Instagram makes dog ownership look like one long highlight reel.
Dogs are splashing in pools, pummeling couches, cuddling with their humans for movie nights, and tagging along on sun-drenched beach days or scenic hikes. A puppy becomes part of a curated life, another accessory to post and show off.
But if you are doing it right, dog ownership is not effortless; it is exhausting.
I’ll admit that my family didn’t fully understand what we were in for when we brought home our puppy, Laila. The first twelve weeks alone felt like a full-time job. Until her vaccinations were complete, we were essentially confined indoors because taking her outside risked infection. What followed was a blur of puppy classes for socialization, followed by training sessions that tested everyone’s patience.
We spent weeks trying to teach Laila how to walk on a leash without losing her mind every time she saw another dog, a squirrel, or a flock of Canadian geese. Some lessons never fully stuck. To this day, the doorbell still sends her into a barking frenzy, and guests are greeted with enthusiastic, face-level leaps of affection.
Dog ownership means daily walks, no matter the weather or your mood. It means regular vet visits, grooming appointments, ongoing training, and constantly finding ways to keep your pet mentally and physically stimulated.
The problem is that many people only want the highlight reel.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters every year. Many are surrendered because owners underestimate the time and responsibility involved. The “perfect puppy” becomes a high-energy adolescent, the novelty wears off, and suddenly the reality of chewed furniture, early mornings, and long-term dedication feels overwhelming.Â
Additionally, according to the American Kennel Club, the average cost of owning a dog is about $3,000 anually, but it can cost much more depending on food, grooming, veterinary care, training, and emergency expenses. Many first-time owners focus on the excitement of getting a puppy without fully understanding the financial commitment that follows.
Moreover, according to Humane World for Animals, dog adoption rates surged during the COVID-19 pandemic as people searched for companionship during lockdowns. However, many shelters later reported increased returns as owners went back to work, moved, or realized they could not manage the responsibility.Â
According to The Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic, regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for a dog’s physical health and emotional well-being. A lack of walks, play, and interaction can lead to anxiety, destructive behavior, and long-term health problems. Simply letting a dog outside for a few minutes is not proper care — it is the bare minimum.Â
Proper care for a dog comes from an understanding that the pet is not a decoration you fit into your life when it’s convenient. It’s a commitment you build your life around.
If we are serious about reducing abandonment and improving animal welfare, we must raise the standard for what it means to own a dog. Prospective owners should not be able to choose a puppy the same way they can choose a trending product online.
Instead, a pre-adoption class covering financial costs, training expectations, exercise needs, and long-term commitment should be mandatory. This would force people to confront the realities of dog ownership before making a decision based solely on impulse or emotion.
And, yes, it would discourage some people. But that is not a bad thing.
Dogs are living animals who rely entirely on the people who choose them. This is why dog ownership should never begin with “I want a cute puppy,” but instead, “Am I actually ready for the life that comes after the puppy phase ends?”
