Are you interested in getting a dog? Dogs are great companions. There are numerous health benefits to having a dog; it’s hard to see why someone wouldn’t want one. One thing you may be hesitant about, however, is the costs associated with owning a dog.
Owning a dog does come with some costs, but you do not have to be rich to own one. Here’s everything you need to know about what kinds of costs come with being a dog parent, and then you can decide if it’s right for you.
Common Costs That Come With Owning A Dog
Adoption Costs
While adoption costs vary, you’ll need a number of things to accommodate your dog from the moment you adopt them. For home, you’ll need a crate and/or bed, a collar, tags, food and water bowls, and a leash, which ends up being a little over $100. You may need to neuter your dog, which can cost up to $200.
Routine Care
Visits to the vet for wellness check-ups, plus vaccines, heartworm prevention, and flea prevention can cost up to $500/year. If your dog has any special conditions, you may need to purchase medicine or vitamins for them to take on a regular basis.
Food is a regular cost that you will endure on a monthly basis, and it will cost you, on average, a few hundred dollars per year. Plus, you’ll likely want to buy treats and toys, which can cost around another hundred or two, per year.
Boarding Or Sitting Fees
While you’re away on vacation or a work trip, you will have to either find a dog boarding facility or have a sitter visit your dog on and off to take care of their needs. You can expect to spend $20-50/day for these services, depending on the facility and the type of care your dog will receive.
Additionally, you may want to enroll your dog in doggy daycare to get socialization, and their needs met while you’re away for long periods of time during the day. This can cost between $12 and $40 per day.
Health Insurance
Accidents happen to dogs, just like they do with people, and they can be costly. Health insurance is a great benefit to dog owners and can save lots of money in the event of an emergency. Health insurance costs around $40/month, give or take.
Emergency Medical Care
If your dog has a medical emergency, you’ll want to be prepared to take on the cost. Whether your dog needs surgery, is ill, or something different, emergency medical care can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $1000 at any time.
Grooming
Dog grooming is a necessity, and whether you want to groom your dog yourself or take him or her to a professional is up to you. You have the option to do a self-serve dog wash or to do so in the comfort of your own home, in which you’d need to purchase the accessories. Most dog owners do like treating their dog to a full-service groom regularly, which can cost between $30 and $90, depending on your dog and the level of service you receive.
Training
If your dog is in need of training, you can expect to pay up to $100 per hour of training, but mostly, you’ll see an average of $50 per hour. You may just need a few sessions total, but you may decide that your dog benefits from training regularly for a while.
Enjoy Boarding & Grooming Services That Fit Your Budget
When your dog is in need of boarding and grooming services, come to All Star Pet Resort for high-quality services that don’t bust your budget. Dog boarding services start at $22/night, dog grooming services typically cost $40 or less, depending on your dog’s size and coat, and doggy daycare is only $18/day!
Contact us today to book an appointment and follow us on Facebook to stay in touch!