Monday is National Dog Day, so it’s a great time to visit Better Business Bureau’s Pet HQ for tips on a variety of topics like finding a good trainer, traveling with your pet, choosing a vet and more.
BBB also offers a number of tips for anyone thinking about adding a furry friend to your family. Puppies are playful, affectionate and cute, but you need to make sure this doesn’t distract you from doing your research and thinking it through before you adopt or buy one.
— Planning ahead and important considerations
There are many practical concerns to consider before adopting or buying a puppy. After the initial cost of bringing a puppy home, there can also be some significant ongoing costs. Besides food and medical care for many years to come, you’ll likely want to factor in the cost for toys, accessories and possibly ongoing grooming fees. You’ll also need to consider the cost of a dog walker or boarding for times when you need to travel without your pet.
It’s a good idea to make a budget ahead of time and use this to help you gauge if you can properly care for your puppy while maintaining other bills.