If you’re considering the possibility of being a dog owner, one of the most important aspects to keep in mind is the budget. Owning a dog comes with its own sets of necessary expenses. So before you jump into the decision, know how much maintaining a dog can actually cost you. Here is a helpful guide.
As of a 2017 survey, there are 89.7 million dogs in the USA. These cheerful companions are clearly a running favorite among households in America. It’s no surprise that most families consider their canine buddies additional members of the family.
On that note, enjoying the company of a loving furry entails additional expenses that you must be prepared for. According to a Rover data, having a dog costs an average of $153 monthly, excluding onetime costs.
Dog Adoption Fees
Adopting a dog can be free or cost you a few hundred dollars, but it is definitely cheaper than buying a dog from a pet store or a breeder. Details such as the dog’s age or existing medical conditions may also factor into the fees.
You can adopt a dog from a rescue group, organization, or animal shelter. These groups help maintain the conditions that make it possible for these homeless dogs to enjoy a healthy and cared for life within these shelters. These shelters also do a lot of the initial work up front, like neutering and spaying, microchipping, and vaccinating. These account for why the adoption fees can be a little expensive.
Veterinary Expenses
Vaccines for preventive care and special treatments will cost you anywhere between $50 and $300. If you have a puppy, your vet bills can rack up as much as $300 per visit. Spaying and neutering can range from $150 to $700.
A budget of $700–$1,500 annually should be allocated for routine veterinary visits. Take your pet to an animal-wellness professional at least twice a year for checkups. This ensures that any small issues are detected early before they become full-blown health problems.
Note that this budget does not cover pet health emergencies or prevent treatments. For these instances, it may be worth your while to consider getting pet insurance.
Preventive Care
Changes in the season or environmental conditions can expose your pet to different parasites that wreak havoc on their health. These include fleas, ticks, and the dreaded heartworms. Preventive care is especially important if you keep an active lifestyle with your dog (e.g., you do trail running or go to different locations in short periods).
Ask your vet about recommended preventive care products for your pooch. Preventive care can cost around $100–$500 a year.
Dog Food
There are so many views on what type of diet is best for canines. Before you follow any fad or buy Fido the next food brand your favorite influencer tells you, be sure to look at your sources. Was the article you just read on dog nutrition written by a veterinary professional? Is the website credible?
If in doubt, talk to an animal nutritionist or your dog’s vet. To be sure you’re feeding your dog the right meals, it helps to learn to read labels.
A realistic budget for pet food is around $20–$60 per month.
Toys and Treats
Toys and treats may seem unnecessary, but any charmed dog owner will be more than willing to spend a couple of dollars every now and then to spoil their pooch. After all, chews, toys, and treats can be used in a variety of ways. They can help keep a hyperactive dog busy or be used as a reward for training a puppy.
Invest in high-quality treats, especially those that are naturally made and ethically sourced. If you have more than a couple of pets and want to save time shopping for their supply of treats, consider getting one of those adorable subscription boxes. They come in handy with their prepackaged treats and toys, depending on your preference.
Grooming
If you have a short-haired pooch, you may not need to worry much about hair care. But if your dog has a thick and long coat, grooming will be a necessary expense. Depending on how often Fido has to frequent the dog salon, grooming costs can range from anywhere between $30 and $1,200 a year.
Dog Supplies
ID tags and microchips, dog beds, dog fences, crates, gates, collars, and leashes can all sum up to several hundred dollars a year. That depends on the brand, their maintenance, and how often they need to be replaced.
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