Thinking of Bringing a Dog into Your Life? Here’s What You Need to Know

Bringing a dog into your home is a huge commitment, but it's also one of the most rewarding experiences. Whether you're adopting or buying from a breeder, it’s essential to prepare properly to ensure your new furry friend has a happy and healthy life. To help you get started, here’s a guide to everything you need to consider before making your decision, along with a practical checklist for each step.

The Real Cost of Owning a Dog

Owning a dog isn’t just about buying a pet; it’s about ongoing care and responsibility. Over the course of your dog's life (around 12 years on average), you can expect to spend between £6,500 and £33,000, depending on the breed, size, and health needs. This includes essential costs like:

• Food: The right nutrition is crucial for your dog’s health.
• Veterinary Care: Regular check-ups, vaccinations, neutering, and flea/worm treatments.
• Accessories: Collars, leads, toys, bedding, and other essentials.
• Pet Insurance: A good pet insurance plan can help cover unexpected medical expenses.

It's essential to consider these long-term costs before committing to dog ownership.

Checklist: Things to Do Before Getting a Dog

🐾 Assess Your Lifestyle: Make sure the breed you choose fits your lifestyle, living situation, and activity level. Larger, active breeds might need more space and exercise than smaller, more sedentary ones.

🐾 Consider Adoption: Rescuing a dog from a shelter gives an animal a second chance at a loving home. Plus, adoption often comes with initial vaccinations, microchipping, and sometimes behavioural assessments.

🐾 Visit The Kennel Club’s Breed Information: Learn about different breeds' characteristics, health issues, and temperaments to make an informed choice.

🐾 Licensed Breeder: Ensure the breeder is licensed to breed dogs. In the UK, breeders with three or more litters a year must have a license.

🐾 Health Screening: Ask for health certificates showing that the parents are free from breed-specific issues. If it's a crossbreed, request health screening for both parents.

🐾 Visit the Breeder: See the puppy interacting with its mother and littermates in the environment it was raised. Puppies should be at least 8 weeks old before going to their new home.

🐾 Check for Documentation: Ask for the puppy’s vaccination, worming, and flea treatment records.

🐾 Microchip: Make sure the dog is microchipped (it's a legal requirement), and that the breeder has registered the chip. You’ll need to update the contact details with your information once you bring the dog home.

🐾 Prepare Your Home: Make sure you have all the essentials ready—food, bedding, a lead, collar, and toys.

🐾Insurance: Look into pet insurance to protect against unexpected vet bills.

🐾 Avoid Social Media Scams: Don't purchase puppies from social media platforms where ads aren’t regulated. These platforms are a breeding ground for scams and unscrupulous breeders.

🐾 Visit Reputable Websites: Always choose reputable breeders or adoption centres that comply with PAAG Advertising Standards.

🐾 Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off about a seller or breeder—like refusing to show the puppy’s mother or promising fake paperwork—walk away.

🐾 Routine Veterinary Care: Keep up with annual check-ups, vaccinations, flea/worm treatments, and neutering if necessary.

🐾 Provide Mental & Physical Stimulation: Ensure your dog gets regular exercise and enrichment to stay happy and healthy.

🐾 Update Contact Details: If you move or change your phone number, always update your dog’s microchip details to avoid being separated in case your dog gets lost.

Common Scams You Need to Be Aware Of

Unfortunately, the pet world is not immune to scams. When buying a dog, you must be vigilant to avoid falling victim to unscrupulous sellers. Here are some common scams to watch out for:

🐾 Some sellers will show puppies without the mother in an attempt to make it look like they were raised in a loving family home. If you can’t see the mother interacting with her pups, it’s a major red flag. Always ask to see the mother and her litter in the environment where they were raised.

🐾 Some scammers promise to send you the puppy’s medical or pedigree papers after you’ve paid. In reality, these documents might be fake or never arrive at all. Always insist on seeing medical records in person before handing over any money.

🐾 Puppies should not be sold until they are at least 8 weeks old. Sellers who try to sell puppies younger than this are likely cutting corners, as young pups need to stay with their mothers to develop properly. If a seller claims to have puppies younger than 8 weeks, avoid them.

🐾 Some scammers sell puppies imported from abroad that are often too young and without the necessary vaccinations. These puppies are at a much higher risk of health issues and may not be safe to bring into your home. Always ask for the puppy’s vaccination records, especially if they’ve been imported.

🐾 Sellers may ask for a deposit upfront or payment for a pet courier service before you even see the puppy. This is a common tactic used by scammers to get money without ever delivering a dog. Never pay any money until you’ve seen the puppy in person and checked all the necessary paperwork.

🐾 If a seller offers to meet you “halfway” or in an unfamiliar location, be cautious. This could be an attempt to hide where they live and avoid being tracked. Always ask to visit the breeder's location and see the conditions in which the puppies are being raised.

🐾 Some sellers may try to sell puppies with “rare” coat colours at a higher price. These “rare” colours often come with a higher likelihood of genetic health problems. Always research the breed standard to ensure that the coat colour is common and healthy.

🐾 If a seller tells you that certain health issues, such as snoring or breathing difficulties, are “normal” for a breed, be cautious. All puppies should be born with the best chance of living a healthy life, and health problems should not be brushed off as part of the breed’s characteristics.

Final Thoughts

Getting a dog is a long-term commitment that requires careful thought and preparation. By following the checklist above and staying aware of common scams, you can make sure you’re getting a healthy, happy puppy from a responsible breeder or adoption centre.

Always trust your instincts, do thorough research, and never be rushed into a decision. When you take the time to do it right, the rewards of dog ownership are truly worth it.