Does Everyone You Know Seem To Be Getting A New Pet?
17.04.20 April 17, 2020 Getting A Kitten

Does Everyone You Know Seem To Be Getting A New Pet?

Since the lockdown more people than ever, in both the UK and the US, have decided to become a new pet parent. Whether that is adding to their existing furry family or becoming a pet parent for the first time. There has been some discussion on if this is a worrying ’trend’ and if this will mean lots of unwanted pets when the pandemic is over. Alternatively, it is more likely to be the more responsible of us actioning a plan to get a pet and spend that all important puppyhood or kittenhood time together, now the perfect time has presented itself. Equally there has been a surge in pet adoptions from re-homing centres which can only be a positive thing.   Is Now The Best Time To Get A Pet? Timing is super important when deciding whether to get a pet or not. Both cats and dogs will need quite a lot of attention, especially in the first few weeks when getting them settled; dogs perhaps even more than cats. Under normal circumstances, settling in new pets, which is the hardest, most time consuming part of pet ownership, would mean booking a little time off work. Now, however, there is the opportunity if you’re working from home, or indeed furloughed, to put that precious time into your new family member. House training, lead training and general bonding will be a lot more feasible. A key consideration of course, will be what happens after lockdown. It’s easy to feel like social isolation is going on forever, but life will go back to normal, whatever that new normal may be. It might be for many of us, that working from home will become something we do more often. Whatever the plan, you’ll need to ensure you will be able to give your pet the appropriate amount of time in the long run.   Our Post Lockdown World Perhaps, overall, pet ownership in the UK and the US will reach a new higher normal level and thus there should be, in the future, more pet friendly places to go, stay and socialise. Equally, maybe many of us will continue to work from home at least some of the time. The benefits will include reduction of carbon emissions, reduced commutes, less busy roads and spending time with your pet.   Links Between Pet Ownership & Health There are many health benefits to owning a pet. The bond between people and pets is known to lower stress, increase happiness and also fitness. They can help improve our health in so many ways such as lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels; decreased feelings of loneliness and increasing our opportunities for exercise.   How To Prepare For Your New Pet If you’re preparing your home for a new pet there a few things you’ll need to consider. You’ll want to make sure your home is safe for your new pet, know where they are going to spend most of their time and also make sure you have everything you need. Getting a pet should be fun so we have put a number of resources together to help you remember everything whilst staying stress-free! We have some great advice on what to buy for new pets in our blog posts here: Puppies: Everything you Need For Your Perfect Puppy Shopping List Kittens:  Everything I need for my New Kitten Shipping List We also discussed how to prepare the home for puppies and kittens in our articles here: How to Prepare For your New Puppy Cat Proofing Your New Home   And don’t forget if you have any questions, we’re always here to help. Whether you’re a first time pet owner looking for product advice, or you have a question about something else pet related, we’re here to help! You might also like to explore the other articles in our Journal here. We publish articles about all areas of a pet’s life on a weekly basis.

By Zac Girdlestone

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Since the lockdown more people than ever, in both the UK and the US, have decided to become a new pet parent. Whether that is adding to their existing furry family or becoming a pet parent for the first time.

There has been some discussion on if this is a worrying ’trend’ and if this will mean lots of unwanted pets when the pandemic is over. Alternatively, it is more likely to be the more responsible of us actioning a plan to get a pet and spend that all important puppyhood or kittenhood time together, now the perfect time has presented itself. Equally there has been a surge in pet adoptions from re-homing centres which can only be a positive thing.

Kitten being cuddled

 

Is Now The Best Time To Get A Pet?

Timing is super important when deciding whether to get a pet or not. Both cats and dogs will need quite a lot of attention, especially in the first few weeks when getting them settled; dogs perhaps even more than cats. Under normal circumstances, settling in new pets, which is the hardest, most time consuming part of pet ownership, would mean booking a little time off work. Now, however, there is the opportunity if you’re working from home, or indeed furloughed, to put that precious time into your new family member. House training, lead training and general bonding will be a lot more feasible.

