Search Rover Blog Search Rover Blog Is There a Best Time to Get a Puppy?

If working with a breeder, be sure to find a responsible, reputable one who can provide you with lots of information about your potential new pet’s heritage and ideal home situation. You can find more info in 

Always avoid Craiglist and similar sites, which don’t have protections in place and can be a hotbed for scams.

Consider Your Lifestyle

No matter what, a puppy is going to need a lot of exercise, play, and companionship, so line up your care plans early with a nd plans for time off. When you’re contemplating getting a puppy, take a careful look at your schedule, lifestyle, and upcoming plans. The top three considerations when getting a new dog include:

1. The season
2. Your schedule
3. Your puppy’s temperament

Sunshine is Helpful

Most dog owners and  agree that spring or summer are the optimal seasons for adding a four-legged friend to your family. Warmer months are ideal times for housebreaking your puppy, and they also give you the benefit of longer and sunnier days for walks and playtime.

Fall and winter can be a little harder for breeds that are sensitive to chilly temperatures. Also, consider that cold weather makes house training harder to accomplish. (Think about how you much you don’t like to go outside when it’s dark, cold, or rainy out—your dog will likely feel the same.) The months before the end of the year are also jam-packed with the chaos of holiday shopping, traveling, and family gatherings.

When Can You Take Time Off?

Get a puppy at a time when you can create a predictable routine for your new dog. You should consider whether you’re taking any time off to travel during these first months with your pup. Keep in mind that dogs are pack animals and like to be part of the family. It might be stressful for your puppy to be separated from you right after becoming part of the family.

At the end of the day, get your puppy at a time when you can dedicate some quality hours to bonding, training, and snuggles. You’ll both need time to adjust to each other. There may some  as you learn each other’s personalities, and as you make room in your life for an energetic canine family member.

Fortunately, even if you have a busy work schedule, frequent travel plans, or just too much to do and not enough time—you can still enjoy the love of a dog. That’s because it’s easier than ever to find and book quality, personalized 

Prepare a Space for Your New Dog

Besides healthy food, training treats, and a good leash and collar, you’ll want to be sure to create a safe “puppy zone” so your space is prepared for its new addition. You’ll need:

• A 

Puppies need to chew! Antlers are an especially long-lasting option.

Consider Your Finances

Puppies are expensive. Rover’s annual  revealed that in 2023, new pet parents spent between $1,135 and $5,155 on their dog in the first year of their life.

It can be hard to anticipate everything you’ll end up paying for. It’s true you’ll need all the gear mentioned above, plus leashes, bowls, food, 

Pet insurance is especially important if you don’t have enough in your bank account to feel comfortable paying surprise vet bills. If something goes wrong —it could easily cost thousands to et your pup well again.

For that reason, the best time to get a puppy might be when you’re feeling financially stable enough to weather both foreseeable and unforeseeable expenses.