3 Important Things to Know When Adopting a Puppy in Australia

Australia has one of the highest household rates of pet ownership in the world, so it is no surprise that there are thousands of dogs for sale each year. From Cavoodle puppies to French Bulldog pups, it is very easy to adopt any breed in the country. The only problem is… many potential buyers sometimes forget that welcoming a new puppy into their home is an important decision. If you are considering adopting one, take into account these three important points:

#1 Owning a Dog is a Long-Term Commitment

Some dog owners make the mistake of adopting a pup on impulse. So when the responsibility of providing their pet with food, shelter, exercise, and medical care becomes overwhelming, they resort to rehoming. This is why it is important to first do thorough research on your breed of choice. Understand their temperament and needs so that you can better prepare yourself for the huge responsibility. Make sure that you have everything set up at home for your new puppy before you bring them home. Ensure that you are also prepared to care for your new puppy for its entire life. This can be anywhere from 10-20 years depending on the breed you choose to buy. The last thing you want is to surrender your pet to a local shelter or rescue organisation where space and resources are limited.

#2 Dogs Require Your Time

Caring for a dog is like caring for a human baby. They need to play, exercise, eat, train, and socialise, among other things. Regardless of their breed, they should not be left alone all day as it makes them unhappy. If you work full time, give your dog proper crate training so they learn to stay alone. Start with an alone time of an hour, then gradually increase the number of hours. Bear in mind that the first year of your furry friend’s life is when they will need you to be with them the most. The minimum amount of time you can spend with them is five hours a day, but this can decrease as they get older. You should also look into the time commitment of daily walks, enrichment, feeding, play time and most important, cuddles. Different breeds require different levels of exercise and mental stimulation, so be sure you have looked into the best breed to fit your lifestyle.

#3 Caring for a Dog Can Be Expensive

Dogs live an average of 10 to 20 years. In their first year alone, you can expect to spend between AUD $3,000 and $6,000 for feeding, worming, and vaccination. After the first year, expect an additional $900 minimum annually for the duration of your pet’s life. Expenses you may incur include food, veterinary services, healthcare products, insurance, and grooming. According to the Australian Veterinary Association, dog owners spend more than AUD $25,000 on their pets over their lifespan.

Finding a Verified Breeder

If you want to adopt a puppy, you won’t have a difficult time finding dogs for sale from reputable breeders. It is important, however, to be very selective with whom you get in touch with. This is because puppy farms still operate in Australia despite tougher regulations. The last thing you want is to end up spending thousands of money on a sick puppy.

Registered breeders can tell you everything you need to know about your chosen dog. They are transparent when it comes to their pet’s history, heritage, and overall health. They are able to provide their buyers with medical history, vaccination details, and veterinary documents. They will also allow you to meet at least one of the parents, have a health guarantee or return policy if their dog for sale has any issues. Finally, they will ask you a lot of questions to make sure you are suitable to adopt.

Here are other tips on finding a reputable dog breeder: 

• Check for Registration – Verified breeders should be accepted members of recognized breeding groups such as RPBA and ANKC. Ask your breeder to provide you their breeder registration number or supply number and membership.
• Visit Your Breeder – Meet your breeder in person to get a better idea of the environment your future pup is being bred and raised in. Make sure the dog is provided with bedding, food, toys, and other essentials. If you are unable to vist the dog in person due to lockdown restrictions or distance, ask the breeder for a video call where you can see all these things.
• Ask for Proof – Most Australian states require dogs to be microchipped for identification. Ask your breeder for their proof of microchipping so you can get your pup back if ever they get lost. Additionally, ask for your pup’s vaccination status and screening tests. This way, you will be able to monitor their health.

As long as you’re properly prepared, adopting a new puppy is a wonderful and rewarding experience that will be great whether you’re living alone or have a big family of kids.