Three Expenses To Budget For When Getting Your First Puppy
Getting a new puppy is really exciting and is sure to be a rewarding experience. However, while it's easy to take into account regular expenses like food, it's easy to overlook other items that should be on your budget. This article explains three things you should budget for when getting a new puppy.
Your Initial Vet Visits and Vaccinations
It's really important to get your puppy registered with a vet as soon as possible and work closely with them to ensure your puppy has a happy, healthy life. Your vet may want to schedule a check-up with their new patient as soon as possible, or you might want to book an appointment to ensure your puppy is healthy. You'll also need to ask them about the vaccinations that your puppy will require, and schedule them. This is vital, as your puppy may not be able to take part in training classes with them, as they risk spreading or catching illnesses. Your vet will be able to explain how often your puppy should have check-ups and what the vaccinations will cost.
Puppy Pre-school or Training Classes
Petful suggests that you might want to start taking your dog to training classes when they're as young as 6-8 weeks old. These puppy pre-school or training classes teach a wide variety of skills, from socialising safely with other dogs to following basic commands. They will also allow you to speak to a professional and ask any questions you might have and will help you meet other people with puppies in your area. However, these classes do cost money, so spend some time looking around at different options and make sure you have money set aside for them. Your vet may be able to recommend classes if you're not sure what to choose.
Dog Sitting or Boarding
If you've had an older dog before, you might be used to leaving them at home while you run errands or go out for the afternoon. However, with a new puppy, this might be less possible. This really depends on their personality, whether they are house trained, and how comfortable you feel leaving them. Either way, you may want to set money aside for someone to look after your puppy while you're out for the day, or for doggy daycare. If you intend to leave your puppy while you go to work or have booked a holiday, finding care for your puppy is essential, so make sure you budget for it.
By budgeting for vet visits, puppy pre-school classes, and daycare or a sitter for when you're away, you can ensure that there are no financial surprises and that your new puppy fits neatly into your household budget. For more information, contact a vet near you.