A dog’s unconditional love does not come cheap, but anyone will tell you that the unconditional love from owning that four-legged friend does not come cheap.  The cost of owning a dog is about more than just the expense of food. Unfortunately, many people do not take the time to budget for a dog before getting one, leading to trouble down the road. Can you afford adog? Learn your limits before you get a dog to help you make the right decisions. Financially providing for your dogs is a big part of being a responsible dogowner.   

Where Can I Get a Dog?

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 to $2,000.  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 it is 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 at first if you adopt from a "questionable" shelter.

Exactly how much does it cost to own a dog in today’s world?  According to the ASPCA, the first year as a dog owner can set you back between $1,314 for small dogs and $1,814 for larger dogs, and that includes the cost of things like spaying, neutering, training, medical, feeds and supplies like a crate.

After the first year the expenses will go down considerably to about $580 for small dogs and $875 for larger dogs, although those numbers could be on the low side. In fact, the pet-sitting website Rover.com reports that when you add up things like pet sitting, dog training, emergency vet bills and more that yearly cost could be as much as $2,858 a year.

The cost could go up even more depending on what type of breed you have since some are more prone to emergencies.  The top five medically expensive breeds are Bernese mountain dogs, Newfoundlands, Rottweilers, English cocker spaniels and Dobermans, with the extra added cost amounting to about $1,000 a year.  You can plan for such emergencies buy purchasing pet insurance, which can cost about $225 a year.

Obedience Classes or Training Resources

Though most dogs will only go to obedience school in their first year or two, training is something that should be ongoing throughout your dog's life. Budget at least $25 to $300 per year for training needs.

Food and Treats

It is important to feed your dog a high-quality dog food and healthy  dog treats. This will likely cost anywhere from $20 to $60 per month ($250 to $700 per year). Food expenses vary based on the size and energy level of your dog as well as the quality of the food.

Leashes and Collars

Your dog must have at least one leash and one collar (with ID tags). Depending on the size and quality, most dog owners spend $20 to $50 per year on leashes and collars.

Toys

Dog toys are an important part of your dog's mental stimulation and exercise. Though some of us may indulge, you can probably plan on spending $25 to $150 per year. If you are like those of us who cannot resist a cute toy, this figure can become several hundred dollars higher. Another reason you may spend more on toys: a very destructive dog may go through toys faster, so if you have one of these dogs, invest in the toys designed for "tough chewers".

Beds

Every dog deserves a cozy bed and keeping one or two around the house will cost you $50 to $200  a year. Prices go up in relation to size and quality. Getting durable, high-quality and easy-to-clean dogbeds can extend the life of the beds and keep costs down in the long run.

Grooming

Your dog's grooming needs are largely based on the type of hair coat he has. Smooth coated, short-haired dogs require little more than basic grooming while dogs with constantly growing hair will need to visit the groomer on a routine basis. Between the cost of grooming tools and visits to the groomer, you can plan on spending anywhere from $30 to $500 a year.

Routine Veterinary Care

Routine veterinary care is a huge part of keeping your dog healthy. Plan on going to the vet for wellness checkups once or twice a year at a cost of at least $150 to $300 yearly. Annual lab work can add about $100 to $200 and should not be skipped as it's an important part of preventive health care. Dental cleanings may be recommended as often as once a year and generally start at about $300. Of course, vet costs will be higher if your dog develops a health problem. This is more likely to happen as your dog grows older. Consider purchasing pet insurance for your dog, which will cover a percentage of vet expenses. Overall, you should budget about $600 to $1,200 per year for veterinary costs, and that does not include emergencies. It also excludes preventive medications and supplements.

Preventive Medications and Supplements

All dogs need medications to prevent heartworms, fleas, ticks and other parasites. Your veterinarian will guide you towards the best products based on your climate and your dog's needs. Somedogs will also benefit from vitamins and supplements. In general, you will probably spend $100 to $300 per year for these items depending on the size of your dog and his specific needs.



Pet Sitters or Boarding

Most people will need to leave their dogs behind once or twice a year. Typically, this will cost about $100 to $300 a year. However, if you travel frequently, expect to spend much more. Boarding tends to cost less than hiring a pet sitter, but many dog owners prefer the individual attention a pet sitter can offer and think it is worth the extra expense. Alternatively, if you decide to travel with your dog, you can expect your travel fees to increase.

Emergencies and Other Unexpected Expenses

No one can predict the future; the unexpected occurs in life all the time. As a good dog owner, you should do your best to be ready for life's little surprises. Emergencies, chronic illnesses, disasters and other unplanned expenses can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. The cost of an emergency vet hospital visit can start around $500 and go up to $2,000 or more. Advanced surgery is anywhere from $1500-$5000 or more. If your sick pet needs to stay in the ICU, you could be looking at $200 to $500 per day and up.

In a perfect world, dog owners would never have to make choices for their dogs based on money alone.  Instead, it should be about what is best for their dogs.With proper planning and a little luck.  you can provide for your own dog and live a long and happy life together.

Training Classes or Resources                  $25 to $30

Toys                                                      $25 to $200

Beds                                                     $50 to $200

Food & Treats                                        $250 to $700

Leashes & Collars                                   $20 to $50

Veterinary Care                                     $600 to $1,100

Preventive Medicine                               $100 to $300

Grooming                                              $30 to $500

Pet sitters or Boarding                           $100 to $300

Total:                                                   $1,220 to $4,990

Credited:

News Radio 390
ASPCA
Rover.com