You’re looking online at Texas long range schools, when you hear a puppy barking outside. You glance out your window to see the cutest, little puppy face. Is it time for you to get a puppy of your own?
Here are 4 things to consider before getting a puppy!
1. Look at Your Budget
Puppies require more money than you might think. Even if your puppy is perfectly healthy, they require a lot of puppy vaccines until they reach about six months. In addition to vet bills, you’ll also want to explore training classes for them. Puppy classes are a great investment to get your new furry friend house-trained and obedient, but the cost adds up. Food is also quite pricey, especially if you have a large pup!
All in all, you’re looking to spend around $150 to $200 each month for your new puppy. After they reach about a year old, that number may drop down to just the cost of food. However, seriously consider if you can afford all the puppy bills before bringing your new pup home!
2. Do You Have Space?
Puppies love to have room to run around and play. If you live in a one-bedroom apartment, this doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t get a puppy. If there’s a nearby park that you can take them to regularly, that works just as fine.
The more space you have, the easier it will be for you to introduce a new puppy to your home. You’ll want to keep in mind that dogs like to also have their own privacy sometimes – as do you. Spend some time thinking about if you have the best environment for both you and a new puppy before making this big decision.
3. Puppies Require Time
If you’re always on the go, it might not be the best time to get a new puppy. Puppies require and deserve your time and attention. Dogs are social creatures, and many of them are prone to separation anxiety. This is why it’s not fair if you decide to get a new pup that you know you won’t have the time for.
Another thing to consider is if you travel a lot for work or leisure. If you can’t bring your puppy with you, this hinders building that special relationship with them. A puppy is an investment of your time and energy. Now probably isn’t the right time to bring one home if you’re dropping them off at a boarding facility every weekend.
4. Breeder vs. Animal Rescue
There’s always been a debate about whether to get a puppy from a breeder or an animal rescue. There is no judgment here, but a few things for you to consider. Getting a new puppy is entirely up to you, and that includes where you get your new friend from.
Getting your puppy from a breeder comes with more certainty than an animal shelter. You’ll know its family history and its breed right away. On the other hand, adopting a puppy from an animal shelter has the potential to save a life. Another great perk of getting your new dog from an animal shelter is that you can foster the pup before agreeing to buy him or her. This gives you a trial run to see if you’re ready for this commitment!