| Anyone who is reading this is likely | | | | visits will be necessary when your pet |
| considering adding a dog to their family. | | | | becomes ill. There is no way to estimate how |
| While bringing a pet into your home can bring | | | | much a visit to a vet will cost when your |
| joy and companionship, the decision does not | | | | pooch is under the weather, but you should |
| come without financial responsibility. Before | | | | consider the possibility of this extra |
| bringing a pet into your home, ask yourself | | | | expense before adopting or purchasing a dog. |
| if you are ready to handle all of the | | | | |
| responsibilities that come with pet | | | | For peace of mind, health insurance is |
| ownership. | | | | available for dogs. Pay a monthly premium and |
| | | | the insurance company will reimburse you for |
| Feeding a Dog | | | | most of the expenses if your dog becomes ill |
| | | | or is injured. |
| The most obvious and ongoing expense for your | | | | |
| dog is food. While the pet aisle in the | | | | Hardware and Dog Toys |
| grocery store offers many low-cost options, | | | | |
| these choices are not always best for your | | | | Dogs need stuff! They need crates, collars, |
| dog. Like people, dogs need a balanced diet | | | | leashes, food and water dishes, bedding and |
| and one that is full of nutrients and | | | | toys. |
| proteins. Many cheap dog food brands are | | | | |
| loaded with fillers and do not provide the | | | | If you plan to leave your pet outside all of |
| nutrition that your dog will need to thrive. | | | | the time (not recommended), then additional |
| Since the dog is not getting what it needs | | | | items such as shelter and hay for warmth must |
| from the food, it will likely eat more of it. | | | | also be provided. |
| This can end up costing the dog owner more in | | | | |
| the long run. | | | | Plan to spend $50-$100 before bringing your |
| | | | pet home. This should be enough to cover a |
| Instead, a quality food should be selected. | | | | collar, leash, food bowls, a bed and toys. If |
| Ask your vet for recommendations. While it | | | | you plan to crate train your dog you will |
| may cost more, your pet's health is worth it. | | | | also need to purchase a quality crate. A good |
| | | | crate will cost between $45-$125 depending on |
| You should also keep a supply of healthy | | | | the size that is needed. |
| treats on hand. Treats are great for training | | | | |
| and rewarding your pet. | | | | A word on toys: Toys are not just a nice |
| | | | extra, they are necessary. Dogs need to chew |
| Vet Bills - Consider Pet Insurance | | | | and if toys are not provided then furniture |
| | | | and shoes will be used in their place. |
| All dogs will need to visit the vet at least | | | | |
| once a year to receive vaccinations. The cost | | | | Traveling with a Dog |
| of vaccines will vary. If you get vaccines at | | | | |
| a vet's office, expect to pay between | | | | If you travel, dogs are an extra expense |
| $90-$150. Many rescue groups, such as the | | | | whether you bring them along or not. If |
| SPCA, offer low-cost vet clinics which may | | | | traveling without your furry friend, plan to |
| cost as little as $30 for annual shots. Also, | | | | spend between $15-$30 per night to board your |
| check your local pet stores as some may offer | | | | pet. If your bring him along, you'll have to |
| a lower cost option for routine pet care. | | | | consider the cost of shipping your pet on the |
| | | | airplane and/or paying a non-refundable pet |
| Also, heartworm prevention medication must be | | | | deposit at the hotel. Be sure to call ahead |
| given monthly at a cost of around $5 per | | | | for airline requirements and hotel policies |
| month. In most of the country, flea | | | | before planning your trip. |
| prevention is a good idea and costs | | | | |
| approximately $10 per month. | | | | While there is a cost to owning a dog, the |
| | | | rewards of being greeted by a happy, healthy |
| In addition to routine preventive care, vet | | | | dog each evening is worth the expense! |