Before heading out on the search for a companion, consider the costs involved. Unless someone has given you a dog, or you decided to take in a neighborhood stray, there will be a fee involved, even if you adopt from an animal shelter. There are also a myriad of other costs to consider.
Adopting from an animal shelter, such as the SPCA, is a great way to get a dog. Many, many pets end up in shelters every day for a number of reasons. Perhaps their owner passed away, moved, or overestimated their ability to handle owning a dog. Adopting from a shelter is an affordable way to get a dog, but it is not free. Shelters generally charge an adoption fee for a dog or puppy. The fee usually covers necessary vaccinations and spaying and neutering.
Anyone looking for a special breed may choose to buy a puppy from a breeder.
· Cost for a full bred dog or desirable mixed breed vary widely.
· Puppies purchased from breeders have usually been given their initial vaccinations and may or may not have been wormed.
· Be sure that the breeder is reputable; ask to see the parents of the puppies and the area where they have been kept to be sure.
· Get a record of what shots have been administered, check with references, and ask to see the parents registered papers.
Advantages to adopting a puppy:
- Young
- To help the unwanted dog population
Disadvantages to adopting a puppy:
- Sometimes you do not know their past history – abuse, abandonment, illnesses
Advantages to buying a puppy:
- Meeting the parents if you go through a breeder
- Getting the dog as a puppy
Disadvantages to buying a puppy:
- Some breeders are dishonest
There are advantages and disadvantages for both buying a puppy and adopting.
Both adopting a dog or purchasing a puppy will surely add spices and make a difference in your life.
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