How Much does it Actually Cost to Own a Dog

Maybe you’ve always wanted to own a dog or your little ones are constantly nagging you about getting one. You’re starting to look at different breeds and how much they cost. What you may not be aware of, however, is all the other costs that come with owning one. Owning a pet is a serious commitment not only at the personal level, but financially as well, and you don’t want to have to sell your dog, or worse, abandon them because you couldn’t afford them. Let’s take a look at some of the basic costs of owning a dog.

Healthcare

Healthcare is probably one of the most important things to consider when owning a dog, but it’s also one of the most overlooked. You first have to factor in yearly checkups, which will cost you about $200 to $300 per year. Then you have to count lab work which will be essential if you want to do some preventative care. That’s an additional $100 to $300 per year.

That’s not even counting dental work. Having their teeth professionally cleaned could cost you as much as $800, which is something very few dog owners are actually prepared for. Then there are the costs for medication such as for flea prevention.

Insurance

On top of that, you also have to consider buying health and general insurance for the dog. Health insurance is essential for dogs who are known for having issues. This is also why you should consider speaking with a vet before you buy a dog to make sure that it won’t be prone to disorders.

Leash and Collars

You also have to buy a few basic accessories for the pet. You will at least need to go for a high-quality leash and collar for the pet. This doesn’t mean you have to break the bank, however; you can find affordable and unique dog collars and leashes on a site like monropets.com. These can be found for under $30, and they have the benefit of looking great as well. They have unique dog collars and leashes that will really stand out and are very durable as well, so you won’t have to constantly replace them.

Grooming

Grooming is another thing you’ll have to think about. It is estimated that grooming could cost anywhere from $30 to $500 a year. It really depends on how much grooming you want to do, but also the type of dog. Dogs with short fur will require a lot less maintenance than those with hair that constantly grows.

Food

Last, but not least, we have food. Again, this is somewhere where you can be very liberal, but you want your dog to have a good diet. This will not only make sure that they’re happy, but that you won’t have to pay on the back end through healthcare fees. You can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $750 a year on food depending on quality.

As you can see, owning a dog can cost a lot more than what many imagine. So, before you bring one into your family, make sure that you make a clear budget and speak with other dog owners as well.

Disclosure – this is a sponsored post.