Before you make the decision to buy a holiday puppy or dog for your family or for someone else, there are many things to research, learn and consider.
TAKE YOUR TIME! The cost of the actual purchase or adoption fee is the tip of the iceberg when purchasing any new pet. There are ongoing costs of a high quality food, yearly health exams, dental care, and vaccinations for healthy pets. This doesn’t include the unforeseen costs of injuries and illnesses. ( MSN Money in Dec. 2010 stated in an article “Will Your Pet Bankrupt You?” that the average cost for a small-large dog is $1300-$1800 for the first year.
DO YOUR RESEARCH! Talk to several breeders or a find a breed club. Study the breed standard; learn about the genetic health issues and behaviors. Go to www.akc.org, look under breeds and breed clubs. Reputable breeders will ask as many questions of you as you are asking of them. If they don’t, they are more concerned about selling puppies instead of placing puppies in positive environments. They may be less concerned about breeding the good qualities into their line and keeping the genetic health issues out. Always get a health guarantee and take your new pet for a health exam within a few days. Read the rest of this entry »
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