Owning a dog is the best. It’s one of the most fulfilling experiences a human can have. So it’s no wonder that you suddenly find yourself thinking about adopting another pup. And another. And maybe even another! But how many dogs are too many?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, 38.4 percent of U.S. households have dogs, and those that do are home to 1.6 pups on average. When pet owners add a second dog, it’s often because the dog owners want their pooch to have company, according to SheKnows.
That’s an admirable aim, and we know it’s tempting to rescue every dog in need, but there are practical, ethical, and legal considerations that need to be taken into account before you turn your house into a dog depot. We’re going to unpack some of the things you should think through before you expand your furry family any further.
Things to Consider When Deciding How Many Dogs to Own
Legal Limits
One of the first things to consider when thinking about how many dogs to own is the legal limit in your area. Many cities and counties have regulations regarding the number of dogs you can keep on your property, and exceeding that limit can result in fines or even legal action. These limits are often based on factors such as the size of your property, the number of occupants, and the breed of the dogs.
Quality of Life
When considering how many dogs to own, it’s important to think about the quality of life that you can provide for each of your pets. Owning multiple dogs can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you’re not prepared for the responsibility. Taking on more dogs than you can reasonably care for can result in neglect, abuse, or a decline in the quality of life for both you and your pets.
Space
Dogs need room to roam, both indoors and outdoors. If you have a small apartment or a tiny yard, it may not be practical to own more than one dog.
Time
Every dog requires attention, exercise, training, and grooming. If you have a busy schedule or other commitments that limit your time with your pets, it may be difficult to provide the care and attention that multiple dogs require.
Cost
Owning a dog can be expensive, with costs for food, veterinary care, and other expenses adding up quickly. If you’re considering multiple dogs, make sure you have the financial resources to provide for their needs.
Ethics
Every dog deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, and that includes providing for their physical and emotional needs. You’re human, and therefore your bandwidth only goes so far. With each dog you add to your household, you’re adding more joy, but also more stress. Can you truly give each pup what they need?
Socialization
Every dog you add to your household changes the dynamic with your current canines. How will your fur babies react to another addition? Can you provide training so they don’t become aggressive or territorial toward the new dog? Can you refrain from playing favorites?
“It’s not fair to the current dog or newest pet if you favor one or the other,” a dogownershipguide.com article on the subject states. “Unless you’re able to equally treat your current dogs and new dogs the same, it’s not a good idea to add another animal to your household.”
Deciding How Many Dogs to Own
So what is the ideal number of dogs to own? Like most things dog-related, the answer is: it depends.
“I find for the owner, two or three at the max is a comfortable number to handle,” Karen Nash, animal rescuer and owner of pet care service Sniff Snout, told SheKnows. “I have had four dogs, and even being a professional, I found it to be a lot. With two or three, you still have enough time to devote to all and still give individual attention.”
While owning multiple dogs can be a wonderful experience, it’s important to consider all the angles when deciding how many dogs to own. By taking the time to think through these factors, you can ensure that you’re providing the best possible care for your pets and creating a happy and healthy home for everyone.
This article was written in collaboration with ChatGPT.
