My dd's would absolutely love a puppy. Not sure if I can afford one?

[Leapoffaith00]

My dd's are 12 and 14 and have wanted a puppy forever. I'm a single working (part time) mum who isn't on a great salary. I have never had support from their father when it comes to childcare and rely on my mum who doesn't live local and also works full time. The last 5 years have been so so busy as I was at university studying to become a nurse. There was no way I could add a puppy into our chaotic life.
I'm now qualified and have more time (although life is still busy being a lone parent) and dd's are more responsible to help look after a dog.
My dd's have promised to walk it daily and I trust they will. I'm just concerned about the costs.
I would get some kind of pet insurance but no clue what it covers. Then there is food, worming tablets, grooming - I have no idea how much this will add up to.
Can someone please advise me on this?
I am really confused financially more than anything else.

Kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs maybe?

I don't now about guinea pigs, but rabbits can live for 10+ years and cats for 20! The OPs children will be at uni/have left home in a handful of years Then what?

Op, you could consider adopting an elderly dog perhaps.

Aww sorry OP, but honestly don't unless it's you that wants the dog and you have the time (and money) for it. You sound like a very caring mum with a lot of responsibilities as it is and I genuinely think it could be too much. Doesn't mean dogs aren't lovely though.

Believe me, when it's pissing it down and blowing a gale, your kids are not going to walk the dog!

I was out with mine yesterday - I was wearing waterproofs but I came home soaked and covered in mud. Ddog was in a similar state! I had to get changed and dry both myself and ddog off before leaving for work.

If you work part-time whose going to look after the dog? What about when you want to go out all day at the weekend? Or you want to go out after work? You can't - you need to be home to feed and walk the dog, or arrange for someone else to do so - which normally involves money!

You've said yourself you wouldn't get a dog if your DD's didn't want one so I think you have your answer. You'll be stuck with the dog long after they leave home and they're a big big commitment - cost is only one part of dog ownership. You have to be prepared to walk them at least once a day, be home to let them out to use the toilet, you can't leave them alone all weekend or even all day. You can't go on holiday without sorting out the dog - unless you're 100% committed, don't do it.

What about a cat? Mine is incredibly affectionate and loves cuddles but requires pretty much no input whatsoever!

a puppy is a HUGE responsibility. Theyre harder work than babies.

If they really want a dog, have you considered getting an older rescue

PIL got my SIL a puppy under the pretence of "I'll do all the walking etc" and credit to her she does.. when she's in the house.
She's just turned 16 and is constantly over friends for sleepovers etc (as you should be at that age) but it now means my PIL are very much looking after said dog.

I have same age DC and we are just about to get a dog. I feel it's the last chance for their childhood to include a dog, and will be great for mental health. We couldn't do it before due to work but situation has changed and we are going for it. I fully expect them to let me down re walking etc but am more than happy to do it myself! Plus we are looking for a rescue dog in need of a good home so it's to benefit the dog more than to benefit us iyswim.

We got a dog 3 years ago when DS was 15 after years of him asking. To be fair to DS, whilst he was at school and college he walked ddog 3 times a day, before and after school and in the evening. He is now 18 and working full time with a girl friend and busy social life. He just doesn't have the time to give to ddog as before and as I work part time I pick up the slack.

DS says when he moves out he will take ddog with him, realistically I don't think it will be practical for him to do so.

I think I always knew when it came down to it that I would end up being 'doggy mommy' which is why I vetoed most of DH's dog choices as I knew most of the care would come down to me.

We don't have to pay for daily dog care as I work PT and DH is shifts, but you do need to think of the rest of your lifestyle, not just working, e.g. Do you take your DDs to activities? Would they be able to go independently whilst you stay at home with ddog?

He has also cost us a lot more than we initially budgeted for. Luckily we can afford it, and a lot if the cost is 'choice ' e.g. Buying the expensive dog food, treats and toys. You do need the necessities, insurance and medical care (not cheap) but there are things you could pay less for if you wanted.

We researched a breed which was quite 'hardy' so we weren't setting ourselves up for the medical bills if a dog with more common health problems and also have a small dog so he doesn't eat as much as a large one. Also short hair dog so no groomers fees.

Depends on the child. I had a dog at 14 and I did everything for him. I really loved him.
My daughter is 21 and I allowed her a puppy. She rarely walks it and leaves it up to me.
I also have a 10 year old Yorkshire terrier. No insurance or vet plans. She costs me very little. Just grooming at £30 every few months but I'd rather that than have a dog who's fur sheds. Her coat doesn't smell either.

I think your DD is old enough and it might do her the world of good.
But be prepared that she just might not be up to it and then you'll be the one doing everything.

I had wanted a dog since I could talk.
When I became more insistent in my tweens, in order to prove I would be responsible enough to look after one myself (My parents didn't want to have do the bulk of the work) I had to look after other people's dogs free of charge, whatever the weather.

I think my parents thought I'd get fed up.
I looked after an older persons medium sized cross breed dog, and a working family's German Shepherd.

I walked both twice daily, early morning and after school for an hour each time, and I would spend extra time inside fussing, brushing and feeding the German Shepherd as she was left alone for a longer time, whereas the older person just struggled with giving enough walks.

I did this every day for almost 3 years, before I was allowed a dog of my own at 15.

I actually think it should be compulsory as it certainly made me realise how much work a pet is.

Each dog was walked separately, so that was 4 hours a day, every day, whatever the weather.
I got up very early and sacrificed time with friends after school in order to fit it in, as I still had school work to do.

I nagged my parents for a pony for years.

Fortunately, they were far too sensible to take any notice.

I was only a child, and I didn't understand about money or responsibility.

I think teens like I was back then, are the exception, rather than the rule though.

In your shoes I wouldn't get a dog. Let them walk other people's, or volunteer when they're old enough, or volunteer as a family on the weekends. As pp have said, that way you get some of the fun without the ties.