Do you have any other dogs and how will they react to a new pet?

Is your current residence suited to the dog you’re considering?

How do the people you live with feel about having a dog in the house?

Do you or any of your household/family members have health issues that may be affected by a dog?

If you are thinking of adopting a young dog, do you have the time and patience to work with the dog through its adolescence, taking house-breaking, chewing and energy-level into account?

What breed of dog is the best fit with your current lifestyle?(You can find references about dog breeds on the internet)

Can you train and handle a dog with behavior issues or are you looking for an easy-going friend?

How will your social life or work obligations affect your ability to care for a dog?

Do you have a plan for your new dog during vacations and/or work travel?

Are you (or your spouse, partner or roommate) intolerant of hair, dirt and other realities of sharing your home with a dog, such as allergies?

Is there tension in the home? Dogs quickly pick up on stress in the home, and it can exacerbate their health and behavior problems.

Is there an adult in the family who has agreed to be ultimately responsible for the dog’s care?

Do you need a dog who will be reliable with children or one you can take with you when you travel?