How much will that four-legged pal cost you?
Q: How much does it really cost to have a dog?
A: That ball of fur may be adorable, but having a dog doesn’t come cheap!
Here’s a rundown of what buying and owning a dog can cost. Start-up costs Buying a purebred will run you $500-$2K, but a dog from a shelter can cost as little as $50, or up to $200. You’ll need some doggy gear, including a bed, a collar and leash, a feeding bowl and some toys. These will run you approximately $50. Getting your dog trained can cost as little as $25 for a single class, or up to $300 for a full course of training and resource materials. Getting your dog spayed or neutered can add $20-$300 to your initial costs. Licensing, vaccinations and a microchip will bring that total up by $110-$360. Total one-time costs: $255-$3,060 Ongoing costs Now you’ll need to consider what it costs to care for your pet each month. Dog food The cheapest dog food can cost less than a dollar a pound. But if going gourmet, expect to pay up to $1.60/lb. The size of your dog also plays a role in the total food costs. A 3-pound pup will only need 1⅓ cups of food a day, compared to the 4½ cups of food a 100-pound beast will consume. Finally, consider your dog’s dietary requirements. A bag of food for dogs with sensitive stomachs is $2.60/lb. Total monthly cost: $20-80 Preventative health care and routine visits All dogs will need some medication to prevent common conditions. Most vets also advise dog owners to bring their pets in for a wellness checkup at least once a year. Total monthly cost: $20-80 Grooming and bathing If you’ll be hiring someone to bathe and groom your doggy, these costs can add another $100 to your monthly dog costs. Total monthly cost: $0-100 Doggy daycare, boarding, and walking Doggy daycare averages $40/day, while overnight stays can cost $100 a night. Professional dog-walking services can charge as much as $30 for every half-hour walk. Total monthly cost: $0-600 After the initial costs, expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $960 a month in total dog costs. That furry friend doesn’t come cheap! Make sure you can afford these new expenses before bringing your pet home. Your Turn: How do you pay for your doggy expenses? Tell us about it in the comments.