How much money does a dog require to maintain its health and happiness? Dogs are known to be quite pricey, as you may already know. While it’s true that dog care requires an investment, it’s important to have a firm grasp on the specific costs involved. There are recurring costs (each month and each year) and one-off costs (each time). The expense of caring for a dog is one of those things where comparisons can’t be made across different breeds.
Having a dog comes with expenses beyond just the price of food. A lot of folks fall into financial difficulty because they didn’t plan ahead and get a puppy with their allotted money. Is a dog in your price range? Before getting a dog as a decision-making tool, you need to know where you stand. Carefully caring for your dog’s monetary needs is a major component of being a responsible dog owner.
Also, know How to Care for Small Pets?
In a year, you may expect to spend anything from $1,500 to $9,900 on your dog. It’s up to you to decide how you want to cut costs. Your dog’s size and age, where you live, your way of life, and your dog’s specific requirements are all variables.
Where Is the Money Going?
Depending on the kind of dog you have and where you live, annual vet bills for wellness checks, vaccinations, laboratory testing, and dental care might cost you anywhere from $700 to $1,500. The cost of any necessary vet visits or drugs is not included.
The frequency of bathing and brushing should be determined by the breed. For instance, a Basenji practically grooms himself and needs a very little cleaning. As an alternative, Maltese may need costly, expert grooming. Home dog grooming can cost as little as $25 for a one-time brush investment, but regular professional grooming can cost as much as $1,400 annually.
Feeding your pet might cost anywhere from $120 to $900 per year, depending on whether you give a commercially prepared dry food diet or a raw food diet.
Treats and playthings: The best toys in the world for some dogs are a worn-out tennis ball and an old sock. Many pet owners, though, don’t stop there. In 2016, the average annual expenditure on toys and treats for a dog was $35-$250.
Possible Extra Costs
Expenses for things like pet sitting, training, and grooming can drive up the total cost of dog ownership. Some optional items are listed below.
Pet Ownership and Exercise
Dog walking expenses are something to think about if you work all day and don’t have somebody who can take your dog out for bathroom breaks. For a professional dog walker, you may expect to pay a minimum of $15 for a half-hour visit. If you anticipate monthly use, you should set aside at least $300.
Additionally, Forbes accounted for other expenses such as registration, identification tags, leashes, kennels, training, food supplements, dog walkers, and emergency veterinary care when calculating its shocking total.
Boarding & Pet Sitting
A kennel or pet sitter might be in order if you enjoy taking trips but are unable to bring Fido along. The typical cost of boarding a dog in the United States is $40 per night. Average rates for a pet sitter to visit your house range from $20 to $40 per day (or $40 to $80 per night). Location, the number of pets, and the desired level of treatment will all affect the final price tag.
Training
The yearly cost of basic obedience training programs might be as low as $250 if you enroll in only a few group sessions. People who have utilized online dog training services have raved about it, and it’s a fraction of the price of in-home trainers. The cost of training your dog in the comfort of your own home with a professional trainer, however, would be significantly more. Study up on canine obedience training, particularly with regards to learning the basics of how to control an aggressive dog.
Cost of Owning a Dog by Breed
It’s worth noting that there is a wide price range across dog breeds. Avoiding dog breeds notorious for their high medical costs and high maintenance requirements will help you keep your investment down. Some of the most costly canine varieties are:
- Samoyed
- Snack time
- Mastiff from Tibet
Rottweiler - The French bulldog
- Bernard
The vast list of health issues and grooming needs associated with these breeds drives up the price, but their beauty is undeniable.
You can discover the following dog breeds and more on the most inexpensive list:
- Beagle
- Chihuahua
- Dachshund
- Toy Bichon Frise
- Dogs with terrier blood
A non-designer mixed-breed dog will usually be the most cost-effective choice. There are many ways in which adopting a mixed-breed dog or cat from a local rescue group can help you save money, including the adoption fee, veterinary care, and spay/neuter costs.
Budgeting for a Dog
Getting a dog does not require a large financial outlay. Having a dog can be a great way to cut costs in many different areas. DiCicco suggests adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group to help with the initial costs. The adoption price, which varies from shelter to shelter and rescue group to rescue group, “often includes the fees of spay/neuter, age-appropriate immunizations, and occasionally even microchipping.”
If you’re adopting a pet, you should always find out exactly what your money will cover by asking what is included in the adoption cost. In addition to a puppy, you could think about adopting an adult dog, who won’t require as many medical interventions or supplies.
Try to find the least expensive option for your dog’s food. Time and money can be saved in the long run by doing research and purchasing online or in bulk. Dog cages, for example, can be found at yard sales for a fraction of the price of a brand new one.
Experiment with different methods of training and grooming with the help of internet guides. Buying your own grooming supplies and dog shampoo will be cheaper than taking Fido to the salon. Find out what works for teaching dogs, and have plenty of treats on hand to reward good behavior.
The cost of dog ownership may add up quickly, even with careful planning. It’s best to plan ahead for your dog’s potential needs and expenses, including these potential fees. You can give your four-legged friend the best life possible with some careful preparation. Thankfully, there is no additional charge for the sloppy kisses.
