How much does the family dog really cost?
A lot of people I know (but not me) have a dog, so they really can't cost that much, right?
Of course they do, even if most pet owners view those dollars as nothing compared to the joy their charges bring.
According to the ASPCA, the estimated expenses for the first year of dog ownership range from $1,314 to $1,843, which includes food, health insurance and other things like beds, dishes and crates. Recent reports from the Ontario Veterinary Association peg the numbers even higher in Canada ($1,840 annually for a 40-pound dog).
Actually, that’s really on the low end since it doesn’t include the cost of adopting or buying the dog, which can range from a couple of hundred dollars to ten times that for some purebred breeds.
Also not included are recurring costs like daycare, which can range in price from $30 to $40 daily, and grooming which runs another $40 a trip depending on the location, services, and type of dog.
And that’s assuming the animal is healthy.
According to vet Chris Bern the total annual cost of basic preventative canine care should come in somewhere between $585-$965 annually, excluding special diets or extra medical expenses. These too are minimal estimates as many dog owners have stories of unexpected medical bills that run into the thousands.
In addition to such basic medical costs, Bern recommends having an emergency fund of at least $500 that you don’t touch for any reason other than problems with your do, which is funny since most people don’t even have that setup for themselves.
Based on these estimates, owning a small dog for its lifetime could cost at least $14,000, and a larger model could come in around $20,000, it seems.
Does this sound right to you? Have you discovered ways of keeping these costs down without affecting your pet's quality of life?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Elmo | Aug 31, 2021 8:46:53 PM
There is NO price tag attached to a pet which gives you its unconditional love, warmth, companionship, laughter. Much better and cheaper than some kids and wives I've heard about.
Posted by: Elmo | Aug 31, 2021 8:53:02 PM
If a small dog costs 14K over its lifetime and the dog lives 'til 14 years of age... that equates to $1,000. per year or about $85. per month. Thats only a little more than the price of a tank of gas based on 50L. I'll gladly absorb that expense. It costs nothing to take a walk with the dog... try taking the car out for a "walk"
Posted by: PeterD | Sep 1, 2021 10:10:29 AM
The pet industry had become wealthy by piling the guilt on pet owners while they rob you blind. If you think your vet cares about your pet, see how long you feel the love if you lose the ability to line his pockets.
Posted by: MarkH | Sep 1, 2021 10:52:41 AM
if you rent instead of owning a home, you can add on at least $100 a month to find a residence that accomodates pets (if you can find one at all) ...
Posted by: wally s | Sep 1, 2021 11:42:14 AM
My dog costs pure bred spaniel initial cost 900.00
basic food 360 per year treats not too many not good for him 100
vet 220
extras 50
total 730.00 that's the max probably closer to 650 add 100 dollars per year for initial cost 750-850 per year
too many extra vet costs about 150 to put him down
Posted by: JudyH | Sep 1, 2021 2:31:02 PM
These articles always make me laugh! I have owned pure-bred Saint Bernards for over 30+ years and would be thrilled, if the annual costs were even close to what they say! I have had dogs who underwent cruciate ligament surgery, eye surgery, and lost a 3 year old who was diagnosed with kidney disease at 6 months and had 5 different prescriptions, medicated diet supplements, dialysis and who subsequently had to be euthanized at 3. When people stop to see my dogs they always comment that they must "eat me out of house & home", I always tell them that their feeding costs are insignificant compared to their vet bills Even when they are relatively healthy, everything is based on weight! Irrespective of the breed, you should always be realistic of the cost of veterinary care. Still, I have never , nor will I ever own any other breed!
Posted by: Bernie | Sep 1, 2021 6:35:53 PM
A good Dog is priceless, just enjoy the smile they bring to your face.
Cheers
Posted by: Darci | Sep 1, 2021 7:21:08 PM
Love what Bernie said - they are priceless
Posted by: scott | Sep 1, 2021 7:28:13 PM
fund of at least $500 that you don’t touch for any reason other than problems with your do, which...
Never ever had trouble with my 'do' .... at least not yet. Hope they have a pill for it.
Posted by: CF | Sep 1, 2021 7:39:38 PM
At least its cheaper then to have kids, pets over kids any day
Posted by: dave | Sep 1, 2021 8:04:23 PM
could not have got thru my battle with cancer without my dog
Posted by: ui | Sep 1, 2021 8:10:25 PM
worth it
Posted by: i ellsworth | Sep 1, 2021 8:21:10 PM
i have much more trouble with the two legged animal than the four legged one
Posted by: jim | Sep 1, 2021 9:03:54 PM
I think that is way too high I pay 175 a year for her shots/ heart work med/ kennel cough and basic check up in a spring visit. She eats good food but I buy the big bag which is 140 a year tops including her milk bones. She gets a late spring buzz cut but still looks cute for 30 dollars. So 400 is basicly what I pay for my small dog per year.
Posted by: jenniffer | Sep 1, 2021 9:45:04 PM
My Luther, my little boy, has no price. End of story. He is my family and no one asks the price of that.
Posted by: jim | Sep 1, 2021 10:41:44 PM
Get over it lady Luther is just a dawg
Posted by: namless in Alberta | Sep 1, 2021 11:41:43 PM
I love this stuff Nothing like a pet dog for a friend , the cost is not the issue but the enjoyment it brings to one I suppose , wouldn't it be nice if people could do the same to each other ?
Posted by: no pets | Sep 2, 2021 10:16:35 AM
I don't own any pets because they cost alot of money.
However, I agree with the person who said they would rather have a 4 legged friend than a 2 legged friend. I think alot of people want a companion, and someone who will love them, yet they don't want to compromise, so a pet takes the place of the human.
What people fail to realize is how much better a relationship with a human could be if they learned how to compromise. My thoughts.
Posted by: jim | Sep 2, 2021 3:39:52 PM
If I could only get my girlfriend to fetch a stick I wouldn't need my dog
Posted by: maggy | Sep 3, 2021 5:46:27 PM
Our little gal Nina, a 10 lb Shih-Poo costs between $900 and $1100 per year to keep. That sum includes, food, grooming, regular vet visits etc. It doesn't include a vet visits for canine urgent care. In cases like that (and they've been few) we've been lucky if we walk out of the office with a bill of less than $100. It is WISE to set aside a bit of money for this as something can happen (and usually does) quite unexpectedly.
The expense definitely doesn't compare to the amount of joy and happiness Nina brings to our household, but a responsible dog owner must be prepared to pay.