Should we get a pet together? A couple's readiness checklist
https://www.connectedcouples.app/blog/should-we-get-a-pet-together

Original Connected planning aid. Adapt these examples together. This is not a scored or validated assessment.

Before adopting a pet

Readiness is a shared decision

01: Enthusiasm. Do both people genuinely want this pet?

02: Care. Can we meet its daily care and training needs?

03: Costs. Have we planned routine and unexpected expenses?

04: Housing. Is the pet permitted, and is the home suitable?

05: Backup. Who provides care during travel or illness?

06: Long-term plan. Can we sustain care as our lives change?

For each: ready / needs a plan / not yet. A “not yet” is valid.

Each person's independent choice
Example: Both freely want this; no one is agreeing to avoid conflict
Our draft: __________________________

Care on the busiest ordinary day
Example: Morning walk, midday cover, evening care and cleanup
Our draft: __________________________

Local routine and urgent-care costs
Example: Quotes from the vet, insurance provider if relevant, and sitter
Our draft: __________________________

Housing and species needs checked
Example: Written housing permission; suitable space and daily care advice
Our draft: __________________________

Confirmed backup and longer-term plan
Example: Named willing sitter; what happens during travel or a move
Our draft: __________________________


| Area | Ready means | Needs a plan or not yet means you should ask |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Enthusiasm | Both people freely want the commitment | Is someone agreeing mainly to avoid conflict? |
| Daily care | Named adults can cover the actual routine | Which task or time of day is uncovered? |
| Costs | You've researched expenses and agreed how to pay | What have we guessed or left out? |
| Housing | The animal is permitted and the setting is suitable | What permission or suitability check is missing? |
| Backup | Willing, suitable backup care is confirmed | Who has actually agreed to help? |
| Long-term plan | You've discussed foreseeable changes | What happens if work, housing or the relationship changes? |

Our next step: ______________________________
Who has agreed to do it: ____________________
We will revisit this on: ____________________