Covid-19 has had a profound effect on the puppy market in the UK. With many people (especially those living alone) seeking lockdown companions, the prices of new puppies have inevitably soared, with some puppies now selling for up to a whopping £3,000, or even more for more in-demand breeds.
Be careful who you buy from
If you’re looking to buy a pup yourself, you might, quite understandably, be put off by the massive price tag that pups are carrying these days. What’s more, you might run into unscrupulous breeders looking to profit off the pandemic by selling dogs through what’re called puppy farms.
These are commercial dog breeding facilities where dogs are bred very quickly, and often in poor conditions. Once born the pups are removed from their mothers as quickly as possible in order to turn a fast profit. Sadly, removing the dogs from their mothers at such an early age isn’t only traumatising for the pups, but also exhausting for the mother as well, and can lead to behavioural problems for both the pups and the parent animal.
A big red flag to watch out for when researching breeders is whether or not the breeder will let you come to their home to see the pup. Reputable puppy sellers will invite you into their homes to choose your new pup, whereas puppy farm sellers will ask to meet you in a public place like a café, or even worse, try to send you a pup via a courier, something which is very upsetting for the animal.
A pup is for life
Although it might not seem like it right now, things will go back to normal eventually, and you need to make sure that when they do your pup will still get the love and attention it needs to have a happy life.
If you’re working from home every day now, but are going to be going back to working five days a week in an office next year, your pup is going to be on its own all day and suffer from separation anxiety, boredom and loneliness as a result. Please bear this in mind when considering buying a new puppy!
Rescue dogs need a home too
Rehoming a rescue animal can give a dog or pup that hasn’t had the best start in life a second chance, and give you the companion you want at the same time. These dogs might require a little extra time and attention, but will reward you tenfold with love and affection for changing their lives for the better. You can find out about rescue dogs near you by using the RSPCA website.
Whether you adopt a rescue dog and transform its life or buy a puppy from a reputable breeder, you’ll quickly become very attached to your new pet and, naturally, want to look after it in the best way you can.
Cover My’s pet insurance packages enable you to do exactly that, with cover including everything from vet’s fees and theft to holiday cancellation and complimentary treatment – why not find out more by getting a quote today?
