Buying a dog in 2023? Read this first

Are you thinking about buying a dog this year? If you are, it might be best to get your new furry friend sooner than later. Your wallet will thank you for it. 

The cost of pets rises along with the cost of living, especially for purebred designer dogs. When Mozo reviewed the prices listed on the Responsible Pet Breeders website, we found you could find yourself forking up several thousand dollars for your new puppy fund.

While classic mainstays like Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and Miniature Dachshunds hold some of the loftiest spots, new designer breeds like the small and fluffy Toy Cavoodle have run away with the market, with an average cost of $2,930!

If you are thinking about buying a puppy through a breeder, it's wise to register your interest early. Some breeders may have waitlists up to 3 years. Remember, it pays to compare since prices and availability vary between pet shops and breeders.

Best ways to fund your dog pet purchase

Dogs can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you could never own one. There are several options you can choose to fund your future puppy.

• Save up money. Consider opening a high interest savings account that rewards you for not making withdrawals in the month. If you deposit a chunk of money into the account every payday you’ll soon have enough to buy a puppy. 
  
• Personal Loans. If you don’t want to wait and save then a personal loan might be a good choice. Look for low interest personal loans that give you the ability to make extra repayments so you can pay it off quickly. 
  
• Credit cards. If you are thinking about going to a pet shop, look for a card with a low purchase rate or intro rate so you can limit the interest you pay.

In addition to the upfront purchase, owning a dog comes with several ongoing costs like food, toys and vet visits so make sure you factor them into your puppy budget.

Tips for purchasing a dog

• If you’re planning on buying from a breeder make sure the breeder is legitimate and ethical.
  
• Try to meet your new puppy before purchasing.
  
• Do research on the breed you want so you can prepare for common health conditions or behavioural issues.
  
• Research pet insurance costs before bringing your new furry friend home. 
  
• If you can’t afford a designer breed, consider rescuing a dog. There are many breeds that need a loving home.

Do I need pet insurance?

Just like humans, animals can fall ill at any moment. But unlike us, pets don’t have Medicare to help cover any potential medical costs. That’s why you should consider getting pet insurance to cover unforeseen accidents or problems, and the earlier the better. 

If you are considering dog pet insurance, it’s important to  shop around for the right policy. Much like human insurance, pet insurance prices vary based on the coverage you want. But another thing to keep in mind is that the breed of your furry friend also affects the cost of pet insurance.

The 2021 Mozo Pet Insurance Report found that Bullmastiffs are one of the most expensive dogs to insure while West Highland Terriers are among the cheapest breeds to insure.

If you need help trying to find the best pet insurances available in Australia check the Mozo Experts Choice Awards Pet Insurance winners.