Whether it’s a golden retriever, a poodle, or any other breed, dogs can be an amazing addition to your family. Their love and companionship can provide an unmatched sense of fulfillment. However, adopting a dog may also include a whole bunch of costs that should be evaluated and planned for. Some of the key items to consider while looking at getting a pet include: initial costs, the time commitment, medical expenses, and unexpected costs.
In some ways, buying a dog can be a similar investment to buying a house. There could be significant upfront costs to bringing an animal into your home. One initial cost would be a crate. If you decide to adopt a dog, you will need somewhere to keep them when you are leaving the house to ensure they don’t destroy any personal belongings. Some people also use their crate as a place for their pet to sleep. A crate can range in price, but it is something that should be planned for. Another expense that ties in with a crate would be training. While some people train their animals themselves, outsourcing this complicated task to a professional is the route that others take. The cost of training classes can add up over time, but ensuring that your pet is properly disciplined is very important. Additionally, leaving your dog alone for a long period of time can be difficult. One way to combat this would be to enroll your pup in doggy day care. Dogs should familiarize themselves around other animals so that they are comfortable in different types of settings. Similarly to training classes, doggy day care can be expensive, so it’s important to look at multiple options to make sure you are doing what’s best for not only your puppy, but also your bank account. Although it may not be an immediate upfront expense, grooming is another cost of owning an animal that some people don’t consider.
While they might look very cute at the animal shelter, it’s important to realize how big of a time commitment dogs can be. Dogs can live anywhere between 8-18 years depending on their breed. These animals will need to be cared for during all walks of life. If you are moving, the dog comes with you; if you are traveling, plans need to be set in place; if you are sick or tired, the dog still needs to be looked after. When considering to move into a new apartment, pets can be a sensitive topic, and may impact your options. Also, if you want to go on vacation, the cost of bringing a dog with you can be enormous. And if you want to spend some time away from your animal, you will either need to coordinate with friends/family, or you will need to pay someone to take care of them. Most dogs love to socialize; whether it’s with you or with other dogs at the park. With this in mind, you need to consider the opportunity cost of spending time with your dog versus spending your time doing something else. You may be forced to work shorter hours if you adopt a dog, you may need to travel between work and home more often if you adopt a dog. The time, the travel, the opportunity cost, all of these things directly or indirectly impact your finances.
Just as you take care of your own health, the health of your dog also should be a top priority. Getting the proper vaccinations for them if you get them as a puppy is paramount. Some dogs require 5-10 shots, each of which can be more than $100. Although it’s not very pleasant to think about, some dogs have underlying health conditions and may require consistent medicine, which costs money. This is one reason why some people invest in pet insurance for their companion. Although not required, pet insurance could save you a lot of money if your dog is frequently in need of medical attention. Many people have an emergency savings account for themselves in case something completely unforeseen occurs. This same idea can be used for a dog. Life happens, and not everything will go exactly to plan. Whether it’s your life or your pet’s life, you should always hope for the best, but plan for the worst.
There are many “hidden costs” of owning a dog that many people don’t think about. Most states (including New York) require a dog license. This may not be at the forefront of your mind when you consider buying a dog. Another hidden cost of getting a puppy is the replacement cost for things that they break or destroy. Although we all love our dogs, most of them go through some type of destructive phase. Whether it’s chewing, clawing, or using the bathroom in an inconvenient location, dogs can unfortunately cause a lot of damage to your home. The cost to either mitigate the damage a dog can do, or the cost of repairing the damage that occurs should be taken into consideration. Furthermore, there are some costs that probably aren’t as covert. All dog owners understand that the costs of food, toys, and treats can be draining to your bank account.
With all this being said, dogs are a man’s best friend. Some of the best memories are made with our furry family members. Depending on how much you fall in love with your first dog, there could always be a chance of getting a second or third one, right?
