On the Fence About Getting a Dog? Here Are 25 Reasons Not To

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Dogs are truly a gift. They boost your mental health, help you stay active, and are a constant, loyal companion throughout life’s ups and downs. In fact, almost everyone in your life is probably already telling you why you should get a dog. And that’s why you’re here. You want to get the other side of the story. While we agree that getting a dog is wonderful, we also think it’s worth examining the realities of that decision.

To get the full scope, we spoke with two certified dog trainers. With their expert insight, we’ve compiled 25 reasons not to get a dog (and what to do if you’re still on the fence).

Health Realities

1. You’re one of the 20% who’s allergic to dogs.

Up to 20% of the world’s population is allergic to dogs. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a magical, non-allergic dog (often touted as “hypoallergenic”), but you may be less sensitive to some breeds than others. If your symptoms are mild, there are also ways to control your pet allergies. Spoiler alert: it requires a lot of vacuuming. 

2. You won’t get much sleep until your puppy is 16 weeks.

Puppies are adorable, but they’re notorious for disrupting your sleep. There are all the potty breaks and the whining through the night that prevent you from getting your precious Zs. But if you can channel the patience of a saint and make it to the 16-week point, your puppy should be able to start sleeping through the night. 

3. You have physical limitations.

Having mobility issues definitely doesn’t disqualify you from being a pet parent. But it can make physical demands like exercising and bathing a dog harder or more time-consuming. The type of dog you choose, however, makes a difference. For instance, large and energetic dogs might be difficult to handle, running the risk of pulling you down and causing injuries. A smaller, calmer breed might be a better fit.

4. There’s nearly a 50/50 chance you’ll get the puppy blues.

If you bring home a puppy, there’s a solid chance you’ll get the puppy blues. In fact, a recent study found that 45% of new dog parents had negative feelings during puppyhood. This malaise often stems from the overwhelming realization that a little ball of floof has completely changed your whole world. With a bit of time and adjustment, the puppy blues will eventually go away—but while you’re in it, it’s rough.

5. Dogs can carry ticks that transmit Lyme disease.

Dogs can’t pass Lyme to you directly, but they can carry the ticks that transmit the disease. If a dog’s not on a preventative that kills ticks, the parasite could make contact with you, especially if you share your bed, couch, or other furniture. That’s why it’s crucial for dogs to stay up-to-date on their monthly flea and tick medicine, especially when in high-risk areas.

Housing/Living Space

6. Finding a place to live might be difficult.

If you’re a renter, getting a dog will likely affect where you live, especially if you get a certain type of breed. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), over 700 cities in the U.S. have breed-specific laws. Many home insurance companies also ban breeds that they’ve deemed dangerous from their policies.

7. Your apartment is too small.

Thirty-nine percent of renters in the U.S. live in apartments, with the average apartment space coming in at 526 square feet per resident. That’s not a whole lot of room when you add a four-legged friend to the mix. That said, some breeds are better suited for small apartment life than others.

8. Your neighbors won’t appreciate your dog’s vocal warmups.

Some dogs bark more than others. If you end up with an especially vocal pup and live in close quarters with your neighbors, you might start getting complaints. In a worse-case scenario, things could escalate to a visit from local authorities or legal action as a result of barking (aka getting kicked out of your apartment). Before you bring a dog home, consider opting for breeds that are known to be less chatty, or try out a foster-to-adopt program to see if a pup is a good fit for your living situation before committing.

9. You don’t have a yard.

You don’t need a yard to meet your dog’s mental stimulation and exercise needs. Still, it’s a whole lot easier to let your dog go potty in the backyard versus taking the elevator from the 15th floor of your high-rise condo.

Disrupted Lifestyle

10. Dogs require an average 12-year commitment.

Research shows that, on average, a dog’s lifespan is around 12 years. This average, of course, is dependent on your dog’s breed and size, with smaller dogs typically living longer and more giant breeds having a shorter lifespan. When getting a dog, be prepared to be in it for the long haul.

11. Living with a dog is like living with a forever toddler.

“Dogs are not a species you bring into your life and expect to fit in perfectly without work, consistency, and a deep commitment to their learning and welfare,” says dog trainer Michelle Reindal of The Paid Pup. “They can be loud, annoying, and incredibly frustrating—pretty comparable to bringing in a forever three-year-old toddler. You’ll need patience, curiosity, responsibility, and an endless cup of compassion.”

12. Pet parents spend 800+ hours a year cleaning up after their pets.

Nett adds that dogs can add “extra mess” to your home. A recent poll agrees. Out of the 2,000+ pet parents surveyed, three out of four said they now spend more time cleaning their house because of their pets—an average of 832 hours each year.

13. Over half of pet parents plan their travels around their dog.

Another recent survey found that 52% of people base their travel plans around their pets. Another 37% say that pet-friendly accommodations are a “must-have” when they travel. Some dogs, like reactive pups, may be more difficult travel companions, but with a bit of planning, you can still make it work.

