If you are thinking about adopting a dog, there’s many factors that need to be taken into consideration, including a financial commitment to his or her health and well-being. According to the ASPCA, the first-year of pet ownership exceeds $1,000. Here’s a few things you should expect before bringing a dog into the family.
Importance of Being Prepared
Often times, puppy owners completely underestimate the cost of dog ownership. This not only has a long-lasting effect on the puppy’s health and welfare, but also on the relationship between puppy and owner, and of course the unsuspecting owner’s wallet.
No matter how expensive (or inexpensive) your new family member may have been initially, it is just a drop in the bucket compared to how much you’ll be spending over the next few weeks, months and years.
Your pet is completely dependent on you for everything, so taking care of your pup properly requires investment in a lot of time, patience, love, hard-work, and also, money.
Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to puppies/dogs dying because they don’t get the nutrition or veterinary care they need, being surrendered to shelters/pounds or even abandoned to fend for themselves.
Of course new owners usually start out with the best of intentions, but a lot of worry, frustration, heartache and even tragedy can be avoided just by doing a little research before bringing that pup home. Here are a few of the type of expenses and cost one can expect as a dog owner.
Average One-time Dog Expenses
- Spaying or Neutering: $200
- Medical Exam: $70
- Collar or Leash: $30
- Crate: $95
- Carrying Crate: $60
- Training: $110
- Total One-time Costs: $565
Average Annual Dog Expenses
- Food: $120
- Annual Medical Exams: $235
- Toys and Treats: $55
- License: $15
- Pet Health Insurance: $225
- Miscellaneous: $45
- Total Annual Costs: $695
Total First-Year Cost of Owning a Dog
On average, the total first-year cost of owning a dog is $1,270. As you can see, having a dog (or any pet) can cost you over $1,000 in the first year, and well over $500 each additional year. Depending on the food you purchase and your actual medical expenses, the costs could be much higher. Furthermore, these averages are not inclusive. If you travel frequently, tack on pet sitting or kennel services, and if you rent an apartment, expect to pay a sometimes no refundable pet deposit or cleaning fee, if your landlord allows animals at all.
These are just a few of the expenses that come with owning a dog. For more information, contact us here at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center with the link below!
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I was able to look into your pet’s case from 2006. It appears we spoke with you on 10/7/2006 (the day after your pet’s discharge) where you reported she was doing much better, eating and drinking very well, and not having any diarrhea. We continued following up with you thereafter where she was reported to be doing well and having solid bowel movements on 10/11/16.
It looks like your wife’s concern was about not administering IV Fluids during the night when your pet was hospitalized at our clinic. Our veterinarian informed you of the importance to monitor all animals while they are receiving IV Fluids, as they can bleed out if the line is torn, or the fluids may be placed under the skin of the arm if pulled out of the vein. Other reasons to not leave them on IV Fluids overnight include the inability to change the fluid rate, re-start the pump if high pressure is encountered or change the fluid bag if needed.
We tried contacting you thereafter , as you had expressed interest in going over the charges . Unfortunately we were not able to get in touch, our last attempt being on 11/7/06.
I’m so sorry that you have expressed discontent, but we did our very best to treat your pet and it appears treatment for Parvovirus was successful. I only wish we could’ve dealt with any concern 10 years ago. Thank you for your comment. – Jessica (Client Service Manager)
For some reason I can’t find you in our system to investigate your situation. What is your dogs name? I’ll be happy to look into it. -Jessica (Client Service Manager)
Yes they are just like a child they have to have their shots they doctor appointments you have to keep them clean and groomed. And you love them as if they were your child . Lol
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