How Can I Prepare for Adding a Dog to My Household?
Even if you have your heart set on getting another dog, you may decide that the time isn’t right to add the cost of another dog to your expenses. However, it may be exactly the right time to step up your savings, so you’ll be prepared for the added expense and increased pleasure of a multiple-dog household in the future.
Monthly Expenses:
Food: $50Vet visits: (chemo and medication) $800Pet insurance: $120Toys/Treats: $10
Basic Costs of Owning a Dog
| Type of Expense | Yearly Estimate |
| Food and Treats | $250 to $700 |
| Toys | $25 to $50 |
| Beds | $50 to $200 |
| Leashes and Collars | $20 to $50 |
| Grooming | $30 to $500 |
| Routine Veterinary Care (healthy dog) | $700 to $2,000 |
| Preventative Medications and Supplements | $200 to $600 |
| Training Classes or Resources | $25 to $300 |
| Dog Walking (between $0 (you can walk your dog) up to $20 per walk, 1x per weekday) | $0 to $5,200 |
| Petsitters or Boarding | $100 to $300 |
| Average Monthly Cost of Owning a Dog | $125 to $824 |
| Yearly Total | $1,500 to $9,900 |
Consider costs when choosing a dog. Any new dog or puppy will come with substantial expenses. If you decide to purchase a purebred dog from a breeder, you can expect to spend $500-2000, give or take. Spend the extra money on a quality dog from a reputable and professional breeder, not a “backyard breeder.” It will cost you less in the long run because the dog will be healthier (and its the right thing to do).
If you like mixed-breed dogs and you want to do your part to help dogs in need, then get your dog from a reputable shelter or rescue group. If you still want a purebred, there are plenty of breed-specific rescue groups. Adopting from a shelter or rescue can cost as little as $50 to $200. You are most likely to get a healthy dog when adopting from a reputable shelter or rescue group. Be aware that dogs with unknown histories might come with illnesses, so you may spend a bit extra on veterinary care.
Regardless of where you get your new dog, the very first thing you should do is get that dog to a good veterinarian. Depending on the need for vaccines, preventive medications, and special treatments, that first visit will likely cost you anywhere from $50 to $300, so be prepared. Vet bills for a young puppy will likely range from $100 to $300 depending on the puppys health and the region in which you live. Puppies need to visit the vet every few weeks until about 16 weeks of age, and each visit can run you $100 to $300 depending on your pups needs.
Your next major expense will be dog supplies. These include dog food, leashes, collars, beds, toys and so on. You also need to think about obedience classes and/or training resources. When the time comes to have your puppy spayed or neutered, expect to spend anywhere from $150 to $700. Bottom line, the first year with your new dog can cost twice the typical annual cost of subsequent years, so be prepared.
GETTING A SECOND DOG? PROS AND CONS – ADVICE ON HAVING 2 DOGS
According to a new study from Rover, most people think a dog will cost them a mere $26-$75 per month. But that figure is actually more like $153 per month. In fact, food alone can cost between $40 to $60, plus other expenses like flea and heartworm prevention, which really add up when coupled with the treats and toys you splurge on without thinking about it.
But in addition to these monthly costs, Rover points out that there are also annual expenses and one-time expenses to consider. Those one-time expenses can cost up to $1,487 and include things like adoption fees, neuter surgery, and vaccinations. The annual expenses can run up to $730 for the dogs yearly exam and pet insurance. In other words, if you want your dog to be well (and its basically youre son/daughter now so you want that more than anything in the world) youre probably going to be spending a lot of money.
This only covers the cost you can predict, though. Theres also the category Rover calls “potential pet expenses” to consider. This includes things like emergency vet bills, teeth cleaning, and pet sitting while youre on vacation — all of which can add up to another $1,000. This brings the total estimate for the cost of getting a dog to $3,370. Check out the full breakdown to see all the expenses in more detail, but if youre looking to explain to the most reasonable child ever to live why you cant get them a dog right now this will help.
On the other hand, but if you work for a pet-friendly employer, youll be able to bring that dog to work, which will make all the overtime you do to afford your dog suck way less.
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