Animal Shelter Experts Reveal When You’re Truly Ready for a Pet

Adopting a pet is one of the most exciting, fulfilling decisions you’ll likely ever make. But it’s also a major commitment—one that requires time, energy, money, and other resources. After all, you are bringing home a living, breathing creature that is completely reliant on you for everything from food and water to exercise and affection.

Here’s how to know if you’re ready (or not ready) to adopt a pet, according to animal shelter employees.

Trusting the Experts

Animal shelter employees are some of the best resources you can rely on when deciding whether to adopt—they take care of dozens, if not hundreds, of animals each day, depending on how large their shelter is.

“Shelter staff are dedicated to helping you find the right match,” says Kelly Renner, shelter manager at the Longmont Humane Society in Colorado. “If an animal is recommended for a specific type of home, such as adults-only, we are trying to ensure the well-being of everyone involved. Our goal is to prevent you from bringing a pet into a situation where they won’t thrive, and to avoid placing a pet in an environment where we know they’ll be uncomfortable.”

Signs You’re Ready to Adopt

Your lifestyle won’t necessarily prevent you from adopting a pet. But it might help you—and shelter employees—narrow down which animal is the best match. For example, maybe a senior cat would be a better fit than a young puppy. 

“Most of the time, it isn’t about whether a person should have a pet, it is about how they can find the right pet compatible with them and their lifestyle,” says Laura Linneman, director of animal care at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, New Jersey.

Here are some ways to know you’re more than likely ready to bring a new pet home.

You Have Enough Time

One of the most important factors to consider is the time commitment involved with owning a pet—both on a daily basis and for the many years to come.

Though it varies from pet to pet, all companion animals will require some amount of your time, whether that’s for walks and dog park outings, play sessions, snuggles, cleaning, food preparation, or training. In addition, many pets are social creatures that want to spend as much time as possible with their humans.

“Every pet—even ‘easy’ ones—requires daily care, time, and attention,” says Nina Thompson, a spokeswoman for San Diego Humane Society.

Think about how much time you’ll realistically be able to dedicate to a pet. How many hours do you typically spend away from home each day? What’s your commute like? How much flexibility do you have at your job? Do you have roommates, friends, or family members who can help you take care of your animal? How much do you like to travel? These are some key questions to ask yourself when determining if the time commitment of pet ownership is right for you.

You Can Afford It

You don’t have to be wealthy to adopt a pet, but you should consider the financial implications of bringing an animal into your life.

In addition to the initial adoption fee, you can expect to spend money on vaccines and preventative medicines, food, toys, treats, leashes, collars, crates, boarding and daycare, and, possibly, training. Also, even though your pet may seem perfectly healthy now, she may someday need emergency medical care—and that’s usually not cheap.

Take a close look at your budget to make sure you’ll be able to afford these and other costs. And, if possible, try to stash some money away in savings for surprises.

“At my house, we have an ‘oh-no’ fund with enough money saved for each animal to go to an emergency vet for any unforeseen circumstance,” says Renner. “Starting with emergency savings and adding funds for regular vet care, food, and enrichment can set you off on the right track.”

Your Household is Aligned

If you have roommates, children, or a spouse living in your home, it’s important to ensure they’re all fully on board with getting a pet, too, says Thompson. Also, make a plan for how you plan to split up and share the responsibilities and expenses of pet ownership. If you already have other pets, think about how they might react to a newcomer, too. 

Owners need to be able to provide their pets with a safe, secure physical environment. So, before adopting a pet, you’ll want to consider your own living arrangement. If you live in a rental, does your landlord allow pets? And, if so, what are the rules and fees? Are there any parts of your home or yard that might pose a threat to an animal’s safety? Do you have enough space for the type of pet you’re considering? 

“Will you be able to provide a stable environment for the pet long-term?” says Vicki Day, a cat expert at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley in Milpitas, California.

You’re Emotionally Prepared

Making sure your home is physically able to house your new pet is just half the battle. One commonly overlooked consideration of pet ownership? Emotional preparedness. 

Yes, pets undoubtedly bring lots of love and joy into their owners’ lives. But there will also be frustrating times, sad times, and uncomfortable times. Are you ready for the highs and lows of a lifelong commitment? 

“Taking time to reflect on your feelings can help you determine if you’re truly at that point,” says Renner.

Taking the Next Step

If you do decide to bring a pet home, remember you are not alone. If you or your pet are struggling in any way, most animal shelters and rescue organizations will gladly support you in any way they can. They may be able to provide reassurance, training tools, and other resources, including financial assistance. 

“Call and chat with the shelter—we are all happy to help,” says Renner.

Linneman echoes that sentiment.

“Our staff and counselors are always happy to support potential adopters on their journey,” she says. “We want pet owners to have joy and success with their new pet.”

Moving to a new place—filled with unfamiliar people, sounds, scents, and objects—can be stressful, no matter an animal’s background. Your new pet may not warm up to you right away—and that’s OK. Before you adopt, prepare yourself for the fact that your pet may need time and space to get acclimated. 

Renner recommends keeping the “3-3-3 rule” in mind:

• Three days for a pet to start to relax in a new space
• Three weeks to realize this is their new, permanent home
• Three months to appropriately bond and begin to trust their new humans

“Give yourself and your new companion grace as you navigate this change together,” says Renner. “Patience and empathy are truly the best gifts we can offer our new companions as they adjust.”

Alternatives to Adopting a Pet

After some reflection, you may determine you aren’t ready to adopt a pet, and that is more than OK. There are several other ways you can support animals in and around your community, including fostering, volunteering, or donating supplies. And when you are ready down the line, your local animal shelter will be happy to help you bring your forever friend home.