Before you buy a puppy
Dogs usually live for more than 10 years and can be expensive to care for.
You’ll need to budget for regular costs, including:
- food
- routine vet care, such as vaccinations, neutering and deworming treatments
- kennelling when you go away
- pet insurance or vet bills if your dog gets ill
Think carefully about the type of dog that suits your lifestyle. Puppies need lots of time for exercise, training and socialising. If they do not get enough attention, they may bark a lot, damage things or even become aggressive.
Page last updated: 29 October 2025