Getting a puppy feels like the ultimate adulting milestone. You scroll through endless TikToks of golden retriever puppies tumbling over each other, and suddenly you’re convinced you need one ASAP. But here’s the reality check people don’t talk about enough: puppies aren’t just social media content; they’re living, breathing responsibilities that will completely flip your world upside down.
Before you fall head over heels for those puppy-dog eyes at the shelter, take a hard look at whether you’re actually ready for this commitment. There are a few signs you can and cannot handle a puppy and we’re exploring them below.
Green Flags: You’re Probably Ready
Your Schedule Has Room To Breathe
Puppies need attention like plants need water—constantly and consistently. If you work from home, have flexible hours, or can swing by during lunch breaks, you’re already ahead of the game. Young dogs need potty breaks every two to three hours, plus feeding, training, and socialization time.
You’ve Got the Financial Cushion
Real talk: puppies are expensive. Beyond the adoption fees, you’ll drop serious cash on puppy care, especially:
- Vet visits (initial shots, spaying/neutering, emergencies)
- Quality food and treats
- Toys, beds, leashes, and other gear
- Training classes
- Pet insurance or emergency fund
If dropping $1,500 – $3,000 in the first year won’t completely wreck your budget, you’re in decent shape financially.
You’re Actually Home Enough
Work-from-home culture is making puppy ownership more realistic for many young adults. But if you’re still living that party-every-weekend lifestyle or traveling constantly for work, a puppy isn’t going to vibe with your schedule. They need consistency, not a revolving door of pet sitters.
Red Flags: Pump the Brakes
Your Living Situation Is Unstable
Bouncing between apartments, dealing with strict landlords, or living with roommates who hate dogs? That’s a recipe for stress—for you and your future pup. Puppies thrive on routine and stability, not chaos.
You Want a Walking Instagram Prop
If your main motivation involves aesthetic photos and viral TikToks, you’re not ready. Puppies are messy, loud, and time-consuming. They’ll chew your favorite shoes, wake you up at 5 AM, and have accidents on your carpet. The cute moments happen, but they’re mixed with plenty of not-so-glamorous reality.
You Think It’ll Be Like Having a Roommate
Puppies aren’t independent creatures who will just chill while you handle your life. They’re basically toddlers with sharper teeth and boundless energy. If you’re expecting a low-maintenance companion, you’re setting yourself up for a little disappointment.
The Honest Reality Check
Training takes months, not weeks. House-breaking isn’t instant. Your social life will definitely take a hit initially. But here’s what nobody mentions: when you find that perfect match through finding forever homes for puppies programs, and you’re genuinely prepared, it becomes incredibly rewarding for both of you.
The best puppy parents aren’t necessarily the ones with perfect lives; they’re the ones who understand what they’re signing up for and have realistic expectations about the commitment involved.
Ask yourself: Are you getting a puppy because you’re genuinely ready to provide a loving, stable home for the next 10 – 15 years? Or are you caught up in the idea of puppy ownership without considering the daily reality? If any of these signs resonate with you, it might mean you can or cannot handle a puppy. Be honest with yourself!