There’s a moment every mother knows all too well. Her child looks up at her with those very same melting-concrete eyes, and asks for something almost too sweet to ask for: “Can we pleeeease get a puppy?”
Part of the mother immediately wants to say yes. Puppies are so joyful, great with kids, and a wonderful addition to the family. Yet before she can begin to browse for puppies or begin to think about names, there are some questions that any mother should ask before adding a pup to the household.
Adding a dog to the family is among the best things a family can do together – but only at the right time. Before making such a special purchase for the family, here are 10 questions to ask to determine if now is the perfect moment to get a dog.
1. Is everyone in the family on board?
This is not about whether the kids are excited (they will always be excited). Think about your partner and others who live in or visit the home.
- Does your partner really want a dog?
- Are there any relatives with allergies that you must consider?
- Does everyone in the household understand the responsibility of owning a puppy?
A dog that one family member resents will become a source of tension in the home. Ensure that all opinions are heard and that the decision to get a dog is done with enthusiasm from all members of the household.
2. Do you have the time a puppy actually needs?
This is the big one – I have to be brutally honest with you.
A puppy needs:
- Toilet training – needs to go outside every 2-3 hours
- Socialisation – needs to be exposed to people, sounds, and different situations
- Training – needs to learn how to sit, stay, come, no jumping, no biting
- Play and exercise – needs to happen every single day
- Companionship – dogs are social animals and can get anxious if they are left alone too long
If you are in a season of life where every hour is spoken for, then a young puppy may not be the right fit for you right now. That’s not a failure – that’s wisdom.
3. What will happen to the dog during the day?
Think through a typical weekday. Where will the puppy be while the kids are at school and while you’re at work or on errands?
Options include:
- A dog-safe area of the home
- A dog walker
- Doggy daycare (an added expense to consider in your budget)
- Working from home – you can come home with the puppy and be around her
4. Can you afford a dog?
The purchase price is just the beginning. Here’s a realistic look at what dog ownership costs:
| Expense | Rough Cost |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $500 – $5,000+ depending on breed |
| Initial vet visit + vaccinations | $200 – $400 |
| Desexing | $200 – $500 |
| Food (per year) | $500 – $1,500 |
| Grooming (per year) | $0 – $1,000+ depending on breed |
| Vet care / pet insurance (per year) | $500 – $2,000+ |
| Bedding, crate, leads, toys | $300 – $600 upfront |
| Boarding / pet sitting when you travel | Varies |
Over a dog’s lifetime (10-15 years) you could be looking at $15,000-$30,000 or more. This is a significant commitment to owning a dog. However, by understanding these costs up front, you can avoid some heartbreaking situations in the future.
5. Do you have a suitable home and yard?
Some breeds do fine in apartments. Others will end up miserable if they don’t have the chance to run.
- Think about your living situation.
- Do you have a securely fenced yard?
- Are there any rules regarding pets in your rental agreement or body corporate?
- Is there space for a dog bed in your home that isn’t constantly in the way?
- If you own the home, are you planning to move in the next year or two? (This might affect your decision about getting a dog.)
Finding the right dog for your situation is the key to making everyone happy.
6. How old are your kids?
Age matters — both for safety and for how much help your children can realistically be.
- Under 5: Young children often don’t understand how to interact gently with dogs, and some puppies can accidentally knock toddlers over or nip in play. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it means you’ll need to supervise all interactions closely.
- 5–8 years: Kids this age can learn dog manners well, but shouldn’t be left alone with a puppy unsupervised.
- 9–12 years: Old enough to help with feeding, walking, and basic training — a real contributor to dog care with proper guidance.
- Teens: Can take on genuine responsibility for the dog’s daily care.
The best family dogs with young children tend to be breeds known for patience and gentleness — think Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Cavaliers, and Beagles.
7. Does anyone in the family have allergies or health concerns?
Allergies to dogs are more common than many people realise. Finding out you have one after your puppy has arrived is heartbreaking for everyone involved.
If you’re not sure whether you or your family have allergies to dogs, here are a few things to consider:
- Spend time with the breed you are considering
- Speak to your GP or an allergist
- Consider breeds that shed less (such as Poodles, Schnauzers or Maltese) if you or your family members have allergies
- Consider if any members of your family have mobility or health issues that may make it more challenging for them to own and care for a dog
8. Are you prepared for the puppy phase?
Let’s be real about puppies. Before the sweet loyal dog arrives, you will experience:
- Sleepless nights
- Chewed shoes
- Accidents on the toilet on your floors
- Mouthing and play biting that can end up being painful for your dog
- A dog that cries when left alone
All of this passes eventually but can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months. If this seems too much for you right now, you can always wait until your life is a little calmer or even consider adopting an older rescue dog instead.
9. Who will be the primary caregiver … really?
In most households the answer is Mum. That’s perfectly okay as long as you’re aware before you embark upon this great adventure.
Have a conversation with your Mum about the following:
- Who feeds the dog every day?
- Who takes them for walks?
- Who takes them to the vet?
- Who does their grooming?
- Who looks after them when the family are travelling?
Kids promise to do everything and mean it. But as children grow and change interests, your dog might not be the best companion for you right now. Unless you’re prepared to be the fallback caregiver, that is.
10. Have you researched the right breed for your family?
Not all dogs are the same. A Border Collie will have different needs than a Shih Tzu for example. Or, a Labrador Retriever will have different needs than a Basset Hound.
Consider the following before you commit to any breed:
- Energy level of the family
- Size of the dog for the home
- Grooming needs
- Trainability
- Temperament of the breed with children
Do your research before you fall in love with a breed with the perfect coat. It is important to ensure that the breed will bring joy to your home rather than become a struggle to care for everyday.
So… are you ready?
If you felt confident answering all of these questions, then you’re in a great position. A well-prepared family will have a smoother, happier experience with adding a dog to the household.
If a few of these questions made you pause, that’s information you should take into consideration. It does not mean that you will never own a dog. However, it does mean that you may want to wait until your situation is better equipped to handle the addition of a dog to the family.
Now that you have a better understanding of the responsibility of dog ownership, take a few moments to search for reputable dog sellers in your area. If you decide you’re ready to get a dog in Gold Coast, find the breed of dog that best suits the dynamics of your family.
Your dog is out there waiting for you. When you are ready to welcome a new family member with four legs and a wagging tail, it will be worth the wait!
