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The coronavirus pandemic has prompted a significant rise in the demand for dogs as people find themselves adapting to long term working from home. Working from home is allowing employees to enjoy more flexibility with their time and as such means owners can now responsibly provide the care their dog needs with ease.  Research conducted by the Dogs Trust shows searches for ‘buy a puppy’ have seen a 115% increase since the start of lockdown in March 2020.

 

 

Companionship

 

For many of us, our furry friends have been an invaluable source of comfort and companionship during an isolating year in which we have been separated from family and friends. If you are considering adopting or purchasing a dog, an undeniable advantage for all owners is the comforting presence of your pet and on down days the motivation to stick to a routine and prioritise walks. 

 

Lifestyle Changes 

 

Before committing to your new addition consider how quickly your lifestyle has changed over the last year. Although thousands of people are still working from home, a recession is almost inevitable post furlough and it may be a more conscientious decision to hold off on adopting a dog before there is a little more certainty within the economy. In addition to the initial purchase, your dog will need vaccinations, vet trips, insurance, grooming, toys, bedding and cages, all of which add up to a significant expense. 

It is worth noting that simply being at home does not necessarily mean you are able to provide sufficient care for a dog and they will still need exercising and comfort breaks. Many of us have swiftly realised that along with many benefits, working from home can mean busier, fuller and longer days. 

Owning a dog is a huge responsibility, and not a decision to take lightly. You need to be sure you can give your pooch the time, care, love and attention it needs.

 

Pet Insurance, a must

 

 

As a responsible pet-owner, one of the things you should organise for your furry friend is adequate pet insurance

No matter which dog breed you intend on purchasing, ensuring your pet is the only way to have complete reassurance of knowing your pet is covered. Veterinary care although essential can be costly and emergency bills can be in the thousands, often a far larger expense than most households can comfortably afford. Insurance allows you to have peace of mind for when your dog is sick and means you do not to also worry about finances whilst they are on the road to recovery. 

Pet cover is not something you should put off for long with a new dog as puppies can often be especially costly. For example, a broken leg could easily set you back as much as £1,200 just for an initial operation.

 

Choosing the correct breed

 

 

Specific dog breeds are more susceptible to different diseases and issues and as such your chosen breed can affect the cost of your cover. Before welcoming a new pet into your life you need to be sure you can comfortably afford all the costs associated with owning a specific dog breed. 

Labrador Retrievers remain one of the most popular dog breeds here in the UK with German Shepherds remaining a firm favourite. Amongst smaller breeds, French Bulldogs and Cockapoos are now a highly sought after choice. There are thousands of dogs currently living in rescue centres across the country that would love to be given a home, before opting to go for a puppy do be sure to visit your local RSPCA, dogs trust and independent charities. Find out more about the UK’s favourite breeds life expectancy below. 

 

 

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