Dogs can surely capture our hearts and become cherished members of our family, but this love and loyalty do come with a significant cost. Before deciding to bring a dog into your family, make sure to think about these things that our veterinarians at Sango Veterinary Hospital want you to know.
Expenses to Consider
When considering whether you can afford to have a dog, remember that owning a dog comes with various expenses.
One-Time Expenses
- Purchasing your dog
- Spaying or neutering your pup
- Cost of breed-specific surgeries such as tail docking
Recurring Annual Expenses
- Once or twice yearly routine exams
- Vaccines
Monthly Expenses
- Parasite protection
- Medications
- Food
Emergency Expenses
- Accidents
- Injuries
- Chronic Illness (diabetes, cancer, etc)
- Sudden Illness (Diarrhea, breathing difficulties, vomiting)
Calculating The Average Cost of Owning a Dog
Estimating the cost of owning a dog can be challenging because there are so many factors to consider. These factors include the size and breed of your dog, how healthy that breed tends to be, and the things you'll need to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy.
Apart from taking your dog to the vet and making sure they don't get sick, you'll also need to budget for things like dog food (which can vary depending on your dog's breed), grooming, toys, treats, a comfy bed, collars and leashes, training, and finding someone to take care of your dog when you go on vacation.
Where you live can also affect your spending on these things. The cost of services like vet care and grooming can be really different from one place to another. So, to figure out how much it'll cost to have a dog, you'll need to think about the type of dog you want, how often they might get sick, and how much it costs to take care of a dog in your area.
Ways to Make Dog Ownership More Affordable
If you really want a dog to be part of your family, you can find ways to lower the yearly expenses of owning one.
Set Aside a Money Just For Pet Care
This could work well for you if you're good at saving and budgeting. You can keep your money in a separate bank account or stash it in a safe spot, like a jar. Figure out how much money you'd need if your pet has a sudden medical issue, and then decide on a sensible amount to save from each paycheck. Setting aside that money can make it less stressful when your pet needs medical help.
Pet Insurance
If you worry about emergency care or taking care of a pet with a long-lasting illness and their expensive bills, pet insurance might be a good choice for you. Pet insurance can really ease the stress of high costs for unexpected emergencies. But, before you decide to get it, make sure you know exactly what your pet's policy includes.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.