How do i get my mom to let me have a dog?

Question

Im 13 and i love dogs i take care of my cat just fine but my mom still wont let me have on i know i can take care on it and every thing that shes trown at he i have handle as easly as postable she keeps saying we dont have the moey but i do and that we have a cat but i found a kinda of dog that enjoys cats but she still wont let me have one i mean we have a big enugh house and all how do i get her to let me have one?

Answer 1

She may be thinking that if in five years you leave home to go to college or whatever, then she is stuck with your dog.

Answer 2

You sound like a very mature and responsible pet owner. There are a couple approaches you could take.

1. Gather information about the breed your are interested in ie temperment, size, health problems, behavior, diet requirements, puppy vs adult, etc.
2. Figure out all the costs ie adoption, vet fees, vacinations, neutering/spaying, food, toys, etc.
3. Show that you know about the local bi-laws ie licensing, dog parks, poop/scoop rules.

There may be several reasons why your mom doesn't want to have a dog join the household:

1. A new pet is a new member of the family.
2. Maybe she's not a dog person
3. Mess-shedding, digging, spots on lawn
4. What happens when you move out to college? Who will look after "your" dog?
5. Long term committment - dogs can live well into their teens.
6. Dogs seem to be more needy than cats. Cats can be left alone all day - dogs can suffer from separation anxiety.
7. Where will the dog live? Indoor/outdoor? If indoor - what about training, bathroom breaks? If outdoors - where, what kind of housing, what about condition of lawn?
8. Expense - overall they are more expensive than cats.

Hopefully everything will work out in your household. After going through everything and your mom still won't let you get a dog, you could always try dog-walking or pet sitting to get lots of love and affection from dogs.

Answer 3

Hi Alia.

I just read the other post you made about your poorly hamster and also your cat.

I think you should listen to your mom, as it seems that you really can't afford to look after your pets properly. I am not trying to be horrible or upset you, but when pets are ill they need to be taken to the vet straight away. They cannot just be left because the parent can't afford it. Your mom is right to say no to a new pet, as she knows that she cannot afford to look after any more animals.

What would you do if your dog got ill and your mom couldn't afford to get him treated? He would have to be put to sleep and this would be very upsetting for you.

At 13 you cannot possibly have enough money to take care of a dog I'm afraid. You will need at least £100 to start with, in order to get injections for him from the vet to protect him against diseases, as well as all the other things you'll need to buy. You will also need to pay £20 a month via direct debit for pet insurance. Every person that has a pet needs to have pet insurance. Do you have a bank account? Do you have £20 per month to spend on pet insurance?

Dogs can live for 15 years. Are you saying that by the time you are 28, you will still be taking care of the dog? What will happen if you go to University and you can't take him with you, and your mom wouldn't want to keep him?

I'm really sorry if this is not what you want to hear, but you should wait until your family can afford to look after the dog properly, and until you are old enough to get a proper job so that you can afford to pay for him too.

xx Emmie

Answer 4

I'm sorry that your mom won't listen, in the end it is more her decision. And I feel for you. I'm sure you are a great kid and a responsible person. But here are some things that may help you agree with your mom, or at least respect her wishes and see her side of the story. As much as she probably wishes that you could have a dog, she is not saying NO to be mean to you.

If it helps, I really want a ferret, and I would love a dog too. I have wanted both for years. I cry everytime I see them in the pet store and I am 38 years old! Still, I just can't have one because I couldn't give it all the attention it needs, and pay for it's medical care. You have to do what is best for the animal, and consider your mom's points, not just think about your wants.

One thing that your mom is probably dealing with is that being responsible for a cat is a lot different than being responsible for a dog. They have different needs, and they are more expensive. They require more time and attention, more space, and they are messier. And they live a long time if you do it right. She probably would inherit your dog when you leave home, even if it is temporary and you wish you could take it with you.

Also remember you are at an age where your life is really going to change in the next few years. On one hand, maybe that means you have time to prove to her that you really want a dog. On the other hand, maybe you will find out that you don't have time for a dog with a high school schedule and college schedule. So Mom is just looking a little further down the road.

