Buying a Puppy on Credit:
A Question of Readiness

Lately, I’ve noticed a growing trend — more and more people want to pay for puppies through payment platforms, mainly because it allows them to use a credit card.

And I completely understand why. It’s convenient and makes things feel more accessible.

At the same time, I gently encourage people to pause and think this through.

If purchasing a puppy requires credit, it may be worth considering whether now is the right time.

In Australia, owning a dog — any dog — is a significant ongoing commitment.

Even at a basic level, owning a small to medium-sized dog (around 2–6 kg) in Australia still comes with ongoing costs of around $2,500–$3,500 per year, not including unexpected veterinary expenses.

And most importantly — there is always the risk of unexpected veterinary costs.

Emergencies happen. Injuries, tick paralysis, infections — the list is endless.

Vet bills can quickly reach thousands, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars.

Even with insurance (which I strongly recommend), you still need to be able to pay upfront. In many situations, this means having $1,000–$3,000 readily available to act quickly if something goes wrong.

Housing is another important consideration.

If you are renting, it’s important to understand that having a dog may limit your options.

You may need to pay more, compromise on the quality of the property, or consider less desirable locations.

Recent Australian research from the Melbourne Institute (based on HILDA data) suggests that pet ownership does not necessarily improve wellbeing for renters, particularly when financial strain and housing challenges are involved.

The option to pay by credit card can make the decision feel easier — but it can also lead to more impulsive choices.

Puppies are incredibly cute, and it’s completely natural to fall in love instantly.

But a dog is not an impulse decision — it’s a long-term commitment, often 15–18 years.

Before moving forward, it’s worth asking yourself:

How many hours a day will the puppy be alone?

How much time can you realistically commit to training and socialisation?

Are you financially comfortable long-term?

Do you travel often — and who will care for your dog when you do?

If you travel, have you considered the ongoing cost of boarding or pet care (which is often around $50 per day and can go significantly higher)?

Are you prepared to adjust your lifestyle, especially in the first year?

My priority is not just placing a puppy, but ensuring they go to a home that is financially and emotionally ready for the lifetime of the dog.

Taking all of this into account, this is also why we do not encourage payments via credit cards.

Credit cards are designed to make spending easier and often lead to more impulsive decisions — sometimes beyond what is financially comfortable in the long term.

At the same time, we do understand that it can be difficult to allocate the full amount at once.

For this reason, we are open to structured payments over time.

In fact, saving or paying in instalments often reflects a more thoughtful and committed decision, rather than an impulsive one.

I want every puppy to go to a home where they are truly wanted, well-prepared for, and secure for life.

Taking a little extra time to think things through now can make all the difference — for both you and your future dog.