As the festive season approaches we come to the time of year when families think more than ever about getting a puppy.
Puppies make a wonderful addition to a family unit and bring much joy and happiness to children and adults alike.
That said it is also the time of year when we must remember that, as the Dogs Trust say, A Dog is for Life and not Just for Christmas.
The slogan was first used by Clarissa Baldwin the then Chief Executive of the Canine Defence League, now The Dogs Trust and is as relevant today as it was then.
It is a sad truth that like many Christmas presents puppies can find themselves abandoned once the novelty wears off.
There are many reasons for this sad fact but it comes down to new dog owners simply not doing their homework in regard to how much time and money it takes to raise a puppy. One recent survey by the PDSA found that 4.8 Milllion dog owners found their new puppies harder work than they expected. Another key reason is cost. When surveyed many pet owners believed that a puppy would cost in the region of £500 over its lifetime.
The reality is that an average dog will cost between £2000 and £3000 per year! Assuming that your new puppy will live for an average of 11 years the total cost of your new addition could be as high as £33,000.
Before deciding to embark on dog ownership the first step is to decide which breed of dog will suit you and your lifestyle. Click here to complete a quick and easy questionnaire to help you find your perfect doggy partner.
Now you have found the perfect match you need to build dog care into your household budget. You should include food, insurance, holiday care, a dog walking service if required and a contingency for those unexpected hiccups and of course all of the items that you need to buy before your puppy arrives.
The final step and arguably the most important is finding a reputable breeder. Not doing so can result in numerous and sever health problems for your puppy. Not only will this cause distress to you and your new family member it could also significantly increase how much your puppy will cost you over his lifetime. A list of Kennel Club Assured Breeders can be found here.
Now it’s just a case of sitting back and enjoying your new best friend for years to come!
My Best Friend Dog Care Services
At My Best Friend we offer a range of dog care services including Dog Walking, Doggy Day Care, Home Boarding, Pet Sitting and Puppy Care. We work hard to provide a caring, convenient and professional service to your best friend and we take pride in treating your dog as if they were our own.