Home
Guide

My child wants a dog - what to do before one moves in

“Can we get a dog?” Sooner or later most parents hear it. A dog brings huge joy, but it is also a commitment for many years. Here is how to make the decision calmly and how to check whether your child is ready.

The YourPet team4 min read

A Saint Bernard puppy in a rescue vest with a glowing question mark

Why do children want a dog so much?

A dog is a playmate, someone who is always happy to see your child and never gets bored. Often classmates or grandparents have a dog. Before you say “yes” or “no”, ask your child what they imagine: walks together, playing ball, cuddles? The answer tells you a lot about whether your child is also thinking about the responsibilities.

What to talk about before deciding?

Sit down as a family and answer a few questions:

  • Who will walk the dog - in the morning, after school and in the evening, in rain and frost too?
  • Who will look after the dog when you travel or go on holiday?
  • How many hours a day will the dog be home alone?
  • Does anyone in the family have an allergy?
  • How much will food, the vet, vaccinations, toys and any pet care cost each month?
  • Which dog suits your home and lifestyle - size, temperament, need for exercise?

A dog usually lives 10 to 15 years - longer than all of primary school. That is why the decision belongs to the adults, even if your child dreams of a dog the most, and most of the duties will fall on the parents anyway.

How to check if your child is ready for a dog?

The promise “I will walk it every day” is easy to make and harder to keep. It is better to test it in practice before a dog moves in:

  • Walks with a dog belonging to a neighbour, an aunt or friends - regularly, for several weeks, in bad weather too.
  • A regular household chore, such as watering plants or feeding fish, done without reminders.
  • A week of caring for a virtual pet - feeding, walks, play and sleep at set times.
  • A visit to friends with a dog - to see what an ordinary day with a dog looks like, not just the fun parts.

Is a virtual pet a good test before getting a dog?

A virtual pet will not replace a dog - you do not have to walk it in the rain or clean up after it. It can, however, show whether your child remembers daily duties. In YourPet the pet has health, energy and happiness, which drop when nobody looks after it, and feeding, walks and play cost coins earned in mini-games - just like in real life, a little effort comes first.

Agree on a week: your child looks after the pet on their own, and then you check together how it went. A new account gets 7 days free with a pet from the gallery - just right for such a test. In the creator you can also describe the dream dog in words - breed, colour, distinctive features - and create it as a virtual pet. Read more about how care works in What is a virtual pet?

Adopt or buy?

If you decide to get a dog, consider adopting from a shelter. Dogs of every age and size are waiting there, and the staff help match a dog to your family - your home, your children and your pace of life. Many shelters also welcome volunteers; usually adults, with younger children coming along with a guardian. Every shelter sets its own rules, so ask at your nearest one.

You can help shelters even when it is too early for a dog: in YourPet, from every Shelter Pass purchase, 5 zł goes to the shelter you choose at checkout.

What if the answer is: not yet?

That is a good answer too. Explain why to your child - no time, an allergy, too small a home - and agree when you will come back to it, for example in a year. Until then there are walks with the neighbour’s dog, books about dogs and a virtual pet. And if the holidays are coming, see our gift ideas for a child who loves animals.

Frequently asked questions

At what age can a child look after a dog?

There is no single age. Younger children can help - fill the bowl, brush the dog, play with it with an adult around. Walking the dog alone only makes sense once your child can hold the dog safely on a lead. Responsibility for the dog always stays with the adults.

What is the best dog for a child?

One whose temperament and needs fit your family - the character of the particular dog often matters more than the breed. A calm, well-socialised dog is a good choice; shelter staff or a breeder will help you choose.

Can a virtual pet replace a dog?

No. It can be a good test of routine and a source of joy, but it cannot replace walks, cuddles and a real bond with an animal.

What if my child is sad about not getting a dog?

Name their feelings, explain the reasons for the decision and suggest a plan: when you will talk about it again and what your child can do until then - walk a friend’s dog, volunteer with a parent or look after a virtual pet.