It’s so easy to get swept up in thoughts of your new life with your new companion, in fact, this is one of the aspects that makes the illegal puppy trade so dangerous.  

Just like any extension of your family, there are many things to consider to ensure that the new addition gets the best life they deserve.  

Illegal puppy traders will do anything to convince you to make a quick purchase, so make sure you have a plan for the following before you make any commitments: 

Can you invest in their long term care?

There’s no doubt about it, getting a dog is an investment. Not just of money but of time too.  

It takes more than a few walks to ensure your dog remains in the best health. You have to consider whether you can afford the right food for them, any inevitable vet bills, their stimulation (toys, treats, snuffle mats, etc.) and their accessories (leads, bowls, coats, a bed, etc). 

Take a look at our infographic below to see what you could be paying: 

Are you willing to include them in your future? 

The past few years have shown us that big change can happen suddenly.  

Although working from home makes it easy for you to look after your dog, have you researched local doggy day care centres or dog sitters for when you’re not able to be around?  

If you can’t take your dog on holiday with you, then you’ll need to consider this. It’s also important to keep in mind that many of your future decisions will need to include them too. So with this in mind, a decision in the moment to get a dog is going to effect years of decisions in the future.

Can you be responsible for their training and development? 

Sometimes it can be easy to assume that dogs rely on their nature rather than their nurture, but a huge proportion of how they’ll interact with the world is down to their training.  

Whether you plan to research and implement this yourself, or whether you’ll be attending training classes, it will be your responsibility to ensure your dog has all the basics to ensure they are a happy and well-behaved pooch. This isn’t just for their welfare, it’s also for the welfare and safety of other dogs and people too. 

What you can do next 

If you’ve truly considered all of the following and are ready to bring a new dog into your home, then the next step is finding your perfect match!  

At FOUR PAWS UK, we always promote an #AdoptDontShop approach. Not only does this ensure you’re not contributing to the illegal puppy trade, but it also allows a dog in a rescue centre to enjoy a second chance at happiness and a family.  

A simple google search of ‘adopt a dog near me’ will yield plenty of results for you to choose from. Alternatively, visit the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes, input your postcode, and go from there. 

Good luck in your search!