Is it wise to get a puppy if I haven't had much experience with pets and am short on cash alot?

Question

I work and go to class, and love animals, dogs especially. I'd love one to play with and take care of. Someone is offering me one for free.

Answer 1

This is long, but this should be addressed:

In general, I would agree that getting a puppy would be a bad idea, but it depends on how committed you are to that puppy. You CAN make it happen, but you have to be realistic. Mine was a rescue, and I adopted her from the couple that saved her life. I was 21, working, in college. For the two weeks before I got her, I worked extra shifts, and then asked for reduced shift loads during the first three weeks I would have her.

This allowed me to stay home with her more, potty-train her, leash-train her, and do other beginning obedience work. I purchased a book, The Art of Raising a Puppy, which helped me understand what they were capable of learning at different ages, and how to go about all of the various care and training issues. This helped a LOT, since she's mostly a German Shepherd (the Monks of New Skete, who wrote the book, raise and train sheps).

Look into breed characteristics, and potential health defects (like ... stomach ailments for dogs like pugs and boxers ... deafness for dalmatians), and consider their health issues carefully. Could you afford regular medicine for ear infections? Emergency operations on the tummy?

I was also really lucky to have terrific, dog-loving roommates who would let her out into the yard and play with her, when I had to return to work full-time. I also reallocated my social budget, almost entirely, to buy her food and have a little extra for emergencies. That was also necessary for the normal vet bills, like shots and spaying.

Assume the following costs:
1. Good quality puppy and dog food. At least Iams or Eukanaba is best; Hills Science Diet is best if they have health issues.

2. Neuter or Spay: Depending on size, this can be expensive. Local humane shelters sometimes give out coupons, though, so call and ask if they have this program.

3. Shots: Ask a vet how many rounds of shots are needed for the first year (I forget). If you have a Petco in your area, see if they have the low-cost vet clinics. I can get my dog's checkup and shots for $43 (a savings of nearly $230, given what local vets charge).

4. Kennel or crate: This may be more expensive, depending on size and age of dog. Great for potty training, but be sure to get good advice from your vet on how to do it. You can't just leave a pup in there for hours and hours, either, or it negates the whole point of kennel training.

5. Pet stain/odor removal: for carpeting and upholstery.

6. Extra deposit for your landlord. Most will charge $100-$300, one time, or may just up the rent a bit each month.

7. Collar, leash, and choke chain or pinch collar.

8. Registration/license: All dogs above a certain age must be registered with your local city government.

9. Toys and chews. Sometimes, a local tennis club will let you take the used balls for free. Chews are essential for healthy teeth, and also help keep them from chewing up your property. Also, consider that you'll need some kind of bedding for them, like crate pads, or an old quilt, that is washable.

10. Cleaning stuff for the dog. I just use Mane and Tail shampoo and conditioner, which is fine with my dog, who has sensitive skin. Commercial dog shampoos give her terrible allergies. I also have "pet wipes," which are great for in-between bathtimes, since I can't bathe her more than a few times a year. You'll need a flea comb, a shedding comb, and/or a brush, depending on your dog's coat. You'll want to get a nail trimmer, too, to save on grooming and trimming costs.

You'll need to schedule your time so that you are home as often as possible to take the puppy outside. You'll need to walk your dog daily, sometimes more, depending on its energy level. You'll need to set aside several short blocks of time every day for brief training sessions, and other times for playing and socializing. You'll need to be calm, patient, and loving with your puppy, and, like children, consider him or her before yourself. Talk to your local animal control office about local laws and regulations, and make your vet your new best friend.

Answer 2

A good percentage of dogs that end up in rescue are from college kids and military personnel. It's very hard for these people to keep pets as in some cases, moving means fido can't go, or for college folks, it's lack of time for the pet.

Your financial situation is something to seriously consider and I would suggest if you have a cash flow issue, now is not the right time for a dog. Also, working and going to school means you aren't going to be home much to give your new friend the proper time it will need from you. It's more fair to the dog that you let a family who does have proper time for it.

Maybe consider doing something on the side, like doggie sitting or walking so that you can spend time with dogs. Or volunteer at your local shelter.

Answer 3

I would say you are asking a wise question.
Pets = money.
Pets= time.
It sounds like you are short on both so I would say no and wait until you have better arrangements.
Alternatives are:
Volunteering at shelter! Those pets need human interaction and love too.
Frequent pet store to get your puppy fix (DO NOT BUY)
View puppyfind.com
Make friends with a breeder.
Walk other peoples dog.
Take up pet sitting to earn extra cash and be around dogs!
Join a local kennel club and learn about all the breeds, and finally when you are good and ready search for your perfect pooch! It will make you both happy in the end!

