When looking to add a new member to your family, adopting a puppy is always a great option to have. They can be sweet and cuddly, and they are very loyal and protective. Like a child, there is a lot that goes into adopting and taking care of your new pet. You have to have a specific budget set in place, and you should also prepare your home for your new companion, so if you are looking to adopt a puppy, here are a few things you should consider so that you may be prepared.
Adoption Fee
As mentioned, adopting a dog can be very exciting, but you should always consider how much it will cost. Adoption fees can vary based on the dog’s breed, age, and location. However it is possible to adopt your new furry friend for free.
Since dog shelters are not government funded, the cost to adopt your puppy depends on the owner of the shelter. Some owners may charge $200 to $500 while other owners may just want to get the puppy into a safe home quickly, so they either give the puppy away for free or charge a small fee such as $20 or $50. The shelters that charge little to nothing will usually encourage people to donate money if they are able to. Shelters that do charge higher fees usually provide everything the puppy needs to be sent to a new home. This can include vaccines and other veterinary exams. Higher fees could also mean the money is used to care for the other animals who have not found a home. Puppies typically cost more than adult dogs, but it all depends on where you go. You can use a national animal shelter database to find a puppy near you.
If the puppy breed you want costs a couple of hundred dollars or more, it is always wise to save and look for the best options. When people think of adopting a dog, they tend to automatically think of animal shelters, but you can actually find puppies to adopt in other places, and they may be cheaper. You can find Facebook groups for people who house and rescue dogs. You can also attend an adoption event. Organizations such as PetSmart Charities have a National Adoption Weekend four times a year, and Petco stores host adoption events for rescue groups.
You can also find coupons that will help you pay for your puppy and things it will need. The objective is to get these loving animals into homes, so it is possible to find a great deal. If you still need ways to raise money to adopt your puppy then you and your kids could have a car wash, start a bake sale, or even have a garage/yard sale. Another method is to become a dog sitter. This will not only help you raise money but give you valuable experience taking care of a dog.
Preparing Your Home
Once you have enough money to adopt your puppy and cover other expenses such as food, toys, and visits to the vet, you should turn your focus to your home. Experts suggest it’s vital to prepare your home and your family for puppies. You may need to make some adjustments to make your home puppy proof.
Put away any floor plants, shoes, clothing, and any other decorations that may be on the floor. Your puppy can get ahold of these and ruin them. Get your family into the habit of closing all closets and putting away book bags, shoes, and other items they may leave on the floor. Lock and put away all hazardous materials such as medicine and cleaning products. Just as these shouldn’t be accessible to your children, they also shouldn’t be in a puppy’s reach Store all electric cords and put away all small toys and other small items your puppy may choke on. Fence all escape routes in your yard and house so that your puppy doesn’t get into places it shouldn’t.
Once your house is puppy proof, you should also set rules for your family if you have children. Set a schedule for your puppy and allow your children to be apart. Set a time to walk and feed your dog and set up an area for your puppy’s bedding and bathroom. A puppy can be a great way to teach your children the concept of responsibility.
Other Tips
When you are ready to adopt your new puppy, you should also consider the amount of money you will have to spend each year to maintain your new family member’s needs. The average cost of expenses for a small dog in the first year is approximately $1,400. To save money, buy your puppy food in bulk. Look for coupons to help you save money on food and other essential needs. You can typically find coupons on your go-to dog brand’s website. Another money-saving option is to groom your puppy at home instead of going to a pet groomer. To avoid costly visits to the vet, keep your dog healthy by exercising and keeping up with your puppy’s shots.
One thing that ends up costing a lot is dog training. You can also attempt to train your dog yourself if you don’t want to spend the money on a trainer. There are a lot of resources available to help you train your dog. You can find books online or at your local library or use YouTube. The internet is a good resource for training because people tend to be more honest about their experiences and share the different tactics that work for them. You can also find information specific to your breed of dog and your living situation.
Once you have a budget for your puppy and have prepared your home, you are all ready to adopt your puppy. Remember to always do your research on the puppy you are interested in and the shelter you are adopting your dog from, and most importantly have fun. Congratulations on your new family member!