---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Should have dogs before they have kids…"
description: "\"Should have dogs before they have kids. Everybody.\" — Janeane Garofalo"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db7/janeane-garofalo-1940_animal_should-have-dogs-before-they-have-kids-e_114850.png"
---

#  Should have dogs before they have kids. Everybody.

![“Should have dogs before they have kids. Everybody.” quote by Janeane Garofalo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db7/janeane-garofalo-1940_animal_should-have-dogs-before-they-have-kids-e_114850.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db7/janeane-garofalo-1940_animal_should-have-dogs-before-they-have-kids-e_114850.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db7/janeane-garofalo-1940_animal_should-have-dogs-before-they-have-kids-e_114850.png)

> “Should have dogs before they have kids. Everybody.”

[Janeane Garofalo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janeane-garofalo/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Having dogs before children is suggested as a way to experience companionship and responsibility without the lifelong commitments of parenthood.

**In simple terms:** Dogs first, then kids, for lighter commitment.

Key Takeaway

Pets can teach caregiving before parenthood.

Themes

family planning pet ownership life stages responsibility humor

Mood

playful light‑hearted thought‑provoking

Type

humorous advice cultural commentary

When to use this quote

- Young adults deciding on pets vs. kids
- Couples delaying children
- People seeking low‑commitment companionship

Key Concepts

attachment theory life‑course sequencing

Practical Applications

- Volunteer at animal shelters to gauge readiness
- Discuss long‑term goals with partner before adding children

Questions to Reflect On

- What does pet ownership reveal about your readiness for parenthood?
- How might a dog change your perspective on responsibility?

A Different Perspective

Not everyone can or wants to have pets; the advice may not fit all lifestyles.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Animal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animal/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Dog](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dog/) [Dogs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dogs/) [Kids](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kids/)

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