So you want a dog? Things to Consider...

• Time: If you are thinking about bringing a furry friend into the family, time is something you have to consider. Dogs require play time, potty breaks, walks, training, exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation. One of the first things you want to think about is if you have time to do all of those things, if the answer is yes then you can move on to the next point.
• Lifestyle: The next thing you want to think about is what your lifestyle is like and what breed would best fit it? If you do not already know, different breeds have different levels of energy, personality traits, and tendencies. Click Here to take the dog breed lifestyle quiz created by the American Kennel Club. Picking a dog that fits your lifestyle can help ensure that you and the dog will be a good fit. If a high energy dog ends up paired with someone with a sedentary lifestyle who may not be able to provide enough energy outlet, sometimes the dog's unreleased energy can manifest in ways that we do not want like destruction of household things. If someone wants a dog they can take runs with, they do not want to get a dog that has a low tolerance for high impact activity and may cause strain on their lungs or body. 
• Financial:
  • Vet appointments: Whether you are getting a puppy from a breeder, adopting a dog, or rehoming a dog you need to find a vet in your area that you plan to use as your dog's primary healthcare provider, do this before you get the dog. Outside of tests and vaccinations, there is usually an appointment booking fee every time you book an appointment. This fee can range from $40-$60.
  • Vaccinations: The beginning vaccinations for puppies can range from $150-$300 depending on where you go. 
  • Vet Procedures or Screenings: if anything happens to your furbaby that requires x-rays, testing, or operations things can get quite pricey very quickly. According to Canine Jornal,  “A dog X-ray can range anywhere from $75 to $500, with the average cost of a dog X-ray falling between $150 to $250.” If you have a puppy one of the procedures you may want to get early on is getting them neutered or spayed. Another thing you may consider is a DNA test if you are unsure of the breed. 
  • Monthly Meds:  Things like a flea and tick preventative and heartworm medication. The cost of these vary based on brand and where you get them. They are typically higher at the Vet.
  • Grooming: This cost depends on dog size, coat, and weight. Smaller dogs are typically cheaper to get groomed than larger dogs. As a personal example Goldendoodles are large dogs with a typically harder to groom coat. These dogs can cost around $100 to get a full bath and groom. 
• Dog Food: This is another cost you will need to consider. Dog food prices have a very broad range depending on the size of the bag, ingredients, form of the food, and quality. 
• The fun stuff: Toys, Treats, and other pet supplies. 
• Dog tags and Microchipped: Identification is very important to ensure that if your dog ever gets lost they can be returned to their rightful owner. Dogs tags are typically inexpensive and the microchip process usually is typically between $25-$60 according to Market Watch
• Pet Insurance or Care Credit: This is a great option in order to lower costs at the vet.”Pet insurance costs between $38 and $56 per month for an adult dog and between $20 and $30 per month for an adult cat. You can expect to pay an additional $10 to $25 per month for a preventative care package.” According to Market Watch . Care Credit can be used for routine veterinary appointments, grooming services, emergency pet care, or a variety of surgeries and treatments your pet may need. CareCredit credit card allows you to use your card again and again for your pet's procedures.
• Away Accommodations: If you ever have to go on vacation or leave your dog with someone else there are several options, family and friends, pet sitter platform like Rover or Wag, or reserving a spot with a boarding facility. These all have different price ranges. 
• Mental Capacity: Caring for anyone or anything can be overwhelming. Having a dog requires a lot of patience, they have to learn and adapt to their new environment and you have to teach them. Some even say the puppy stage of having a dog is comparable to having a newborn baby.
• Love, love and more love: When you have this component the rest fall into play because you want to ensure your pup has an amazing life. The fact that you are even reading this is step one.
• Once you've decided on getting a puppy we are here for you join our Puppy Planning Program to help you prepare for pooch parenthood!

If after reading this you feel getting a dog is right for you, CLICK BELOW to access our " Finding a Dog" Resource Guide.