Quiz: Am I Ready For A Dog? - Part One

For many who own dogs at some point in their life, know that there are many benefits of keeping dogs as pets. Happiness, great company, and good health are some of the benefits that dogs bring into our life.

Like all things and situations, there are also some disadvantages of owning a dog. Unfortunately many don’t take the time to evaluate their lifestyle, financial capability, and time commitment before acquiring the dog.

I will cover each category more extensively in near future, but for now let’s take a short quiz to see if this is the time for you to have a dog. Be honest, please.

Remember, DO NOT think about how and what a dog can enhance your life, rather ask yourself this…

“What am I willing to do to enhance the life of my dog for the next 15 years?”

I. Would you foresee many changes in your life in the next 5 years?

1. Pretty much the usual. If there are any major changes, I will make adjustments and be on track as quickly as possible.
2. I don’t plan that far ahead.
3. I will be relocated once I get my promotion, getting married and setting up a family soon after, or cashing my 401k to enjoy retirement.

II. Will there be at least one adult in your household during the day while you are at work?

1. I’m a stay home mom or my partner works from home.
2. My teenage daughter/son is home most weekdays after school.
3. Other than my pet goldfish, no other living creature is home.

III. How would you best describe your living condition?

1. I’m a hoarder.
2. I’m into Zen living lifestyle; I can’t tolerant mess and dirt in any part of the house.
3. I’m quite organized most of the time but occasionally messy.

IV. Would a monthly expenditure of $100 on dog supplies, grooming, and minor veterinary visit pose any financial concern to you?

1. I’m living on a pay check to pay check basic.
2. Not at all. Anything more I might have to make some adjustments.
3. Not at all. I’m willing to spend more if there is a need or occasional indulgences.

V. Are you willing to train your dog during his first 9 months (at least) or seek professional assistance?

1. Dogs are smart to figure what they should or shouldn’t do in a normal household setting, so there isn’t a need for training.
2. I will do whatever it takes to properly train and socialize my new pup for his mental and physical health.
3. When I get home from work, I’m usually exhausted. I don’t mind cuddling my dog for an hour in front of the TV. I can only train him during the weekends.

VI. Would you be able to accommodate if your dog need a major surgery or special medical care that cost over $800?

1. I would have to put the dog down or give it to the shelter.
2. I am able to handle it with the help of pet insurance coverage.
3. It won’t pose any financial burden to me at all, with or without pet insurance.

VII. Which type of home do you currently live in?

1. A rented apartment or house.
2. I own my own apartment or house.
3. I am living with someone else place.

VIII. Who would be taking care of your dog when you go out of town?

1. I will go to places where pets are allowed.
2. I will have to put the dog in boarding kennel or day care or hire pet sitter.
3. I think my neighbors, friends or relatives won’t mind taking care of the dog.

IX. How often do you travel?

1. I am always on business trip for a week every two months.
2. I don’t travel much but will take a two-week vacation yearly.
3. I love to travel to far away places whenever I get the time and money, usually lasting for a month twice yearly.

X. Why do you really want a dog in your life?

1. Because everyone I know has one, also puppies are cute and fun to play with.
2. I don’t like coming home to an empty house, and a dog would be a great company and a way for me to meet people.
3. Having a dog would be a good addition to our family which also helps my children to learn a sense of responsibility.

Add up your score:

Your answers:

If your score is

• 13 and above — You sound like you are ready. Please proceed to take the second quiz.
• between 6 and 12 — You might be ready. You have the option to stop here or proceed on to the second quiz.
• 5 and below — You are totally not ready. There is no need to procced to the next quiz.

Congratulation to those who scored above 13 points in this quiz. :yes: Please keep in mind that you may or may not be ready to take on a pet parenting role should you ‘fail’ the second quiz. :no: It will be out two weeks from now.

Why two weeks later for the second quiz?

This is to avoid the sudden urge of wanting to get a dog. Acquiring a dog should never be a rushing process. Furthermore, this is definitely the wrong time of the year to get a dog anyway.