14. Getting a dog means lifestyle changes and compromise.

“Having a dog will disrupt your lifestyle because you’ll have to spend more time thinking about your dog,” says Audrey Nett, certified animal behaviorist and owner of Just Love the Dog. “You’ll have to consider them every day during your routine and for every social outing.” This includes budgeting at least one to two hours a day to spend active time with them and not leaving them home alone for too long.

Financial Uncertainty

15. It can cost over $5,000 a year to care for a dog.

According to our research, it costs pet parents $1,000–$5,225 a year to take care of their dogs. In the first year, dog guardians also face all the upfront expenses of bringing a puppy home. These initial costs range from $1,520 to $6,415 and include adoption or breeder fees, core vaccinations, and spay and neuter surgeries.

16. Vet visits average $700-$1,200 in the first year.

Our research also found that vet visits are one of the top three increasing costs that impact pet parents the most. In a pup’s first year, dog guardians spend between $710 and $1,230 on things like routine vet visits, bloodwork, heartworm testing, vaccinations, and flea and tick prevention.

These are all examples of routine care that your dog will need each year. And don’t forget about emergency vet visits, which can run anywhere between $280 and $1,750. (That’s why it’s important to get your dog on a pet insurance plan to prepare for the unpredictable.)

17. Kibble costs up to $1,000 annually for a medium dog.

Rover’s findings also show that feeding a medium-sized dog a standard diet of dry food/kibble costs between $360 and $1,008 a year. This price increases if your dog is larger or if you feed them a different, more expensive diet like wet, fresh, or raw food.

18. Expect to pay around $40 a day for a pet sitter.

If you’re someone who will be gone from home a lot, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a pet sitter. Dog guardians pay $30-$50 an hour for drop-in visits and $45-$75 per night. If you have a well-adjusted social butterfly, doggy daycares are a little cheaper, averaging $35 per day.

Behavioral Uncertainty & Training Difficulties

19. It can take up to 6 months to potty train a pup.

Prepare to have a lot of patience and pet cleaning supplies on hand until your new dog is fully potty trained. It generally takes four to six months to potty train puppies and a few weeks to a few months to potty train adult dogs.

20. Dogs don’t come with built-in leash skills.

Unfortunately, dogs aren’t inherently good at walking on a leash. Some dogs are also prey-driven and pullers, which can make them harder to walk. Regardless, it takes time and effort to build polite loose-leash walking skills.

21. Dog reactivity can take a toll on a person’s mental health.

“Since dogs never come to us as ‘blank slates,’ genetics, past trauma, environment, age, pain, and other factors affect their present behavior—just like us!” says Reindal. “When we end up with dogs who have emotional reactions, it can feel scary, overwhelming, stressful, and isolating—and undoubtedly affect our own mental health as guardians.”

22. One in four dogs may have separation anxiety.

Research suggests that one in every four or six dogs may have separation anxiety. Just like reactivity, this behavioral issue can have a negative impact on a person’s well-being, as Nett points out. “If the dog has behavioral issues that are a struggle to deal with for the human, this can cause anxiety and even isolation for the human,” she says. “This can be worked through, obviously, but it is a big commitment.”

Ongoing Commitment

23. Your current housemates don’t want an additional four-legged roommate.

If you share a space with other renters, you’ll have to clear it with them before you bring home a new pup. Some people might not be okay with having a dog in the house, due to allergies, a fear of dogs, or simply personal preferences.

24. You have small children.

Raising small children along with a new dog can be overwhelming. Remember: your dog is essentially another toddler in the house. Waiting until your kids are older might be a better choice for some families, while others might find a certain dog breed works well for their home with children.

25. Your living situation is temporary.

Dogs thrive on stability. If you know you’re going to be moving around for a while, it might be a good idea to reconsider bringing home a dog until you’re more settled.

What To Do if You’re Still Considering a Dog

Living with a dog can be a beneficial addition to your life. “If you’re doing it right, bringing a dog into your home and life will change your whole world,” says Reindal. “Any time we bring another being into our lives—ones with feelings, preferences, needs—we create new routines, learn about each other, and compromise.”

If you’re unsure about adding a dog to your home, there are a few things you can do:

• Talk to other pet parents. “Ask your friends who have dogs how their lives have changed, how much time, money, and energy they’ve spent—get all the nitty gritty,” says Reindal.
• Do your research. “Become an expert in the breed you’re interested in before even considering bringing them home,” Reindal adds. “Read about the current welfare concerns, as well as the most ethical and evidence-based ways to help them learn. (This is a great place to start).”
• Pet sit for friends. Offer to watch your friend’s dogs for a weekend or while they’re on vacation so you can get a feel for the day in and day out of taking care of a dog.
• Pet sit for Rover. As a pet sitter, you can get a lot of insight into what it’s like to take care of a variety of dogs. You can also make money to set aside for a future pup of your own.
• Volunteer. Offer your time to dog walk at a shelter or sign up to foster dogs via a rescue organization.
• Be truthful with yourself. And finally, Reindal advises having an honest conversation with yourself. “Really question if you’ve done your own growth work and can emotionally regulate yourself around loud, repetitive, obnoxious, and frustrating behaviors while maintaining patience and compassion,” she says.