Pound Dog Rescue

Those of us who own a dog will probably agree that Rover’s companionship and unconditional love are priceless, but the hard truth is that caring for a dog and keeping it healthy costs money—sometimes more than we are willing to pay. A common reason given for surrendering a dog is that it was just too expensive to take care of. Every year, thousands of dogs are turned into shelters and humane societies because their owners can’t afford the care they need. As hard as it may be, don’t bring home a new dog until you have sat down and looked over your budget. A little financial planning in the beginning can save a lot of heartache in the end.

How much does it cost to own a dog?

Far too often the only budget-related concern people have in relation to a dog is how much it costs initially. While several hundred dollars may seem like a lot to pay for a dog, that’s nothing compared with the continuing costs of responsible dog ownership. Of course, every dog is different and has varying needs, but it is possible to calculate the expenses of the average, medium-sized dog. The following annual expense list may surprise you.

Annual Expenses for the average, medium-sized dog

Keep in mind that this expense list is only for the most basic care. Additional expenses are likely to occur in the life of a dog. Taking a vacation will require hiring a pet sitter or paying a boarding fee. Medical emergencies, additional grooming, and pet insurance can also add to the cost of dog ownership. Larger breeds like Labs, Rottweilers, and Great Danes will be more expensive to feed and medicate. Of course, smaller breeds will cost less over their lives, but their initial expense is often higher because they are more in demand.

Ways to save money

Savvy dog owners know that there are a few ways to save money in dog costs. One of the best ways to keep within your budget is to rescue a dog from a local shelter or humane society. Most rescue fees include a dog’s first vet checkup and a spay or neuter procedure if the dog isn’t already fixed. Usually, dog rescues charge a reasonable amount, and you can feel good knowing that all the money you pay goes to the care of your dog and others like him.

Another smart choice is to adopt a mixed-breed dog. Pure bred dogs are not superior to mixed breeds, and they are often far more expensive. Pure bred dogs are prone to more diseases and medical problems, while mixed breed mutts tend to be healthier and genetically stronger. If you adopt a mixed breed dog, you’ll be saving a life and getting a dog that is less likely to need long-term medical care.

Grooming your dog at home also saves a lot of money. Short-haired dogs need little more than regular brushing, nail trimming, and an occasional bath. Even dogs like Poodles that need regular clipping can be handled at home if you are willing to put a little effort into learning how. See the article “Dog Grooming 101” for more information on at-home grooming.

Buy basic pet necessities in bulk whenever possible. A large bag of dog food is less expensive per ounce, and you can often get a better deal on rawhides if you buy them in a large pack. Instead of paying a lot of money for a fancy dog bed, make your own out of a few old blankets and some fiberfill stuffing available at local craft stores. Dogs enjoy toys, but you don’t need to pay a lot of money for them. Tennis-style balls and Frisbees make inexpensive dog toys, and teething puppies can be satisfied by chewing on an old washcloth that has been frozen.

A dog’s love is priceless

Apparently, Americans are not too worried about the expense of dog ownership. We now spend $41 billion annually on our pets—more than the gross domestic product of many countries and more than we spend on movies, recorded music, and video games combined.

It simply isn’t fair to a dog to bring it into a home only to send it to a shelter, or worse have it euthanized, simply because the owner didn’t take the expense of dog ownership into account. Never make a spontaneous decision to get a dog, especially if you have a tight budget. With a little planning and common sense, a dog can be a lifetime investment with priceless returns.