To wonder why dogs are so expensive atm?!

[Thedarksideofthemoon30]

Iv been after golden retriever for years. We had them growing up and they make wonderful pets.

So I’m laid in bed and just “window shopping” on all the usual pet sites and my god... £3.5k?!

I saw an advert and they had 10 puppies at £3.5k each. That’s £35k!!

Wtf.. surely that’s not the normal rate for animals?!

• before anyone shoots me down, I would adopt but I have a 4yo and a cat so many rescues won’t even look at me. Also, I don’t like the idea of not really knowing the animals history•

They're a living being which you'll be committed to for 15 years. They should be expensive.

People will pay five figures for a car which they'll have for less time.

Supply and demand, it’s really that simple.

Of course they a living being and are worth it, but it seems all breeds have shot up in price since coronavirus.

I'm guessing it's supply and demand. So many people now working from home means so many people can now get a dog as they won't be out all day. I assume demand has shot up.

But what will happen to these animals once they start back work?

😭

The same thing which always happens to pets when people get them without properly thinking about the commitment.

Yes it’s a lot, supply and demand. Everyone wanted lockdown puppies. Working from home provided many with first real chance to be able to commit to having a puppy.

@Thedarksideofthemoon30

But what will happen to these animals once they start back work?

😭

Dog walkers will be busy i guess, I know my dog walker is very busy looking after all the lock down puppies now their owners have gone back to work.

@Thedarksideofthemoon30

But what will happen to these animals once they start back work?

😭

Some opportunist c*nt will probably launch WeBuyAnyDog.com.

Reputable breeders are not charging that much. The Kennel Club has published its recommendations for prices for pups but there are people out there, far less reputable, taking advantage of the pandemic situation. The Kennel club are right when they say that inflated prices mean that people looking to make a quick buck suddenly turn into breeders with little knowledge and little concern for the litters background. Find a reputable breeder, get on their waiting list and you won’t have to pay silly money. Pay silly money and you create the demand. I just paid KC recommended prices for our new pup when there are far more out there going for more than double at £3k

But what will happen to these animals once they start back work?

There will be a large choice at the rescue centre and lots of chewed up furniture.

It is surly and demand.

I have also heard that even reputable breeders are increasing their prices, because otherwise people will buy their puppies at more normal prices purely to sell on at the inflated prices.

*supply nor surly

They're a living being which you'll be committed to for 15 years. They should be expensive.

You mean a living being that someone is effectively over breading for profit? It’s grossly unethical.

This is a typical dog breeder comment, i’ve lost count of the number of times being told “if you can’t afford a £4,000 dog, how will you afford the vet bills?!” It really rankles...I can pay for a dog, vet bills and insurance doesn’t mean I necessarily want to spend thousands on a mongrel. Can you tell I’ve been trying to get a pup for 6 months?

Reputable breeders are not charging that much.

That are unfortunately.

@SpaceRaiders

They're a living being which you'll be committed to for 15 years. They should be expensive.

You mean a living being that someone is effectively over breading for profit? It’s grossly unethical.

This is a typical dog breeder comment, i’ve lost count of the number of times being told “if you can’t afford a £4,000 dog, how will you afford the vet bills?!” It really rankles...I can pay for a dog, vet bills and insurance doesn’t mean I necessarily want to spend thousands on a mongrel. Can you tell I’ve been trying to get a pup for 6 months?

I'm not a dog breeder.

I have had dogs all my life.

Part of the reason the shelters are so full is because of breeders churning out puppies en masse and selling them for much less than they should do.

If you sell something cheap, you create the demand.

I heard it may have something to do with less "stock" available (ugh. Horrible) because it was difficult, and still is to transport them in from other countries due to covid and earlier border closures...

Better they are expensive so people might think twice before getting a dog - if they are affordable and easily got then people will just be irresponsible and get a dog they can’t care for !

@SpaceRaiders the. They are not reputable and certainly not ethical, my friend

They're a living being which you'll be committed to for 15 years. They should be expensive.People will pay five figures for a car which they'll have for less time

This.

Get a rescue dog.

If you sell something cheap, you create the demand.

Stands to reason that there would be less demand with pups being sold at 3-5k. But that’s the opposite of what’s been happening. If anything high pup prices is fuelling dog snatchers or those willing to get a rescue or two, breed them and make an easy 20-30k.

Dog breeding needs to be licensed.

@Jammindoughnut

I’m well aware of that! Hence why I refuse to get a puppy until well after lockdown. Or unless I can get one from a local farmer/friend.

I have three dogs. One was found, one was rescued, one was bought. I bought Pixie, a little Shih Tzu, two years ago for $800. Thinking about another one since we are all spending so much time at home. Called the same breeder -- puppies are now $2800. No way!
So I contacted the rescue center to see if they had any that would fit our family. I paid $90 for a rescue six years ago. Their rescue fee is now $400 and up, depending on the dog.
"I guess our only chance is to start driving rural roads and see if we can find another one"!

@SpaceRaiders

If you sell something cheap, you create the demand.

Stands to reason that there would be less demand with pups being sold at 3-5k. But that’s the opposite of what’s been happening. If anything high pup prices is fuelling dog snatchers or those willing to get a rescue or two, breed them and make an easy 20-30k.

Dog breeding needs to be licensed.

There is demand because we as a society are used to being able to buy dogs cheaply. If the prices weren't so low in the first place, a lot fewer people would be thinking about getting a dog.

And I completely agree, dog breeding should be controlled and licensed. Personally I would argue for the reintroduction of dog licenses, however they would need upgrading considerably from the old system which was worse than useless.