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October 08, 2021

Save money and don't over-vaccinate your pooch

Man's best friend is a great companion, but let's face it, they're also a costly member of the family.

While it's important to ensure your dog is in good health, save money by vaccinating your dog once every three years rather than once a year, which many vets continue to push, according to a recent CBC Marketplace investigation. These vaccinations apply to what are known as core canine vaccinations, which are essential to your pooch.

This vaccination timeline follows guidelines released by the American Animal Hospital Association, which is used by veterinarians in North America. It turns out that protection from core vaccinations will last for seven to nine years, according to the CBC.

But the president of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association told CBC that vaccination timing should be decided on a case-by-case basis and that vaccination research is controversial.

Meanwhile, the annual cost of a 40-pound adult dog is estimated to be about $2,018, while the annual cost of a ten-pound adult cat is estimated to be about $1,483, according to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association. This doesn't account for taxes, your pet's first year, which will be more expensive, along with the numerous splurges available to your furry friend - whether it's alternative pet care, custom clothes or luxurious pet resorts.

And despite tighter budgets after the recession, the economy doesn't affect the amount pet owners will spend on their pets, according to a CouponCabin.com survey.

Americans spent more than $50 billion on their furry, family members in 2011 with food and vet costs accounting for 65 per cent of that amount, according to the American Pet Products Association. It's the most that Americans have spent on their pets and the dog population is on the rise around the world.

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Gordon PowersGordon Powers

A long-time fund company executive, Gordon Powers now heads up the Affinity Group, a financial services consulting firm. Gordon was a personal finance columnist for the Globe & Mail for many years, has taught retirement planning...