AVERAGE MONTHLY COST OF OWNING A DOG HOW TO

Certain breeds, like American pit bulls, are heavy chewers. Not-so-obvious monthly costs are treats and chew toys. If certain food and medication are prescribed by your vet, pet insurance may help cover the cost for you. Flea and tick medication is given monthly but you can opt to buy them in bulk to save money. Food is the most obvious one, with the average pet parent spending $300 a year (or roughly $25 a month) on food.² This number can easily exceed this if you have more than one dog or need to purchase prescription dog food. There are some dog care items that you will purchase monthly. Preventative Medication (Heartworm, Flea/ Tick) Routine Medical Costs (Vaccines, Wellness Visits, etc.) 2 This figure can be higher or lower based on your dog’s size, breed, and health issues. The average cost of owning a dog is approximately $1,400 per year according to a 2021 study by the ASPCA. To learn more about the costs associated with a new dog, let’s go through a quick rundown of the most common dog ownership expenses. But how much does a dog cost? Understanding the financial commitment involved as a pet parent is important before welcoming a new furry friend to your home. But that special bond comes with certain expenses. 'The more you can educate yourself on the potential costs of owning a dog, the better off you will be financially preparing for Fido,' Denger says.Whether you’ve owned a dog or not, you know that the relationship between owner and pet is a special one. Since dog food will clearly be a recurring, inevitable cost, the opportunity to spend even just a few bucks less per bag can offer impressive savings in the long run. You can also talk to your vet about affordable, yet nutritious, dog food brands. If you can get away with walking your dog yourself each day, rather than hiring a dog walker, that's a big expense saved. You can also think about ways you can cut costs. Aim to have enough saved to cover at least three months' worth of your future pet's living expenses, prior to adopting or purchasing a dog. Once you've made a list of all the expenses you can anticipate, factor these into your emergency savings fund. 'Think about any monthly preventative maintenance, such as any flea and tick or heartworm medications, that your dog may need,' Denger says. Ask questions regarding which vet expenses new dog owners can commonly expect. You should also check in with local veterinary clinics and see how much they charge for various medications and procedures. If you paid someone $20 per day to walk your dog each day of the week for a year, that'd be $5,200 spent annually on dog walking alone, according to Stregowski.Ī one-time expense might be a medication for a temporary illness or supplies, such as food bowls or dog beds, that you wouldn't replace every couple of weeks. For those with demanding schedules, it's also common to hire a dog walker. It's estimated that dog owners spend between $250 and $700 per year on food and treats. 'These costs will differ based on breed and the overall health of your new friend,' Denger says.ĭog food would be a recurring expense. And when doing so, be sure to think about which expenses are going to be just a one-time thing and which will be recurring. That means you should factor in any puppy care costs alongside your other monthly expenses, such as groceries, gas and rent. 'As another member of your household, their daily living expenses will become part of your monthly non-discretionary expenses.' 'Owning a dog is a huge responsibility,' says Cassie Denger, a client relationship specialist at Fort Pitt Capital Group. How much should you be prepared to spend on a dog?īefore getting a dog, consider the potential financial implications and whether your budget can handle the added cost.

AVERAGE MONTHLY COST OF OWNING A DOG HOW TO

If you're on the fence with your decision, here's what experts say about how much dogs can cost and advice on how to save up for one if you aren't quite there yet financially. As the AVMA puts it, when choosing any type of pet, you should avoid making 'impulsive decisions' and make sure it's suited to your home and lifestyle. Since this is an expensive life choice, it's important to keep your emotions at bay when deciding whether to get a dog. At the far end of the spectrum, those willing to pay premium prices to cover their dog's needs can end up spending nearly $10,000 a year. It's estimated that owning a dog costs about $1,400 to $4,300 per year, writes Jenna Stregowski, a registered veterinary technician and contributor for The Spruce Pets, an online reference for pet owners. And those responsibilities, which include feeding, grooming and providing shelter for your pup, can add up fast, especially if your pet ends up with health issues.

Average monthly cost of owning a dog