Thinking about getting a dog? Here's what you need to think about first 

Dogs are increasingly seen as part of the family in Ireland, and that has shaped the way we think about responsible dog ownership.

Bringing a dog home is an exciting decision, but it is also a long-term commitment. Depending on the age of the dog, that commitment could last well over a decade and during that time their needs will change, whether that is their health, diet, exercise, behaviour, or the type of veterinary care they require.

That is why responsible ownership needs to start with thinking about a dog’s whole life, not simply what they need when they first come home.

This is something we want to put a greater focus on through Agria’s new partnership with Dogs Trust Ireland. At the heart of the partnership is a shared commitment to responsible dog ownership and helping people give dogs happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

For me, there are a few important elements to that. Dogs are part of the family, but bringing one home means taking responsibility for their long-term health and welfare. It also means making sure they have the exercise, stimulation, companionship, and care they need to enjoy a fulfilling life.

Having access to good information and specialist expertise is an important part of that too.

At Agria, we see the value of specialist knowledge every day in helping owners better understand their dogs’ health needs and make informed decisions throughout their lives.

The findings from Dogs Trust Ireland’s 2025 Dog Census show why that conversation is so important - especially considering how more than one in three dog owners in Ireland, 36% to be exact, say they struggle with the cost of veterinary bills.

However, only 16% researched the ongoing costs of dog ownership before bringing a dog home, and just 31% researched the typical health issues associated with their dog’s breed.

I think there is a real opportunity to help people understand that long-term commitment before they bring a dog home.

Understanding what dog ownership involves

There are many things to consider when choosing a dog, including their age, breed, size, temperament and background.

Different dogs will have different requirements, and prospective owners need to consider whether those needs are right for their family, lifestyle and circumstances.

It goes without saying, cost must be part of that conversation too. People will generally think about food, vaccinations, grooming, training and other regular expenses, but what is much more difficult to anticipate is illness or injury and the veterinary treatment a dog may need throughout its life. This is where insurance comes in.

This has become particularly important as veterinary care has become more advanced and more expensive. At Agria, we have seen our average claim increase by around 20% over the past three years.

The standard of veterinary care available is only going to keep improving, with more advanced diagnostics, specialist procedures and treatments now available. That is a very positive development for dogs and their owners, but those advances come at a cost and planning ahead can help owners prepare for that.

For some people, that may mean putting money aside. For others, insurance can provide financial protection against unexpected veterinary costs. Ireland is still an underinsured market, with only an estimated 10-15% of pets insured, so I think there is a need for greater education around the options available.

A dog’s needs do not stay the same

The needs of a puppy are very different to those of an adult or senior dog. A puppy may need training and socialisation as they learn about the world around them, but as dogs get older, owners may need to adapt their exercise, diet or routines and become more aware of changes in their health or behaviour.

Dogs bring a huge amount to family life, and that relationship works both ways. If we recognise dogs as members of our families, we also need to think about what a happy and fulfilling life looks like from their perspective.

Nobody can be expected to know everything about dog health, behaviour or welfare. What is important is knowing where to find trusted advice, and being willing to learn as your dog’s needs change.

For someone considering getting a dog, that could mean researching the characteristics and potential health needs of a particular breed or speaking to a rehoming organisation about what dog may be right for their circumstances.

For existing owners, it could mean seeking advice about behaviour, preventative care or changes they notice as their dog gets older.

A commitment for life

I’m considering adopting a dog myself. With two teenage daughters regularly showing me pictures of dogs looking for homes, it feels increasingly inevitable.

But I’m also conscious that wanting a dog and being ready for one are two different things. Before making that decision, I want to do my homework; to understand what breed of dog would suit our family, the time and care they would need, the costs involved, and type of insurance that would work best for us.

I believe that this is what responsible dog ownership is all about. It starts before a dog ever comes through the front door.

We talk a lot about the joy they bring to our families, and rightly so. But becoming part of a family comes with a promise in return: to care for them, understand their needs and be there for every stage of their life. That is a commitment worth preparing for.