Have you been wanting to get a furry companion?
Do you want to make the world a better place by adopting a rescue?
Has the cute Shih poo already stolen your heart? Or do you want to cuddle with a lab?
The questions and the choices are many. It is a big decision that can change your life as you know it. There is going to be a lot of happiness, but also responsibilities that come with being a dog parent.
If you are seriously considering getting a puppy, there are some things you need to be aware of. In this article, we will go through everything you need to weigh in before getting a puppy.
1. Buying vs. adopting
One of the biggest concerns is whether you should adopt a dog or buy a puppy from a breeder. Looking at it from the financial side, the cost to adopt is much more affordable. According to the Animal Humane Society, puppies’ adoption fees range from $118 to $667. On the other end, buying a purebred dog could cut you back as high as $3000.
However, that is not the only concern. If you decide to adopt, you would also be helping to save a life.
2. What breed should you get?
In simple words, there is no simple answer to this question. It depends on your personal preferences, likings, your lifestyle, house, and the rest of your family members. If you live in an apartment, then smaller dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers or Havanese might be a good option for you.
If you prefer large dogs such as Labradors, you need to ensure that there is enough space for them to move around, and preferably a garden.
3. How much care does a puppy need?
Puppies demand a lot of attention, love, and care. You will also need to invest some time in their training, help them with regular exercise, and set up a stable daily routine. You also need to consider how your lifestyle will fit into your dog’s routine. If you spend a lot of time outside the home, you might want to get a pet sitter or a walker, who can help with training as well as take your dog out for walking.
4. How to Choose the right dog insurance?
Your puppy will need regular medical care, and insurance would help you cope with the vet bills. The insurance will cover the costs of unexpected treatments, surgeries, or any ongoing condition that might add up to thousands of dollars.
The level of coverage ranges from basic, that applies only in the case of accidents, to premium insurance that extends to your dog’s dental care as well. There is also the option of annual policies or lifetime policies. Annual policies do not always cover any ongoing treatment after the first year. If aunty recurring illness is a concern, you might want to invest in a lifetime policy. The average price of insurance policies for dogs is around $50 a month.
5. How much would it cost to own a dog?
What we discussed above are mostly the initial costs of buying a puppy. There will be additional expenses that include food, training, grooming, kennels, toys, and pet sitters. Check out shoppy.dog for more shopping categories. Today, many pet parents are also considering subscription services to enhance their pet’s lifestyle.
It would be best if you gave all these factors, some serious thought before you welcome your puppy home. Because when you get a puppy, you want to be ready with a comfortable and happy home.
