When Is the Best Time of Year To Get a Puppy?

Bringing home a new puppy requires oodles of planning and know-how, but timing is part of the equation as well. When is the best time of year to bring home a puppy? 

The easy answer is whenever it's the best time for you, whenever you and your family have enough time to focus on socializing and training the puppy, according to Richard Walther, DVM and veterinary advisor at Pawlicy Advisor. 

But if you can make that commitment any time of year and want to know the most hospitable season for dog-rearing, Walther says late spring or 

summer is ideal. You'll want access to the outdoors for potty training and experiencing new people and places. 

Winter will present a bigger challenge, but if that's the best time for you, it's the best time. 

"Really, the biggest thing, I think, is when you [pick] a time of year where the family actually has the bandwidth to spend the quality time with the dog," Walther says. 

Best Time of Year To Get a Puppy

Access to the great outdoors is a massive part of dog ownership, especially in your pup's first weeks, so you'll want the nicer weather summer and late 

spring usually provide.