Dogs Trust

Are you dog ready?

Dog ownership is a wonderful thing, but it is also a huge responsibility. As our saying goes, 'A dog is for life®' 

We're here to help! Take a look at our advice on getting dog ready, what do if you’ve just brought a pooch home, and how to help prepare them for life as part of your family.

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, it’s important to consider what your usual daily and weekly life looks like and whether you can give a dog everything they need. Whenever you decide to get a dog, you need to know you can afford food, bedding, vet treatment and insurance for the duration of the dogs’ life, too.

Take our quiz to see if you're ready for some of the basics of dog ownership!

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Are you ready?

To completely change your schedule (& give up lie ins!)?

For more time spent at home or the expense of a dog sitter/walker?

For walks in all weathers?

To devote time to training, games and fun with your furry friend?

To spend €€€'s every month on food, treats, insurance & other doggy essentials?

For furniture and clothes covered in fur?

To think for two? A night out, a holiday or a weekend away all mean planning for your pooch too!

To be chief pooper scooper?

To learn the language of your dog so you can give them everything they need?

Congratulations, it sounds like you’re ready to become a dog parent! Here are some things to consider before you pick a pooch:

  • Exercise - think about how you can give a new dog with the amount of physical and mental exercise they need. Some dogs thrive on being able to run around and play, so might find this difficult in smaller spaces.
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It sounds like you might not be quite ready to welcome a furry friend into your family at the moment. Being a responsible dog parent is a big commitment! If you’ve got your heart set on a dog, have a think about what changes you could make to your life, do lots of research and speak to other dog owners you know. We’ve got lots more advice on our website, and we’ll be here to help you adopt when you’re ready! In the meantime how about the next best thing - Sponsoring one of our dogs!

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More info & advice

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Enrichment activities

Provide your dog with safe and suitable enrichment

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Puppy advice

Dog School training aims to provide high-quality, welfare friendly advice

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Rehome a dog

If you’re ready, take a look at dogs available for rehoming!

See more advice