A dog in your home: costs, time and rules in Flanders

A puppy is adorable, but a dog is a commitment of ten to fifteen years, sometimes longer. If you think this through carefully beforehand, you will make a more informed choice and help prevent a dog having to be rehomed later. This guide sets out the main responsibilities: money, time, care and the rules in Flanders.

Does a dog fit your life?

Ask yourself these questions honestly before choosing a puppy:

• Do I have enough time every day for walks, training, play and grooming, even when it rains or I’m tired?
• How long would the dog be home alone, and who will look after it when I’m at work, ill or away?
• Does my home allow it? Am I allowed to keep a dog as a tenant?
• Does the breed suit my energy, experience and living situation?
• Can I afford the costs, including unexpected illness?
• What if my situation changes because of a move, a child or a new job?

What does a dog cost?

Costs depend heavily on breed, size, health and lifestyle. The amounts below are indicative and meant as a rough guide.

• Purchase: a purebred dog with a pedigree from an approved breeder often costs between 1,000 and 2,500 euros, more for some breeds. Adopting a dog from a shelter involves an adoption fee.
• Starter kit: bed, crate, lead, harness, bowls, toys and grooming supplies: easily a few hundred euros.
• Food: from about 30 euros a month for a small dog to over 100 euros for a large dog.
• Vet (routine): vaccinations, worming and protection against fleas and ticks: often a few hundred euros a year.
• Unexpected care: surgery or a chronic illness can run into thousands of euros. A savings buffer or pet insurance helps.
• Training: a puppy class and further training.
• Grooming: for breeds whose coat needs clipping or stripping, regular costs at a grooming salon.
• Care when you’re away: boarding kennels or a dog sitter during holidays or working days.

How much time does a dog need?

• Exercise: depending on the breed, from half an hour to over two hours a day, ideally spread over several walks.
• Training: especially in the first year, short daily training sessions and a puppy class. Socialisation takes a lot of time in the first months; see the guide Socialising puppies.
• Grooming: brushing the coat, brushing teeth, clipping nails and checking ears. Some breeds need daily coat care.
• Company: a dog is a social animal. Being alone for many hours a day suits few dogs.

Rules in Flanders

The main rules to know as a buyer and owner:

• Identification and registration: every dog must be microchipped and registered with DogID. This must be done before the puppy changes owner. After purchase, the registration is transferred to your name; later on, you also need to report a change of address or your dog’s death.
• Minimum age: puppies may not be sold or given away before eight weeks of age.
• Approved breeders: anyone breeding dogs to sell them must in most cases be approved and then has an HK number, which must appear in the advert. On Puppymakelaar, every listing shows whether the breeder’s HK number has been checked.
• Cropping and docking: cropping ears and docking tails is prohibited in Belgium.
• Local rules: many municipalities have rules on keeping dogs on a lead, off-lead areas and picking up after your dog. Check with your municipality.
• Travel: if you travel abroad with your dog, you usually need an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination. Some countries have additional requirements.
• Liability: as the owner, you are liable for damage your dog causes. Family liability insurance often covers this; check the terms.

Buying responsibly

• Choose a breeder who shows you the mother, has the parents health-tested and is honest about the breed. Every breed profile on Puppymakelaar lists points to consider and questions to ask.
• Be wary of puppies offered without a microchip, younger than eight weeks, in a car park or 'delivered to your door', or if you aren’t allowed to see the mother.
• Ask for a written agreement, the vaccination record and the registration details.
• Consider adoption too: many dogs, including young dogs and purebreds, are waiting in shelters for a new home.

If it doesn’t work out

Sometimes circumstances change so much that you cannot keep your dog. Contact the breeder first; a good breeder will help rehome the dog or take it back. A recognised animal shelter is another safe option. Simply giving a dog away online, abandoning it or neglecting it is not only harmful to the dog, it is also a criminal offence.

In short

• A dog is a commitment of ten to fifteen years or more.
• Work out the costs honestly beforehand, including unexpected care.
• Plan daily time for exercise, training, grooming and company.
• Know the rules: microchip and DogID registration, at least eight weeks old, approved breeders with an HK number.
• Buy responsibly, consider adoption, and look for a responsible solution if problems arise.