How Much is That Doggie?

When people are picking a dog, they consider lots of things: affection, temperament, energy level, and behavior. One thing that is easy to overlook is the cost. According to the APPA National Pet Owners Survey, basic annual expenses for a dog owner can run from $1,400 to $2,500. Costs are higher at the beginning and end of your pet’s life. 

First year costs include spaying or neutering, pet beds, leashes, collars, tags, food and water dishes, and toys. You may also want to purchase gates and a crate. You’ll have several vet visits for well visits and vaccines. Don’t forget to account for damage to your home, especially furniture and carpets, as you house train your new dog and deal with teething and chewing. 

As your dog ages, you’ll find that you often need more veterinary care. Owners of older dogs spend an average of $225 on routine vet visits and over $500 on additional care. Pet insurance can help with these costs, but you will only save money if you insure your younger pet. Getting insurance when your dog is older may not save you money in the long run. 

Other costs should be considered. You may want to get some obedience training or may need a pet sitter from time to time. Many dogs benefit from regular grooming. You can save some money by grooming your dog yourself or teaching your dog some obedience commands and behavior tricks. There are online resources, including online videos, which show you how to groom a dog and teach obedience behavior. 

They say you can’t put a price on love—most dog owners are happy to spend what it takes to care for their canine companion. But be sure that you add up the costs before you take the plunge. Not only will you avoid sticker shock, but you will be able to properly budget for the inevitable costs in the years to come. 

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