Everything you need to think about for your new arrival
Getting a puppy is a really exciting time, but there is a lot to think about beforehand. From deciding whether a puppy is a right pet for you, to bringing them home, here’s our guide to help you prepare for your new addition.
What to think about before getting a puppy
Before you decide that a puppy is the best pet for you, or before you get your heart set on a particular breed, there are lots of things you need to consider. It’s essential to make sure that a puppy is a right pet for you and your family, as taking on a pet is a huge commitment. Remember, your puppy will soon turn into a beautiful adult dog who will hopefully be with your family for many happy years.
You’ll need to make sure you can meet your puppy’s 5 Welfare Needs, providing everything they need to be happy and healthy – and you’ll need to make sure you can continue to do so as their needs change throughout their lives. Here are some things to carefully consider before you make a decision:
- Cost: Have you budgeted to make sure you can afford all the costs associated with getting a puppy? Setting up for a puppy can be expensive in the first place, but you’ll also need to consider the lifetime costs of owning a dog as well. Make sure that you’re able to budget for insurance, vet bills, food and other ongoing costs, such as buying leads, toys and poo bags.
- Lifestyle: Do you have enough time for a puppy? They will need plenty of company, entertainment and ongoing training during the day, especially while they are young. If you work full-time, you may need to consider day care options. Remember that a new puppy is a lifetime commitment and you’ll need to look after them for as long as they live – if you’re planning any big lifestyle changes, make sure they’ll be able to accommodate a dog.
- Your home: Is your home dog appropriate? Do you have a secure garden or access to a safe outdoor space for them to run and play in, and enough room for them to have separate eating and sleeping areas? What will you need to adapt to make it dog-proof?
- Your household: Does everyone in the household want a dog? Who will be responsible for walks, feeding and play time? Do you have any other pets in the household? You’ll need to do any introductions slowly, and think about whether everyone in your home will be happy to welcome a new, bouncy pup.
- Vets: Do you know of any vets nearby to register your new puppy? You can find local vets online and on the RCVS website, as well as asking any responsible dog owners you know for recommendations. It’s worth visiting the vet before getting a puppy, as they can give you advice and help you with research.
- Research: Before getting any pet, you should always research them thoroughly. When thinking about a dog, remember to research their breed to make sure they fit in with your home and lifestyle – you can take our quiz to get you started.
