Understanding the REAL Cost of a Pet to Your Budget
Having the pleasure of adding a fur kid to your home one of the special things in life. After all, they bring you joy, companionship, endless devotion, help with your mental well-being, and are a great shoulder to cry on that listens to your problems without interjecting and commentary or advice. The love of a pet is just unique and once you’ve had one in your life, it’s hard to do without them.
In last weeks Dog Blog (link here to read Part One of this Blog Series Do YOU know when… the Price is Right? – Freddie’s Place) we determined the raw average costs to pet parents for bringing a cat into the family. To recap briefly… having a cat in your home will impact your budget by $700 to $3000 dollars a year, with initial “start up” costs coming in at $500 to $2500 depending on the cat breed and how extravagant you want to be to set up your cat’s living arrangements. In Part 2 of this report, we will break down the cost of adding a dog to your household.
The Truth About Owning a Pet in our Pet Friendly World
A pet will cost you hard earned money, and most are not contributing anything back into your home’s budget. If you look a ONLY monthly expenses it is a laundry list of “must haves” like food, training pads, veterinary bills, medications (think flea/tick, supplements, heartworm prevention), hygiene products (shampoo, combs, wipes) just for basic dog life. However, if you want to pamper your pooch, keep up with the “Boneses”, give your puppy a real life of comfort, your looking to add a monthly toy and clothing allowance, treats and snacks, training classes, grooming, maybe even a doggy daycare so your fur baby can socialize and have someone to watch over them while you work. And that’s only the start. Add in health insurance, pet beds, designer collars and leashes, ongoing pet healthcare, a walking service they stay at home while you work, ongoing vaccinations, to name just small amount of the “up-charges”. If we get REALLY into the weeds with hidden costs or luxury expenses, you’ll find things like added “pet deposits” or monthly rent increases for having a dog in your apartment, additional room fee’s at hotels if you take your dog on vacation with you, doggy car seats for those long trips on the road, strollers to take small dogs on walks with you, professional photo sessions, day spa’s with massages and makeovers, fencing for the backyard at your home to keep them safe, cameras in home so you can monitor them while your gone, collar cams, “Air Tags” for their collar so you can track them in case they get loose…. And on, and on… and on… and on. We know you’re thinking, “Oh, you’re talking crazy now… nobody is going to spend money on things like that for their dog…” You would be WRONG! The hit to your wallet is only as large as the love in your heart for your special bundle of fur. Let’s face it, we live in a pet friendly society and your dog’s well being and happiness is a huge part of your life. Nobody wants to have the poor dog on the block, and you certainly don’t want anyone to think they aren’t living their best life. Deep down, we all know its just a bit crazy to get dogs designer clothes or a Gucci stroller… but, also deep down, we think it would be awesome if they had them!
And it’s not like we’re saying dogs don’t deserve those upscale items. When you look at what a dog gives you in return for lodging, food, and attention… you’ll find that they provide unconditional love, a shoulder to cry on, 24/7 companionship, someone who listens and does not judge, a TV watching buddy, food taster, a constant form of entertainment, and they are a joy to be with. A dog doesn’t care if you don’t shower for a few days, in fact they probably enjoy it. They don’t care if you do nothing but sleep on a Sunday, they will be napping with you. They worry when you’re not home, are super glad to see you when you open the door (no matter how short or long of a time you’ve been gone) and they get excited when you’re excited… even if they have zero idea whats going on. Does your spouse do that? Friends? Your parents? Your Boss? NOBODY ELSE is all about you and your life like your dog, and all they want to do is go along for the journey. And THIS is why humans love dogs, and are willing to spend money “hand over fist” to assure they are happy. The secret is… a dog is just as happy with a good petting and a BOOP on the nose as they are with a designer sweater and a bedazzled leash. It’s our own projection of self-worth and pampering that often makes owning a dog so expensive.
Let’s Get into The Weeds On The Cost of Having a Dog
The essentials of having a dog are pretty small. The base monthly cost can fluctuate based on the size, breed, overall health, and age of the pet. Bigger canines eat more (and poop in larger volume) than smaller dogs. Certain breeds have inherited health issues. Older dogs will likely see a veterinarian more often than younger dogs. You can expect to pay $50 to $350 a month for the first year of a dogs life.