A key consideration of course, will be what happens after lockdown. It’s easy to feel like social isolation is going on forever, but life will go back to normal, whatever that new normal may be. It might be for many of us, that working from home will become something we do more often. Whatever the plan, you’ll need to ensure you will be able to give your pet the appropriate amount of time in the long run.

Puppy being cuddled

 

Our Post Lockdown World

Perhaps, overall, pet ownership in the UK and the US will reach a new higher normal level and thus there should be, in the future, more pet friendly places to go, stay and socialise.

Equally, maybe many of us will continue to work from home at least some of the time. The benefits will include reduction of carbon emissions, reduced commutes, less busy roads and spending time with your pet.

British short haired kitten

 

Links Between Pet Ownership & Health

There are many health benefits to owning a pet. The bond between people and pets is known to lower stress, increase happiness and also fitness. They can help improve our health in so many ways such as lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels; decreased feelings of loneliness and increasing our opportunities for exercise.

Black puppy being held

 

How To Prepare For Your New Pet

If you’re preparing your home for a new pet there a few things you’ll need to consider. You’ll want to make sure your home is safe for your new pet, know where they are going to spend most of their time and also make sure you have everything you need. Getting a pet should be fun so we have put a number of resources together to help you remember everything whilst staying stress-free!

We have some great advice on what to buy for new pets in our blog posts here:

Puppies: Everything you Need For Your Perfect Puppy Shopping List

Kittens:  Everything I need for my New Kitten Shipping List

We also discussed how to prepare the home for puppies and kittens in our articles here:

How to Prepare For your New Puppy

Cat Proofing Your New Home

 

And don’t forget if you have any questions, we’re always here to help. Whether you’re a first time pet owner looking for product advice, or you have a question about something else pet related, we’re here to help!

You might also like to explore the other articles in our Journal here. We publish articles about all areas of a pet’s life on a weekly basis.

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  • Different Growth Stages of Cats
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Consistency will help your dog understand when it’s time to relax in their crate and when it’s time to play or go outside.   Turning a crate into a cosy den for your dog is an investment in their comfort and well-being. By selecting the right crate, adding the appropriate items, and creating a positive experience, you can ensure that your dog sees their crate as a safe haven. Whether you’re crate training a puppy or providing a sanctuary for an older dog, the tips above will help you create a space that meets your dog’s needs and makes them feel right at home.   For more luxury pet essentials to complete your puppy’s den, visit Lords & Labradors, where we offer a curated selection of high-quality products to pamper your pet.  

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  • The Cost of Owning a Dog
    15.08.24 August 15, 2024 Getting A Puppy

