Are you ready for a dog? A 12-question readiness quiz

Updated July 4, 2026 · reading time approx. 6 min

Getting a dog is a decision for 10–15 years. Before you commit, go through these 12 honest questions. Count how many you can answer "yes" to without hesitation.

Readiness quiz: 12 questions

Time and routine

1. Do we have 1–2 hours a day for walks and care, even in rain and winter?
2. Can we manage a morning walk before work and school?
3. Is the dog not left home alone for more than 6–8 hours a day?

Money

4. Do we have a stable $100–150 a month to spare?
5. Do we have a reserve for unexpected vet care (potentially thousands)?
6. Do we account for a $500–1,500 one-off at the start?

Housing and life situation

7. Does our housing allow a dog (lease, landlord's consent)?
8. Are we not planning a big change soon (moving, a baby)?
9. Do we have care sorted for travel and illness?

Family and the long term

10. Is everyone in the household on board, including whoever will care for it most?
11. Have we split concretely who does what?
12. Are we ready to care for the dog in 10 years, once the novelty fades?

How to read your result

• 10–12 yes: Looks great. You have the readiness — now pick a suitable breed in the breed dictionary.
• 6–9 yes: Good foundation, but a few areas (usually time or care) need sorting before you get a dog.
• Fewer than 6 yes: Now probably isn't the right time. That doesn't mean never — fix the weak spots and come back to the quiz later.

Most common weak spots

When the quiz "fails", it's usually time (nobody wants the 6 a.m. walk) or money. Both are fixable — by adjusting the budget or waiting for a better life stage. It helps to review realistic monthly dog costs.

And if you pass?

Congratulations — you're likely on the right track. If you have children, also read how to involve them in the care so the dog doesn't become one person's burden.