“Please can we get a dog? I promise to feed them and water them and take them on walks and clean up after them! Please, please, please?”

Every parent will eventually hear this pleading. Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world, and if you don’t already have one, chances are your family is bound to start asking for a dog sooner or later. If you have begun to consider welcoming a dog into your home, here are some resources to help you find the perfect match.

10 Signs Your Kid Is Ready For A Dog

Kids will insist they are ready to take care of a dog, but it takes more than promising to feed and walk a dog to guarantee it’s going to happen. A child needs to reach a certain level of maturity, independence, and understanding before they’re capable of caring for a dog, and even then, Mom or Dad will probably still need to help out. If you’re on the fence about bringing a dog into your family, here are some signs to look for to know your child is ready for the responsibility.

Quiz: Are You Ready To Get A Dog?

So, you’ve determined your kids are ready for the responsibility of a dog. Before you go full speed ahead with bringing a new canine companion into your home, ask yourself this: Are you ready for a dog? The American Kennel Club offers this quiz to help you determine if you’re ready to take on the physical, emotional, and financial burden of a dog.

The Best Dogs For Kids And Families

Dogs, like people, have different personalities, and it can be difficult to predict how a dog will fit into your pack. However, some lovable breeds have a reputation for being better suited to family life. Thankfully, petMD has provided a list of the most popular family-friendly dogs and advice for finding the right dog for you.

Just For Fun: Little Kids And Their Big Dogs

There’s no denying we have a special bond with our dogs, and photographer Andy Seliverstoff spent months capturing this bond on film. His stunning collection features young children and their large, loyal canines, proving dogs are man’s best friend no matter what age we might be.

To finding your next furry family member,

Lynn