Answer 4

This is of course my own, humble opinion, and getting a dog is a personal choice, however, judging only by what you have said, I would advise you not to get a dog, because:

Dogs need a LOT of attention and need to be walked/given affection often. If you have a busy schedule, you may not have time to come home and walk the dog in the middle of the day. Also, you may not have the patience to deal with a dog after a long day - s/he will have lots of pent-up energy and you will be exhausted.

If you don't have a lot of money, being able to afford medical care for the dog will most likely be a problem. Regardless of age, anything can happen and vet bills can mount, leaving you with a LOT of debt. Also, if you can't afford a procedure, would you want your dog to suffer?

Anyway, these are just a few of the things to consider when getting a dog. The final decision is yours, but ultimately I would advise against it.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 5

You could end up with a dog that has severe health problems that will require large vet bills. If it is a large dog, you will spend $25,000 on it in its average lifetime. Dogs also require A LOT of time and energy and above all, committment. You need to always be home around the same time to feed it. It NEEDS exercise and training a puppy is a ridiculous amount of work. It can be frusturating. I would say this is not the time in your life for a dog. Wait until you are older and stay at home more often and have some cash. It is not fair to get a dog if it is going to be alone most of the time. (Volunteer at a Humane Society if you want to be in close contact with dogs. They always need people to help out)

Answer 6

Get a cat not a dog.... it takes alot of money to properly care for a dog, cats are less expensive and can handle being alone alot better than a dog especially a puppy. If you love dogs as much as you say you will really think long and hard before you get one if you are often short on cash.

For dogs... Vaccinations- $75CAN + $50 Can for the vet visit. If the pup is young you will have to get 3 seperate booster vaccinations costing $30, $50, $70. respectively. Deworming $30, Flea/heartworm/tick etc all in one with Revolution can cost from $60 to $130 depending on the dogs weight. Depending on the weight and sex of the dog spay/neuter can cost anywhere from $80 up to $400. Food costs vary but a good quality food with meat as the first ingredient costs about $25-30 for a 33lb bag and if your dog is large breed you will have to buy a bag possibly twice a month. Also dont forget food/water dishes approx. $25, Toys- $30-50, Collar/harness and leash... approx. $30. If you need professional grooming thats another $30, otherwise for brush, nail trimmers $15. During housebreaking you can expect to spend at least $10 a week on cleaning supplies or puppy pads. During teething you can expect to have to replace shoes $20 and furniture, flooring, electronics(puppies like cords) and other things anywhere from $20 and up. Dont forget there are always unforseeable emergency costs like X-rays if your pup eats something that may block his intestine, surgery to remove a blockage, this can cost up to and over $400. I estimate in the 3 years I have had my one dog I have spent about $3,000 on him alone and about another $2,000 on my other dog I have had for 2 years. It isnt the lack of experience you should be worried about it's the cost!! It costs ALOT of money to keep a dog happy, healthy and safe.

Answer 7

No, it wouldn't be wise. Especially to get a puppy, as they cost more to upkeep than an adult dog, as they have to visit the vet more. And if you got a dog, and something bad happened to which it needed surgery or urgent medical care, how would you take care of that? It could cost thousands upon thousands of dollars. So, wait til your finacially stable before owning a dog. Start saving your money for yourself and even make a puppy fund to save money in. Once you're financially stable enough to take care of yourself and a puppy, you should have no problem.

Answer 8

Volunteer at an animal shelter or with a rescue.
They have lots of things to do that involve the animals and taking them places and things. That way you can spend time with animals and not have to be responsible for the medical care of one.
The medical care is expensive and necessary for the animal.
If you are short on cash do not get a pet that you can not afford to pay for the vet care on. It makes a horrible situation when something happens and you have no money for the vet. Hard choices have to be made and it is something that can be prevented. If you know you are short on cash a dog is not the best choice of a pet. The monthly expense alone could be a strugle.

Answer 9

I would say no. Simply because if you're short on cash a lot, it would make it really hard to keep the dog up to date on shots and keep it fed well. Also, if you are forced to move to a place that does not accept dogs, what will you do?

Like you, i work, go to class, and LOVE dogs, however, I am waiting until i build a house in a few years beforei get my dogs because it will be better for them in the long run.

Maybe try a smaller animal for now? A cat? hamster? chinchilla?

Answer 10

If you are short on cash you really do not need a puppy. If you work and go to class you probably do not have the time to give a puppy the attention it needs. Puppies require a lot of time, and the can get to be very expensive with vet visits, food, and play things.

Answer 11

Probably not. Pets can be quite expensive. There's food, toys, veterinary care and sometimes grooming. However, if you feel you can handle these things. Then go for it.

An average vet bill can be any where from $40 to 100 dollars. Be sure you can handle this before you get that dog.