    The Cost of Owning a Dog

    Owning a dog is a joyful and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to understand the financial commitment involved before bringing a furry friend into your home. The cost of owning a dog in the UK can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the breed, size, and health of the dog, as well as your lifestyle and location. Below, we explore the various costs associated with dog ownership, including initial expenses, ongoing monthly costs, and unexpected expenses, to help you answer the crucial question: How much does a dog cost per month?  Initial Costs of Owning a Dog Before you even bring a dog home, there are several one-time costs to consider. These initial expenses can add up quickly, but they are necessary to ensure that your new pet is well-equipped and ready for a happy life with you. Purchase Price or Adoption Fee The first cost you’ll encounter is the price of the dog itself. If you choose to buy from a breeder, the cost can range widely depending on the breed. For example, a pedigree dog from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from £500 to over £3,000. On the other hand, adopting a dog from a rescue centre is generally more affordable, with fees typically ranging from £150 to £300. Adoption also has the added benefit of giving a dog in need a loving home. Vaccinations and Microchipping Once you have your dog, you’ll need to ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Initial vaccinations usually cost between £50 and £100. Microchipping, which is a legal requirement in the UK, typically costs around £15 to £30.  Neutering/Spaying If your dog isn’t already neutered or spayed, you should budget for this procedure. The cost can vary depending on the size and gender of the dog, but generally, it ranges from £100 to £300.  Essential Equipment To ensure your dog is comfortable in their new home, you’ll need to purchase some essential items. Here at Lords & Labradors, we recommend: A Dog bed: £20 to £100 Collar and lead: £10 to £50 Food and water bowls: £5 to £30 Toys: £10 to £50 Crate or carrier: £30 to £150 Insurance It’s advisable to take out pet insurance to cover any unexpected veterinary bills. The cost of pet insurance can vary significantly depending on the level of cover and the breed of your dog, but you should expect to pay between £20 and £50 per month. This is one of the first recurring costs you’ll encounter, but it’s essential to consider as it can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.   Total Initial Costs When you add up the purchase or adoption fees, vaccinations, microchipping, neutering, and essential equipment, the initial cost of owning a dog can range from £500 to £3,500 or more. This is an important factor to consider when asking, "How much is a dog?" The initial outlay is just the beginning, and understanding the ongoing costs is crucial for long-term planning. Ongoing Monthly Costs Now that you’ve welcomed your new companion into your home, it’s time to consider the ongoing costs of dog ownership. These monthly expenses will be a significant part of your budget for the duration of your dog’s life. Food The cost of dog food varies depending on the size of your dog and the quality of the food you choose. On average, you can expect to spend between £20 and £60 per month on dog food. Premium or specialised diets may cost more, but providing high-quality nutrition is essential for your dog’s health and longevity. Regular Veterinary Care Even after the initial vaccinations, your dog will require regular veterinary check-ups, which may include annual vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and dental care. Routine veterinary costs can range from £10 to £30 per month. It’s also wise to set aside some money each month for unexpected veterinary expenses not covered by insurance. Grooming Grooming costs depend on the breed of your dog and whether you choose to groom them yourself or hire a professional. Some breeds require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free. Professional grooming services can range from £20 to £70 per session, with most dogs needing grooming every 4 to 8 weeks. If you choose to groom your dog at home, you’ll still need to invest in grooming tools, which can add up over time. Pet Insurance As mentioned earlier, pet insurance is a monthly expense that can range from £20 to £50. This cost will depend on the level of cover you choose, the age, and the breed of your dog. While it might seem like an optional expense, pet insurance is highly recommended as it can prevent financial strain if your dog becomes ill or injured. Dog Walking and Daycare If you work long hours or are frequently away from home, you may need to consider dog walking or daycare services. Dog walking typically costs around £10 to £15 per walk, while doggy daycare can range from £30 to £50 per day. These services ensure that your dog gets the exercise and socialisation they need, even when you’re not around. Total Monthly Costs So, how much does a dog cost per month? On average, you can expect to spend between £70 and £150 per month on your dog’s care. This estimate includes food, regular veterinary care, pet insurance, and grooming, but can vary depending on your dog’s specific needs and your lifestyle. Additional costs, such as dog walking or daycare, can significantly increase your monthly budget. Unexpected Costs While it’s important to budget for the expected monthly costs of owning a dog, it’s equally crucial to prepare for the unexpected. Dogs can develop health issues, require emergency veterinary care, or need surgery, all of which can result in significant costs.  Veterinary Emergencies Even with pet insurance, there are often excess fees and limits on coverage that mean you could still face substantial out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a veterinary emergency. Surgery, diagnostic tests, or treatment for chronic conditions can quickly add up, sometimes costing thousands of pounds.  Behavioural Training If your dog develops behavioural issues, you may need to invest in professional training. The cost of dog training varies, but private sessions can range from £30 to £100 per hour. Group classes are usually more affordable but may still add a notable expense to your budget. Replacement of Damaged Items Puppies are often known for their tendency to chew on furniture, shoes, and other household items. While this behaviour can be managed with training, there’s always the possibility that you’ll need to replace damaged items, adding to the overall cost of ownership. Owning a dog is a long-term commitment, both emotionally and financially. Understanding the costs involved is crucial to ensuring that you can provide a stable and loving home for your pet throughout their life. From the initial purchase price or adoption fee to the ongoing monthly expenses, the question “How much is a dog?” encompasses more than just the upfront cost. It’s about being prepared for the responsibility and ensuring that your dog’s needs are met, now and in the future. By carefully considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about bringing a dog into your life, ensuring that both you and your new companion enjoy a happy and healthy relationship for years to come.  

    By Laura Rudd

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