by George Platanitis

Created on: September 19, 2011

So you have decided that a dog is what you want as a pet.  Unfortunately, many people do not consider the ongoing expenses needed to ensure various needs of the dog are met, only finding out too late that they really can't afford it.  This responsibility, as with all the others, is needed throughout the life of the pet, so be sure you have the finances available to look after your dog.  Following are examples of what kind of expenses you should expect.

Food

For larger breeds, count on approximately $70-$100 per month for a large bag of kibble (with price varying on brand and quality). Of course, this price goes down for smaller dogs.

Veterinary care

You will need to take your dog regularly (once a year for a physical) to ensure it is in top health. Costs will include the consult, vaccinations, examinations, any laboratory work (blood tests, etc.). If your dog becomes ill, this will add up. Count on $400 for a physical, and variable expenses for any unexpected visits. If you have to take your dog to the emergency room/clinic, this visit will add to your expenses (maybe around $200). Preventative medicines for year-round protection against various parasites, etc., can run quite high as well. Optionally, you may wish to have insurance for your dog to help manage these costs. The best coverage (in Canada, you can get this at PetSecure) carries a premium of approximately $100 per month for the best coverage, and includes preventative coverage (which covers the regular veterinary visits and yearly preventative medicine). These premiums will vary with breed.

Treats

You may naturally wish to buy treats every so often to give your dog. To ensure a good supply at a time, you'll likely be spending approximately $10 or so per package (for a larger package), depending on the type of treats.

Grooming

You also need to provide regular grooming for your dog. If you would rather save yourself the trouble of doing it yourself, consider that the cost at a groomer may be in the range of $40 for a basic bath and brush to $70 (maybe more) should you decide to give your dog extra grooming treatment (special shampoos, full fur/hair trim, etc.). Depending on how often you take your dog in for a grooming, the expense can really add up.

Boarding

Finally, if you need to board your dog when you are away, an overnight stay likely starts at $20 per night. Some boarding facilities will charge extra for items such as giving your dog's medication, treats (from their facility), extra activity time, etc.

These are just a few approximate costs of owning/fostering a dog. Before welcoming a dog into your family, financial implications should be thoroughly considered.

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