Here are a few of the reasons a new dog in the home is more expensive…
Some of the medical costs can be offset with Pet Insurance plans. You can watch videos for how to groom a dog and cut the expenses of paying someone to do it for you. You can also temper your own excitement and urges (how many sweaters and collars does one dog need?) There should be very few spaces in your home that your dog where your dog cannot have access (bathroom is one… don’t get into the habit of letting your dog hang out with you while you’re on the toilet. They don’t need to be in the room when you shower. Waiting outside the door for should suffice… not to mention that they’ll be super happy to see you when you come out!)
How Much Should I Be Paying to Adopt a Dog?
Unlike cats, who seem to always be available “to a good home” at no cost (tell me you don’t know someone who’s kitty just gave birth to 6 kittens needing to be re-homed), dogs have some sort of fee to bring home. We think it’s important to talk about this “one-time” charge that you’ll encounter when you’re looking for a dog. There are all sorts of routes to take to find your “perfect” dog companion, and all come with some sort of monetary exchange in order to get the goods. You can always go to a breeder, but with millions and millions of dogs looking for their forever home, we always suggest you adopt from a shelter or rescue… or at least start there. You never know who is going to tug at your heartstrings and a second chance dog is a grateful dog.
To adopt a dog from a Shelter, you’re looking to invest $50 to $300 dollars in most areas of the country. This may seem like a big amount for a dog that is cages and they are looking to get rid of, but you have to consider what the shelter has put into the animal to make them ready for adoption. For example, most shelter dogs come to you with current vaccinations, already with a spay/neuter, medically sound, or at least with a clear view of their medical needs. You often get a voucher for the next needed round of vaccinations, as well as a coupon for a free spay/neuter if your dog is too young to have had the surgery before you take them home. This is all money off that initial “start-up” fee that we mentioned before.
To adopt from a Rescue you will likely be looking a few hundred dollars for an adoption fee. Besides what we mentioned you receive in medical, vaccination, and health checks, with a Rescue dog you’re also likely receiving a dog that has been vetted for behavioral issues, socialized, potty trained (or at least somewhere along the road to potty trained), and you’ll have a full report of their “likes/dislikes” when it comes to other dogs, children, quirks, and needs. Rescue dogs normally spend time with Foster Parents, who teach them to trust and let down the barriers they have developed from the treatment by former owners. You pay more up-front, but you get a better idea of the dog you’re getting. Rescue organizations also will also often charge you an “application fee” just to be vetted as a good candidate for their animals. You’ll also need to undergo a home inspection to be sure the house is safe and ready to accept the animal. It’s part of doing business with people who are invested deeply in these dogs lives.
Breeders, on the other hand, are likely all about making money. Not to say they don’t love the animals, but it’s clear that their driving factor is profit for fur. Your also paying for pure breed dogs of you’re choosing. You should know all about the dogs bloodline, and a reputable breeder can show you the dogs parents (in most cases). We’re not disrespecting breeders, as some are great people who are just supplying a product for a demand. People love puppies, after all, everyone want a dog “fresh out of the package”. Just get to know the breeder, ask questions about their facility or business, ask to see where the dogs are kept… most reputable breeders will understand your concern and be open to questions. If it doesn’t look, feel, or smell right… you may be dealing with someone who is running a puppy mill. For a designer dog, a pure bread puppy, or a dog from a breeder, you’ll likely pay between $1000 and $3000 dollars, depending on breed and size of the dog. You’ll also be paying for most, if not all, of the medical evaluation, shots, and the spay/neuter.
As you can see, we’re already up to $700 to $3500 just to bring the dog home with you. Guess what… that’s not all the cost you’ll need to get started.
Making the Home Ready for Rover
Sorry, you just can’t open the front door, drop your new dog on the floor, and shout “Welcome home… if you have any questions let me know.” To introduce a new dog into your home, your home has to be ready to accept the dog. There is a lot of setup, redo, and prep that needs to be done before a house is prepared to be “pet friendly”. Not surprising, there is quite a bit of cheddar out of your wallet to make your abode a best place for your new best friend. Here is just a short list of the bare basics.
