There are many things that factor in when determining if you are ready for a dog but one of the most important things to consider is whether or not you are financially ready and able to care for one.
Contrary to what many people think, getting a purebred dog from a breeder is sometimes not the most expensive way of getting a dog. Often times it is more expensive to buy a dog from a pet store.
Dogs that come from animal shelters or rescue organizations are also not free. These groups usually charge a fee that covers their costs for veterinary care and may or may not cover the cost of spaying and/or neutering the dog before it goes to its new home. It can cost several hundred dollars to get a dog from a shelter or rescue organization which most people have a hard time believing.
Costs Of Owning A Dog
Initial Purchase
Many people think that the initial cost of a dog is what they need to consider before getting one. Whether you are getting a purebred dog, one from a shelter, one from a rescue organization or even the pet store that charges a lot of money, you do need to consider this cost. Unfortunately it is not the amount you initially pay for a dog that costs so much money, instead it’s other things such as regular vet care, dog food, heartworm medication, flea prevention, grooming, and other routine costs associated with owning a pet. These costs can also include city and county license fees, or having your dog spayed or neutered. Either way all of these costs can add up and make owning a dog quite an expensive proposition even if you get the dog for free.
Vet Care
Dogs require regular vet care which includes routine vaccinations such as rabies shot. They also need to have heartworm medication and a flea preventive. Depending on your dog’s individual health needs, your dog may also need other medication from time to time. If your dog becomes sick or injured he may need additional vet care which can become very costly.
Dog Food
Dog food ranges in quality from poor quality food to the most expensive gourmet foods. You can truly spend a fortune on food for your dog depending on what you decide to feed him. Keep in mind that some dogs have food allergies and you may end up having to feed a specialized diet.
Grooming
Some dogs don’t require a lot of grooming but if you have a wirehaired breed or a long-haired breed then your dog will need to be groomed approximately every six to eight weeks and is usually done by a professional groomer. Many people with longhaired breeds choose to keep their coats cut short to minimize the amount of visits required.
Licensing
In many cities and counties there are license fees for owning a dog. The cost of these fees can range from around $5 to several hundred dollars if you intend to breed your dog. You should keep in mind that most cities and countries will administer a fine if your dog is caught without a license so be sure to look into your specific areas requirements for more information.
Spaying Or Neutering
If you decide to spay or neuter your dog you can usually count on the operation costing anywhere from $200-600, depending on where you live and how big your dog is.
Additional Costs
Then there are also other things such as toys, leashes, collars, beds, blankets, the cost of boarding your dog if you go out of town, training classes, and so on.
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