Regarding expenses, you also need to respect that if she says she can't afford a dog it is probably true. And at 13, you aren't allowed to work yet and make any steady and high paying money. So whatever money you have is not really going to be steady enough to count on...birthdays, chores, etc. She would most certainly end up helping with the dog, and she says she can't. It takes hundreds of dollars a year to keep a dog in vet visits, vaccinations, medications for heartworm, and flea/ticks, as well as food, leashes, toys, etc. And all this is best case, IF your dog doesn't get sick or injured. If you had to pay for illness, it goes up from there, and if you had to put the dog to sleep that isn't cheap either. I'm sorry that I can't say it any more nicely because I do feel bad for you.

Here are some things to consider that may help your situation.

If your parents are divorced and you go to visit your dad...maybe you can talk to your dad about getting himself a dog and then you have a dog at his house. Don't do this to get your parents to fight. It would be about Dad being more capable to do this for you where maybe Mom can't. Maybe he can't either but you can ask.

If you want to earn some money and real work experience with dogs, as well as spending some good times with dogs even though you don't own one, advertise to walk or babysit dogs in the neighborhood when people go on vacation or if you have any elderlies in your neighborhood, they may get sick or go to the hospital or something. You would have to make sure this is with Mom's permission, and make sure that when you accept this responsibility, Mom doesn't get roped into helping you at all...like driving you there...ride your bike or walk. Also SAVE that money and open a bank account for your dog fund.

You can also ask Mom for permission to volunteer at the animal shelter, feeding, exercising, and cleaning up after the dogs. It is a lovely way to help out in the community and have fun with dogs. Maybe in this case, she would help you get there since it probably isn't just down the street. And make sure that you keep your commitment, and keep your grades up and chores done so you show your mom you can handle all the responsibility.

These things might get your point across with your mom, and may help her soften a little and let you get a dog. But they may NOT...even so, spending time with other people's dogs and orphan dogs will let you spread the love around and enjoy them even if you can't have your own dog.

Answer 5

Well hun, all you can do is let it go since she said no. I understand her point about not having the money, because animals are expensive to feed and God forbit if you have to go to the vet for an emergency. Dogs as well as cats needs shot every year, as well as check up. This can be expensive. I think she knows you take care of your kitty, but if something what to happen and you needed to take your pet to the vet, you know momma will be paying the bill, and that is why she probably said ya'll don't have the money for a new pet. She is not trying to be mean, but they are expensive, and if you can't afford to give the animal the proper care and food, then maybe it is best that you wait until ya'll can. I wish you luck.

Answer 6

at 13 you should stick to the cat a dog needs a lot of training and excersize, time that you do not have unless schooling comes bottom of the list, puppies are oh so nice but they grow and the cat may not like it any way.
this is cat section, so i will side with the cat please put it off at least untill the cat has gone.

Answer 7

You could try to persuede her- I find that it works best if you make a poster with all of the reasons to let you get a dog- and then present it to her in a calm way.calmly state why you think that youshould be able to get a dog and then ask why she won't let you get one. if money is an issue, tryadopting one at an animal shelter.They need good homes too.
Good Luck!

Answer 8

Try to find ways to prove that you are responsible enough to care for a dog on your own. Prove to her that you can afford a dog by getting a paper round or some other sort of job which will allow you to take the dog with you for exercise.I believe that by your age it is beneficial for children to have a pet that they have to take responsibility for.

Answer 9

Continue to be responsible as you no doubt have been.Be sure you are ready for the extra responsibility that having a dog brings:
walking him, training him, cleaning up after him, bathing him, etc.
Give it some time a swell, don't pester her about it.
And remember that your mom knows the budget best. She knows about the costs of having pets; vet bills, food, etc.
Good luck!

Answer 10

You can't force your mom.

Show her that your responsible, try babysitting to earn money.....Show her by babysitting and doing responsible things that your ready for a dog.

If she still won't let you work at an animal shelter and take care of the dogs....it makes you feel good.