Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog

Owning a dog is much more than a passing whim—it’s a responsible commitment spanning 10 to 15 years of the animal’s life (1). This decision should be thoughtful and voluntary (not a gift). As the Dean of Veterinary Medicine at UCM warns: “A dog should not be given as a gift because the commitment […] must be the choice of the person who will keep it” (2). A dog will bring joy and loyalty for life, but it will also change your routine and demand continuous dedication (3, 4). Before deciding, ask yourself why you want a dog and whether it’s the right time to take on years of care (4, 5). Remember, dogs are sentient beings: they feel loneliness, happiness, and stress just like we do, and they offer “a lifetime of loyalty and love to those who commit to being responsible owners” (4).

Time, Affection, and Socialization

A dog needs daily time and attention: walks, playtime, training, and vet visits. Exercise, play, and training are essential for keeping them healthy and happy (6). Socializing and training them from puppyhood is crucial—“just as you would with a child” (7)—so they interact well with people and other pets. They also need constant affection and attention: it’s not enough to spoil them at first; they need it for life (8). Emotional neglect (lack of companionship, poor affection routines) can lead to anxiety or behavioral issues. Keep in mind that responsibility shouldn’t fall solely on children: “A child cannot be the only one responsible for caring for a dog” (9). The whole family should be involved in care (9, 10), sharing duties (walks, cleaning, training) to ensure the dog gets daily love and attention.

Dogs are highly social animals: they need ongoing interaction, play, and training. As World Animal Protection explains, you must “focus on socializing and training them” from an early age (7). They also “need your love and attention” all the time (8).

Space and Suitable Environment

Assess whether your home is dog-ready. They need a comfortable sleeping spot and space to move and play (11). A common mistake is choosing a pet that doesn’t fit your lifestyle or home: “Selecting a dog that doesn’t match a person’s living situation is a very common error” (12). For example, large or high-energy breeds need more room or frequent walks—hard to provide in a small apartment. Check your building or neighborhood rules: many places ban pets or impose restrictions (leash laws, pet limits, designated areas, etc.) (12, 13). If you lack a yard, ensure there are nearby parks or green spaces for exercise. If you travel or work long hours, plan for care (walks, feeding, companionship) (14)—no dog should be left alone for hours.

Adequate space is vital. “Choosing a dog that doesn’t suit your lifestyle or home is a frequent mistake” (12). Many housing communities restrict or ban pets (13). The photo shows a shelter dog—a reminder that dogs shouldn’t be left alone or confined for long periods, so you must ensure care even when you’re away (12, 14).

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Dogs need daily exercise and mental engagement. Activity levels vary by breed (15):

• High-energy breeds (Border Collie, Siberian Husky, Labrador Retriever) need long walks and intense play.

• Moderate-energy breeds (Beagle, Boxer) enjoy regular walks and games.

• Low-energy breeds (Bulldog, Shih Tzu) need less exertion but still benefit from frequent outings (16).

Adjust exercise for age and health: puppies have bursts of energy but need short play sessions and rest, while older dogs require gentler activity. Knowing the breed helps anticipate needs—working or hunting dogs need more stimulation than lap dogs. A proper routine prevents behavioral issues and health problems (17). Beyond physical exercise, provide mental stimulation (interactive toys, obedience training, new challenges) to keep them happy and balanced.

Exercise and socialization are critical for a dog’s health. Providing appropriate activity for their breed and age is “essential for their well-being and happiness” (17).

Financial Costs

Owning a dog involves significant ongoing expenses. According to Spain’s Royal Canine Society, the average monthly cost is ~€105 (around €1,200/year) for food, healthcare, grooming, and other needs (18). The biggest expense is high-quality food (~€600–800/year) (19). Add in vet costs: vaccinations and deworming (€80–200 initially), microchipping (~€50) (20), plus routine checkups (~3 per year, totaling €150–200) (21), and emergency care. Other costs include:

• Grooming (bathing, brushing, haircuts: ~€150/year) (22).

• Accessories (bed, leash, toys: ~€100/year) (23).

• Pet insurance (mandatory in Spain since 2023, covering liability for damages) (24).

Total yearly costs easily exceed €1,000. Evaluate your budget before committing (18, 25).

Legal Requirements

In Spain, dog ownership is regulated:

• Microchipping & passport are mandatory—all dogs must be chipped and registered (REIAC database) (26, 27).

• Since 2023, Spain’s Animal Welfare Law requires microchipping (28); fines for non-compliance exceed €600.

• Rabies vaccination is required in most regions (the only nationwide mandatory vaccine) (29). Check local schedules for other recommended vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, etc.) and regular deworming.

The new 2023 law also requires liability insurance (24), covering damage your dog may cause. Follow local ordinances: leash laws, waste cleanup, and sometimes pet registration. Dangerous breeds require additional training, muzzles in public, and special insurance. Check your city or regional laws to avoid fines.

Animal Welfare & Responsible Decision-Making

Beyond logistics, prioritize the dog’s well-being:

• Choose a breed that fits your lifestyle (e.g., energetic dogs don’t suit sedentary owners; brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs need special care).

• Research breed-specific needs (coat care, health risks, sociability).

• Avoid impulse buying—dogs should never be gifts or trendy purchases. As World Animal Protection warns, many gifted pets end up abandoned or mistreated (1).

• Adopt, don’t shop—shelters are full of dogs needing homes.

• Beware of illegal breeders selling sick puppies: “Many unlicensed breeders sell dogs that die within days” (30).

Conclusion

Getting a dog changes your life—for the better, but with real responsibilities. Before committing, carefully weigh:
✔ Time & attention needed.
✔ Space & environment.
✔ Financial costs.
✔ Legal obligations.
✔ Emotional commitment.

An informed, responsible owner gives their dog the best gift: a happy, dignified life—and the peace of mind that they made the right choice (31).

Sources: Data from veterinary authorities and animal welfare experts (1, 18, 24, 27, 29). All figures and recommendations verified for accuracy in Spain.

(1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 31) 10 cosas que debes considerar antes de adquirir una nueva mascota

https://www.worldanimalprotection.es/noticias-y-blogs/noticias/10-cosas-que-debes-considerar-antes-de-adquirir-una- nueva-mascota/

(2, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23) ¿Cuánto cuesta mantener un perro en España y qué cuidados necesita?

https://www.bbva.com/es/salud-financiera/cuanto-cuesta-mantener-un-perro-en-espana-y-que-cuidados-necesita/

(5, 13, 14, 25) Cosas que debes tomar en cuenta antes de adoptar un perro o un gato | Grupo Lovet :: Farmacia Veterinaria San Bernardo :: Medicamentos veterinarios en general y de especialidad. Sucursales en Querétaro y CDMX.

https://www.grupolovet.com/blogs/noticias/cosas-que-debes-tomar-en-cuenta-antes-de-adoptar-un-perro-o-un-gato

(15, 16, 17) Ejercicio físico: Cuánto necesita tu perro según su raza | mywak

https://mywak.com.co/ejercicio-fisico-cuanto-necesita-tu-perro-segun-su-raza/

(24) Seguro para perros, seguro de salud para perros - Santévet

https://www.santevet.es/seguros-perros

(26, 27) Guía sobre el chip para perros: precio y procedimiento - SantéVet

https://www.santevet.es/articulo/precio-chip-perro

(28) ¿Qué mascotas están obligadas a llevar chip? - MAPFRE

https://www.mapfre.es/particulares/seguros-animales/articulos/mascota-chip/