The Cost of Owning a Dog: What You Should Budget For
There are many exciting moments of being a dog-parent: when your pup learns a new trick, chooses to snuggle up to you, or even when they enjoy the same music as you. There are a lot of not-so-exciting parts of owning a dog, though, too. An intimidating aspect of owning a dog is the price tag for many. There can be a lot of money invested into a dog’s wellbeing, from initial costs to food and even to that very cute toy you saw at the store. Knowing these costs before owning a dog is essential to make their life more enjoyable.
Finding the Perfect Dog
If you purchase a purebred dog, you can spend thousands of dollars. If you choose to adopt, the prices will be based on the dog’s size, age, and breed. Generally adopting from a rescue shelter, the costs will run from around $75 to $500. These shelters will likely have an adoption fee that will vary from shelter to shelter.
Veterinarian Visit
Within a few days of adopting, it is essential to take your new furry friend to see the veterinarian. If adopting from a shelter, your dog could be in pretty rough shape in the health department. By taking your dog to the vet immediately, you will realize where your puppy’s health is so you can best tackle the issues.
There may also be costs associated with neutering and vaccinations if your dog has not had these yet. Before leaving a shelter, check with the workers to see if they know your dog’s health history regarding vaccinations and neutering. You will have to tackle several health fees yearly to keep your dog in the best health.
Annual health estimates:
- Wellness Exam: $65
- Spay/Neuter Surgery: $50 to $500
- Monthly Tick/Flea Preventatives: $40 to $70
- General Vaccinations: $115 to $430+
- Complete Bloodwork: $95
- 4Dx Snap Test (screening for tick-borne infections): $50
- Heartworm Prevention: $40 to $60
- Microchip Implantation: $20 to $60
- Pet Insurance: $25 to $100+
- Emergency Visits: $250 to $1,500+
Pet Supplies
There will be decisions to make regarding what kind of food and amenities you would like for your pet. Some people choose to buy high-end food for their dog while others are fine with basic options. Depending on the size of your dog, you may need to buy a lot more than an owner with a small dog would.
Whether your dog is potty trained or not will also play a factor in your list of purchases. If not potty trained, your dog may need pee pads or other items to keep them from going somewhere they’re not supposed to.
Depending on what your dog needs are, there will be general monies spent for supplies:
- Monthly Food: $40 to $500+
- Package of Treats: $5 to $20
- Pee Pad Package: $15 to $60
- Poop Bag Package: $7
- Dog Shampoo: $5 to $20
- Stain & Odor Remover: $10 to $20
Support
Some dog owners may be busy and will not always watch their furry friends. Investing in services like a dog walker, daycare, or sitter are all options in the playing cards for some.
Utilizing dog trainers may be what your lifestyle needs. There are many benefits to training your dog, and it is highly recommended.
Spending the extra money on your dog may make your life much easier:
- Grooming: $10 to $75
- Dog Walker: $15 to $30
- Daycare: $30 to $50
- Dog Sitter: $40 to $75
- Training: $50+
The Extras
It is hard to resist the temptation to buy your new friend all the cutest accessories. These things cost money, though, so be wary of these hidden costs.
The extras vary on the style, but there is a rough estimate of these prices:
- Bed: $15 to $200
- Crate: $20 to $70
- Leash: $10 to $60
- Collar: $10 to $50
- Toys: $5 to $100
- Bowls: $5 to $50
Some of these things are optional, while others are essential to your dog’s health. Knowing the costs associated with having a dog can help you decide whether getting a dog is right for you.