You’ll need, 2 dog collars (always have a backup in case one gets chewed through), leash(s), ID tag for said collar (with phone number and dogs name), dog bed(s), dog crate(a must for puppies still learning how to live indoors), poop bags and a poop scoop, training pads(buy bulk, you’ll need them), toys and more toys, first aid kit(nips and scratches happen), grooming tools(brushes, nail trimmers, shampoo, dental bones/toothbrush), stain and odor removing spray, dog bowls/plates/dishes, feeding mat, dog gates. And this is a short list… use your imagination to assure your home is “incoming dog ready”. We didn’t even mention the outdoors. Is your fencing secure? The gate latches in good working order? Any holes or openings to sure up? How about the plants in your yard… is there anything growing a dog can’t accidentally eat on purpose? The items on this list… on the low average… would start at about $400 if you were getting it all at once. Amazingly, our “start-up” cost just jumped from over $1000 dollars to upwards of $5000 dollars depending on where you get the dog, how ready your house is, and what it will take to make sure they are INITIALLY, happy, safe, and healthy.
YIKES! What Would I be Paying Monthly to Take Care of my Dog?
Now you’re catching on… we’ve explored the up-front investment in a new fur baby, so let’s dig into what the ongoing costs to home a hound would run you. Keep in mind, all these are estimates and averages, you’re actual cost will vary on a lot of personal details and desires.
According to the folks at PetBudget.com, the monthly cost to maintain a dog is…
The flux of the monthly cost lie in the breed needs, food types, health of the animal, region you live, vet visits, and… frankly… the lifestyle to choose to lavish your dog with. A lot of it is out of your control… but a good deal of your expense is directly tied to you and you’re spending habits.
The point of all these facts, figures, numbers, wild statements, lists, and advice is to help everyone understand that having a dog (or a cat) is an investment and you need to look at it as such. Look past the imagines you’ve conjured up of the “best boi” you’ll bring home, live with, love, pamper, and share life with. You need to be sure you, your family, your home… and YOUR BUDGET can afford the up-front and monthly costs to care for the animal you’re bringing into your life. If not, wait till you can afford to feed and care for the fur child the way you would for a human child.
Pets are living things, they have emotions and feelings, they grow attached, and they love unconditionally. They worst thing for a cat or dog is to be integrated into, what they believe, is a forever home with THEIR people… only to have it yanked away because humans didn’t think it out or budget their existence. One of the leading reasons shelters see pet “turn in’s” is for financial reasons, or that the owner is moving to somewhere at pet is not allowed or welcomed. Both of these things are devastating to the animal, and completely avoidable. Don’t be “one of those people” who just walks away from a pet because you didn’t plan it out or bought on impulse. That’s on YOU and it impacts the pet for a lifetime. Be the person your pet already believes you are… plan ahead, be prepared, and don’t abandon these loving souls just because it’s hard on the wallet.
We hope this was of value to our faithful readers, it’s a “hot button” item for anyone that truly is a pet lover. So many animals are destroyed each year because the shelters are full of pets that were abandoned by someone. If we simply took time to think it through till the end, if we did spay/neuter pets, if we eliminated puppy mills, if we would all attempt to “Adopt, not Shop” then shelters would not be bursting at the seams, and poor animals would not be killed daily to make room for more poor animals. Simply BE THE PERSON YOUR PET ALREADY THINKS YOU ARE!
That’s it for this weeks Dog Blog. We’re welcoming November this week, and with it Thanksgiving and the gateway to the Holiday Season. We know there are plenty of paws and wet noses just waiting for Christmas this year. As we ramp up to that Most Wonderful Time of the Year, we ask that you consider those animals at shelters and rescues and put them on your Christmas list. A small gift to your local shelter or rescue of soft/warm blankets, toys, treats, food… or even your time as a volunteer to walk, pet, play with, or even foster a pet in need would be an amazing present for them, and for your heart. After all, it is the giving season and who is more worthy of a gift than a frightened, alone, afraid, and sad dog or cat?
Till next time, look for the best of times in the smallest (and furriest) packages, and Always Be Pet Friendly… #FreddieSez
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