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How much should you budget for a puppy?

Puppies are cute, fluffy, and make the best friends you could ever imagine. So why wouldn't you want one? Of course, you want one! But before you go out and bring home your new family member, it's important to do your research and plan your puppy budget well in advance. Indeed, looking after a dog demands attention, responsibility, and time. But above it, adopting a dog comes at a cost. You must ensure you can control your finances to look after your new best friend.

The cost of having a dog can be pretty high. You'll spend a lot on your pup, from food and vet bills to toys and treats. Luckily there are plenty of ways to save money on your puppy costs. To help you get started on this exciting journey of parenthood (of sorts), we've put together some top-secret hacks on how to save money on your pet costs ASAP.

The Best Ways To Save Money On Your New Four-Legged Friend

Have a Realistic Pet Budget

The most important thing to remember when adopting a puppy is that you should only spend what you can afford. Even if you're willing and able to provide for the dog, it's important to be realistic about how much time and money you're eager to commit to the process. It would be best to consider whether your current lifestyle is conducive to a new pet’s health & needs.

Study Up On Different Dog Breeds

Once you have decided which breed of dog is right for you, study their needs and characteristics (like the size of your dog) before deciding on the type of pet. This way, when it comes time for adoption day, you'll be ready for anything!

Grooming

When looking after your dog, grooming is necessary for pet care. It will not only help keep your dog clean but also make them look good too. Grooming can be expensive if you don't do it yourself. However, if you have time on your hands and enjoy doing it, then there are many ways in which you can cut down on monthly costs without compromising on quality.

The first thing to do is to brush your dog's coat regularly. This will remove loose hair from their coats and help prevent tangles from forming in the long run. Brushing will also help reduce shedding and keep their fur looking fresh for more extended periods.

Consider Adopting From An Animal Shelter Instead of Buying

Adoptions are often free or very low cost — but not always! If you're looking at adopting from a shelter or rescue group, be sure to ask how much they charge before adopting so that there isn't any confusion about what's included in those fees when the time comes to pay them back. Additionally, consider looking into volunteering at an animal shelter or rescue group so that you can get hands-on experience with dogs and cats before committing to this one!

Avoid Scams

Avoiding scams may be difficult, but it is possible. Do some research before you start looking for a breeder. Check out the breeder's website and make sure that the site has contact information, pricing, and an application process. If the breeders don't have any of these things, they are likely trying to hide something. They may also not be registered with their local government or American Kennel Club (AKC).
A platform that scammers populate is Gumtree, where sellers can request payment before you get to see the pup. In the end, you may pay for a dog you will never receive. So, keep your eyes peeled to avoid puppy scams on Gumtree. Regardless of where you've found the ad for the pup, you want to always research the breeder and visit the puppies before making a decision. This will ensure you can work with someone trustworthy who takes good care of the animals.

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Get A Pet Insurance Plan

You may be thinking, 'why would I need pet insurance if my puppy is in good health?' That's a good question. Many people don't realize that even when your pup is as fit as a fiddle, it can still develop an illness or injury. Puppies are very fragile creatures that need constant care and attention. They require regular vet visits and medications as they grow older. And if you are not prepared with pet health insurance, you will be paying for it out of pocket, which can get pricey.

As such, getting puppy insurance before bringing home your new addition is always a good idea. This will ensure that insurance companies will cover any medical expenses incurred after adoption instead of out-of-pocket expenses for owners like yourself. Also, many different types of coverage are available, so you should easily find one that fits your needs and budget.

Dog Training

Dog training is essential to teach your positive pet behaviors. When a puppy is not trained, it could cause more damage inside your home. Indeed, exercise can include various activities, from asking to be let out to do their business in the garden to learning not to chew furniture. Ideally, you should start dog training from a young age so your dog can become obedient and manageable. You may have noticed that puppies will try anything if it means getting something for free or if it means getting around the rules.

Don't Spoil Your Pup

When you get a puppy, they're so cute and cuddly, and it's hard not to spoil them! But as tempting as it is to buy your pup a lot of toys and food, you should focus only on the things that are essential to his well-being and health. From a comfortable dog bed to a secure crate, prioritize items that will enhance your pup's life.

Start An Emergency Fund

As mentioned, there are apparent costs like pet food and toys, but there are also some not-so-obvious expenses you may only realize once it's too late. For example, veterinary care can be expensive if your pet gets sick or injured. If you need to leave town unexpectedly, other miscellaneous expenses, such as boarding or pet sitter fees, may come unexpectedly.

It can be overwhelming when you consider all the costs of getting a puppy. Doting dog parents often spend more than necessary to adopt a dog. From managing veterinary bills to ensuring you don't buy unnecessary items, controlling your puppy budget is also one of your responsibilities. However, we hope our expert tips can help you save on your furry friend!

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Top Secret Hacks: How to Save Money on Your Puppy Costs ASAP