There are many expenses involved in owning a dog, from food to toys to vet visits. If you’re a first-time pet owner, it’s important to understand how much these costs are before you bring your new pup home.
A basic veterinary visit will typically cost $50 to $250, but emergency visits can add up quickly.
Vaccinations
Vaccines are a key part of your dog’s healthcare regimen, but they can be expensive. Depending on where you live and what vaccinations your veterinarian recommends, you could spend hundreds of dollars per year for a core vaccine like rabies or distemper, plus any additional vaccines to protect your dog from diseases they are exposed to in their daily lives.
The cost of vaccines is also affected by your health insurance coverage. If you have a high-deductible plan, or don’t have health insurance at all, you may pay for your vaccines out of pocket.
Vaccines are important for protecting your family from a variety of diseases, but they also have a big impact on the entire community. Getting vaccinated can help keep people from catching diseases, which can lead to illnesses that require time off work or school and are costly for society as a whole.
Spay/Neuter
Spaying and neutering your pet is an important part of maintaining their health, as well as preventing unwanted litters. These procedures also reduce the number of animals that enter shelters and rescues.
However, spaying and neutering can be expensive, and it’s important to know how much they cost before deciding on whether to get your pet fixed. Your pet’s breed, size, age, and health condition will all factor into the cost of surgery.
If you’re on a budget, consider a low-cost clinic or pet adoption organization that offers subsidized surgeries. They can be more affordable than private veterinarians and will often rely on state programs or donations to help cover costs, but they won’t offer blood work or a full pre-exam before the surgery.
Grooming
Grooming your dog is a sure-fire way to make him or her look and feel their best. In fact, it’s one of the most popular services offered at pet stores and salons across the country.
The cost of a good grooming session can vary significantly, depending on the level of service you require. A basic groom can typically run from $30 to $80+, but that number can easily skyrocket if you opt for a full-service experience.
The cost of a groom is also affected by the size of your dog, as well as the breed. A small breed may be able to fit into a small space, while a large breed might need a larger area to get the job done. Besides size, a few other factors can have a significant impact on your bill, including the amount of time spent grooming your dog and the quality of service you receive.
Food
Feeding your dog a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do for their health. Unfortunately, it can also be a costly expense to keep up with, especially if you’re a pet owner on a budget.
The cost of food can vary greatly depending on the brand, type and size of dog you are feeding. A small or toy sized dog will only need a few cups of dry kibble a day, while a large or giant sized dog needs a lot more food.
Oftentimes, you’ll find that the higher priced food choices are filled with all the essential proteins, fats and vitamins your dog needs to stay healthy. They also tend to have fewer fillers and more natural ingredients than cheaper brands.
Training
Dogs can be great companions and loyal friends, but even the best-behaved ones can benefit from a little help with training. It could be that they don’t listen to their basic commands, have trouble walking on a leash or get anxious around other dogs.
The cost of dog training varies, depending on where you live and the trainers you choose. Some places offer group classes for basic obedience that can range from $20 to $75 per lesson.
Other options include boarding-and-training, where your dog or puppy is dropped off with a trainer for a few days at a time. This is a good option for busy people who can’t train their pups themselves, but it can be expensive.