Hidden Costs of Getting a Dog
Has it seemed lately that everyone you know if getting a puppy? Maybe you've been tempted to do the same? With all the time we've been spending at home, it may seem like a great time for a fluffy friend to join the family. However, as adorable as puppies are, they are a lot of work and a lot of MONEY. Here are some things to think about when deciding to take on the personal and financial responsibility of dog ownership. Upfront Fees for your Fur Baby If you choose to go the adoption route, acquiring a dog can be quite affordable ($0‐$300.) Breeders will cost you anywhere from hundreds to thousands and that's not including vaccinations and neutering/spaying ($300‐$1000.) Aside from the dog itself, you'll have to pay for its collar and tags, bed, crate, bowls, and toys just to get it settled in your house. Even if you're being thrifty, you can expect to spend around no less than $400 on the first day of dog ownership. Keeping your Pooch Healthy Assuming your dog has its shots and is already young and healthy, you still have to pay to keep him that way. Flea and tick prevention is about $80 a month, as is heartworm prevention, and an additional $20 a month for dental care. Trips to the vet are around $250, and pet insurance runs around $40 a month depending on your plan. It all tallies up to over $3,000 a year, on average, to keep your friend in tip‐top shape. Everyday Costs for your Canine Your dog, no matter the breed, age, size, or shape, will poop and eat every day. We promise. That means you have to pay for food and doggy bags for every day of the rest of his life! You can average $50 a month on food and $20 for baggies, so that's another $840 a year to tack on. Optional Expenses If owning a dog wasn't expensive enough, you could also pay extra to have him taken care of while you're away, travel with him, groomed, walked, or trained. These are optional depending on your lifestyle but should be taken into consideration when you're getting a dog that'll be around for years. We won't be stuck at home forever, even if it feels like it. All in all, getting a dog isn't something that should be taken lightly. To be a responsible pet owner, you'll need to pay somewhere between $3,000‐5,000 a year. If you're not financially stable enough for a dog, maybe take a few years and get yourself on track! Madison Monroe & Associates is here to help you reduce your debt and relieve stress, so one day you can be the dog parent you always dreamed you'd be. Find out more about how MM&A can help your financial standing.