Deciding to get a dog is not one to be taken lightly. You are committing yourself to provide love, time, and care to another living creature, and while it can be an incredibly rewarding relationship, it requires a significant investment. Unfortunately, a lot of people bring a dog home without giving enough consideration to the impact owning a dog will have on your life and your wallet. You need to be sure that you have the money to be able to give the dog the care it deserves, and there is much more to it than simply keeping them fed and watered. Here are the key costs you need to consider before you commit to owning a dog.
Buying the dog
The upfront cost of buying a dog will vary depending on what breed you buy and where you buy them from. A pedigree dog can cost at least $500 and up to $2,000. It’s recommended that you take extra precautions if buying a pedigree dog for less than this as it may be a sign of a disreputable breeder, which could mean poorly treated and unwell dogs. Mixed breed dogs are usually cheaper to buy and can be rescued for as little as a $50 donation if you rehome a dog from a shelter.
Veterinary care
Dogs require routine veterinary care to keep them healthy and happy. This includes their initial puppy checks and vaccinations as well as twice-annual checkups and top up vaccinations. Veterinarians also take care of your dog’s teeth with an annual tooth cleaning. Your dog will also need preventative medicine for fleas, worms, and ticks or other parasites. These visits can cost between $600 – $1500 per year, but this will depend on the treatment needed and the veterinarian you visit. For professional veterinary and grooming service in Callowhill, Philadelphia, visit heartandpaw.com.
While no one expects or wants their dog to need emergency care, you need to be prepared. Emergency veterinary care can be very costly, depending on the type of care they need. They may contract an illness, be injured in an accident, or even a natural disaster. These costs range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, so it’s important to either put savings aside or take out insurance.
Food
Feeding a dog, a nutritious diet is important but can cost between $20 to $70 per month, though it depends on the size of the dog. You should also keep healthy treats handy for training.
Leash, ID tag and collar
You need to get your dog at least one collar and leash set with ID tags. If you buy high quality, you may be able to make one set last for years at a time.
Toys
Toys are essential for a dog’s development, ongoing exercise, and mental stimulation. The amount you spend is obviously up to you, but bear in mind that getting toys that fall apart easily or never changing their toys could result in a bored and destructive dog.
Grooming costs
A dog’s grooming needs will vary depending on the type of coat they have. Some may only need occasional trims, while others will need regular appointments to keep their coat in good condition and under control. This can cost between $30-$500 annually, depending on how often you need to visit the groomer.
Training classes
You may intend to train your dog yourself, but in some cases, professional intervention may be needed to help them with their obedience and ensure they settle quickly into your lifestyle. Training classes are usually not needed after the first year or two, but you should continue to challenge them as they grow with new tasks and tricks to keep their mind active.
Pet boarding or pet sitters
Unless you intend to take your dog away on vacation with you (which will add to your travel fees), you need to factor in the cost of hiring a pet sitter or checking them into boarding facilities.
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