Are You Ready for Me?

"A guide to responsible care and inspiring compassion and understanding, this book will benefit all young readers—and all dogs." — Dr. Michael W. Fox, Veterinarian, Author, and Columnist

By Claire Buchwald; Illustrated by Amelia Hansen

A book cover titled 'Are You Ready for Me?' featuring an illustration of two dogs, a puppy and an adult, sitting on grass in a park with trees in the background.

Are You Ready for Me? is the perfect book for every family facing the familiar question: “Can we get a dog?” Whether the answer is yes or not yet, this playful and honest picture book helps children and parents explore what life with a dog truly means, from the everyday responsibilities to the joyful companionship.

The story gently asks two children how they plan to care for their new friend. Along the way, young readers learn what it takes to welcome a pet into the family and how to build a bond based on kindness and commitment.

With charming illustrations and a thoughtful, conversational tone, this book is ideal for families preparing to adopt, as well as for teaching children about empathy and animal care. It also serves as a gentle reminder of the ongoing responsibilities of pet ownership—one that children will want to revisit again and again.

Bookshop
Amazon
Are You Ready for a Dog Kit

  • Dogs, Pets, Adoption

  • Paperback

  • 24 pages

  • 5-6 years

  • Kindergarten - 1st Grade

  • 0940719088

  • 9780940719088

A boy with short hair smiling and holding a yellow Labrador Retriever puppy.

Reviews

  • Stanley Coren (Author of "How Dogs Think" and "Why Does My Dog Act That Way?")

    "This easy-going book tells kids what they will have to do to turn their dog into a happy and fun pet, and also how to care for it in the right way. It is a useful and pleasant 'reality check' for all kids who are begging to have a dog of their own."

  • Paula L. Reimers, Reader

    “This is a wonderful book for families considering adopting a puppy or a dog. In light-hearted language children can understand, it explains clearly what the responsibilities of caring for a pet are, and why they are important: feeding, walking, playing, cleaning up and defending from those who might tease or abuse the dog. It also explains that puppies need more patience (and work!) than adult dogs.

    There is also a checklist at the back of the book for families to sign. It opens a discussion between parents and children, and seems to make the commitment real.

    I volunteer at our local shelter, and I have read this book many times with children and their parents so that they understand clearly that they are making a real commitment to care for another living, loving being for the rest of its life.”

  • Andra N. Doherty, Reader

    “Pragmatic and potentially life-saving.

    A fantastic book to share with children (and their parents) if they are considering adding a dog to the family. An honest but non-judgemental presentation of the challenges and responsibilities of dog ownership told in a simple, straight-forward way. The last page is a 'contract' that every would-be dog owner should have to sign before making a decision that affects the lives of friends, family, neighbours, AND the dog.”

  • Dr. Michael W. Fox (Veterinarian, Author, and Columnist)

    "A guide to responsible care and inspiring compassion and understanding, this book will benefit all young readers—and all dogs."

Children and adults in a pet store with various puppies and dogs, some in cages and some outside, interacting with each other.
A watercolor illustration showing a girl with a purple sweater and short brown hair looking at a dog, and a boy with dark hair sitting cross-legged on the floor holding a small puppy. The girl is looking at the dog with a gentle expression, and the b
Two children walking their dogs outdoors in different weather conditions. On the left, a girl is playing with a dog in a park on a sunny day, while a boy stands nearby. On the right, a girl is walking her dog in the rain, with trees and buildings in
Children and adults at an adoption event with dogs and puppies in cages, a woman holding two puppies, and a girl reading a paper, during 'Adoption Day'