make sure you’re home regularly to feed the dog, let him or her outside, and play with it. Dogs cannot fend for themselves, so if you’re constantly working late or taking trips, then maybe a dog isn’t the right choice for you.

What breed is best for my family/home/lifestyle?

Dogs come in a variety of different breeds, and not every dog breed is the same. Before you get a dog, it’s very important that you contemplate your home and lifestyle in order to determine the right dog breed for you.

Certain dog breeds are better in smaller homes, such as apartments or homes without yards. Some dog breeds require a great deal of exercise. Some dogs require a great deal of training. Some dogs are more expensive to care for. Some dogs are better with children. It’s very important that you research all the different dog breeds and determine which breed is the right choice for your lifestyle.

Guest Author: Lizzie Lau is a freelance writer for DogFenceDIY. Lizzie combines personal opinions and research to create appealing and informative articles on various topics.