Owning a dog can bring a lot of joy and love into your life, but it is important to be prepared for the financial responsibility that comes with owning a pet. Budget before adopting your new best friend so you can provide your dog with the care and attention deserved.
How much is that doggy in the window?
The purchase price of a dog can vary greatly depending on the breed, the breeder and where the breeder is based. Research breeds you are interested in and determine the average price range. Be aware that purchasing from a reputable breeder or adopting from a shelter may mean spending more.
Plan on vet bills.
Your dog will need routine veterinary care such as vaccinations, check-ups, and preventative care like flea and tick treatments. Do you plan to neuter your dog? And those are just the costs you can anticipate. Prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses, too.
A dog’s gotta eat.
You will need to purchase food, treats and water bowls for your dog. And the larger the dog grows, the more food it will eat.
You may also need to purchase a leash, collar, harness and other supplies such as bedding, toys, and grooming tools.
Heel!
Proper training and socialization are essential for your dog's well-being and happiness. You may need to budget for obedience classes, professional training or behavior modification programs.
Register that pooch.
In most areas, you will need to license and register your dog with your local government. There may be fees associated with this process.
Insure your pet.
Consider purchasing pet insurance to help offset the cost of unexpected veterinary expenses. Pet insurance policies can vary in price and coverage, so it is important to research your options before choosing a policy.
Doggie daycare and overnight stays.
If you travel frequently or work long hours, you may need to budget for boarding or pet sitting services. These costs can vary depending on the location and duration of the service.
Clean up and repair.
Even the best-behaved dog will occasionally require some clean up. He or she might even require some repairs to furniture, cords and shoes. Consider how you can protect your belongings against puppy tantrums. Invest in furniture covers, a crate, cleaning fluids and a carpet spot remover.
Dogs make great pets and companions, but not without a cost. Make sure you are prepared to absorb the cost of your fur baby before making the commitment.
