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So, how much does it cost to own a dog really? The cost of dog ownership goes beyond his food expenses. Unluckily, many people tend to overlook the actual budget of owning a dog before getting one which then leads to a tragedy. Ask yourself first, can you really afford a dog? Are you financially stable to provide the needs of your dog?

And in case you are planning to get that small, fluffy dog like a pekingese, are you really ready for it? Maintaining a breed such as a pekingese is very costly since they have lots of health issues due to their flat faces and small bodies. Are you ready to spend and go an extra mile just for your dog? Think about it.

Dog ownership is estimated to be around $700-$3000 annually. There are ways to save money and it all depends on the decision that you make. Contributing factors would include a dog’s age, size, your neighborhood, your lifestyle, and the dog’s needs.

Us, dog owners always want ourdogs to be happy and active. And with his playfulness comes injuries and accidents that we haven’t foreseen. Broken ligaments and bones costs hundred of bucks in order to repair. And you don’t want to skip his treatment just because you cannot afford it, can you?

Pet insurance may come in handy during such times. Most plans include vaccinations, neutering/spaying, and peventive measures such as heartworm medications. An insurance may cost around 200-300$ annually, but in the long run it is a very big help for you.

Every canine deserves to have a responsible and loving canine companion. A person who is also realistic when it comes to taking care of their pet’s needs.

How Much Does it Cost to Own a Dog

How much is that doggie (or kitty, rabbit, rat, goldfish or guinea pig…) in the shelter window? In addition to the initial cost of adoption, there’s a whole litany of expenses that the average pet owner will incur within a year. To make it easier for you to plan for your new arrival, we’ve prepared a financial breakdown of the annual costs of caring for a variety of species. Don’t forget to factor in the costs of unexpected veterinary care, as well as boarding facilities, pet sitters and dog walkers, if you plan to use them. And keep in mind that the price tags on pet-related services and incidentals differ from region to region. Source: ASPCA, http://www.aspca.org/adoption/pet-care-costs.aspx

What your Dog Needs:

Initial Cost. If you buy a purebred puppy from a reputable breeder, the price is usually $500-2000. Find a professional breeder rather than settling for a backyard breeder. Buying from a professional breeder would actually cost you less in the long run since the puppy is healthier. If you prefer a dog that is mix-breed and you want to help the dogs that are in need, then go find a reputable animal shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a pet from such groups would only cost around $50-200. However, before taking a dog into your care know his health history first. Then take him on a trip to a vet just to be sure.

If you buy a purebred puppy from a reputable breeder, the price is usually $500-2000. Find a professional breeder rather than settling for a backyard breeder. Buying from a professional breeder would actually cost you less in the long run since the puppy is healthier. If you prefer a dog that is mix-breed and you want to help the dogs that are in need, then go find a reputable animal shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a pet from such groups would only cost around $50-200. However, before taking a dog into your care know his health history first. Then take him on a trip to a vet just to be sure. Treats and Food. It is essential that you give him a high-quality dog food as well as healthy treats. This is around $20-60 per month. Your food expenses would depend on the size and breed of the dog.

It is essential that you give him a high-quality dog food as well as healthy treats. This is around $20-60 per month. Your food expenses would depend on the size and breed of the dog. Beds. Every pooch deserves a comfortable and cozy bed. And keeping one would be around $50-200 per year and prices would vary depending on the bed size and quality. It is best to go for the high-quality, easy to clean and durable kinds of bed.

Every pooch deserves a comfortable and cozy bed. And keeping one would be around $50-200 per year and prices would vary depending on the bed size and quality. It is best to go for the high-quality, easy to clean and durable kinds of bed. Toys. Toys are very important for your dog’s exercise and mental stimulation. There are some owners woudl truly indulge in giving their pets the best of toys available, but an average owner would go for $25-150 annually. If you happen to own a destructive dog, then go for tough chewers which are designed for them.

Toys are very important for your dog’s exercise and mental stimulation. There are some owners woudl truly indulge in giving their pets the best of toys available, but an average owner would go for $25-150 annually. If you happen to own a destructive dog, then go for tough chewers which are designed for them. Collars and Leashes. A responsible owner must get his dog at least one collar and leash with an id tag along with his contact details. Depending on his size, most owners would only spend $20-50 per year.

A responsible owner must get his dog at least one collar and leash with an id tag along with his contact details. Depending on his size, most owners would only spend $20-50 per year. Grooming. A hairy dog like a pekingese needs a lot of grooming or if you can, take him to the groomers on a regular basis. Either ways, the budget is around $30-500/year.

A hairy dog like a pekingese needs a lot of grooming or if you can, take him to the groomers on a regular basis. Either ways, the budget is around $30-500/year. Vet Trips. Routinary checks and vet trips is essential to see to it that your dog is healthy. Usual vet trips would cost around $100-300/year if your dog is healthy, that is. It is also recommended that you would give your dog a dental cleaning once a year which is approximately $200. And as time goes by, your dog would become a senior and expenses would then be much more costly, say about $500-1000 annually, excluding supplements and preventive vaccines/medications.

Routinary checks and vet trips is essential to see to it that your dog is healthy. Usual vet trips would cost around $100-300/year if your dog is healthy, that is. It is also recommended that you would give your dog a dental cleaning once a year which is approximately $200. And as time goes by, your dog would become a senior and expenses would then be much more costly, say about $500-1000 annually, excluding supplements and preventive vaccines/medications. Supplements and Preventive Medicines. Every dog needs a medication against fleas, ticks, parasites, heartworms, etc… Your vet will tell you about all the details of this one. The cost would be around $100-300 yearly.

Every dog needs a medication against fleas, ticks, parasites, heartworms, etc… Your vet will tell you about all the details of this one. The cost would be around $100-300 yearly. Training Classes. Obedience training is needed for those dogs who you can’t train on your own. You would spend around $25-300 pet year on this one.

That is just a draft on the expenses on owning a dog, boarding and emergency costs are not mentioned here. I sure hope that this answered your inquiry on how much does it cost to own a dog. Having one is no joke, so you better be ready for it – financially, spiritually, and physically.

How much are you spending on your dog’s needs? Share with us so that we can also see what other expenses there is regarding on pet ownership. Leave your message below.