The Cost of Owning a Dog in 2020

The Cost of Owning a Dog in 2020

When people look into bringing home a dog, they will rarely look at the cost of keeping him. Mostly they are looking for a loyal friend to talk to when you are alone. A friend to confide in without being judged or worrying that they will betray your secret.

But experts thought it would be helpful to create a guide highlighting approximately how much it costs to get yourself a dog and maintain them for a year. Let’s break it down.

Initial cost – $650-$2,350

This is inclusive of the dog’s purchasing cost and everything else you will need to start your dog parenting journey. If you decide to get your pup from a breeder then be prepared to pay up to thousands of dollars depending on the breed. A Rottweiler, for example, can cost up to $8,000.

If you are on a strained budget consider going the adoption way. The adoption fee ranges from $50-500 and is inclusive of other costs such as spaying/neutering. If it’s not included, the surgery will cost about $35-400.

Next, you need to vaccinate the dog. This costs $75-100. You will also need to protect the dog from fleas and ticks which costs about $75-100. Other expected costs before you can go home with the dog include:

  • A license – $10
  • Microchip – $45.
  • Collar/harness – $5-50
  • Leash – $10-40
  • Poop bags – $5-10
  • Food and water bowl – $10-50
  • Crate – $50-150
  • Bed – $5-200
  • Toys – $10-200. You can save on toy cost by making them from common household items.
  • Treats – $5-15
  • Hygiene products such as shampoo, brush, and odor remover – $20-90
  • Puppy training pads – $10-50

Maintenance Cost – $650-$2,295

This is the recurring expense that you are expected to incur:

  • Food – $200-1000. This cost will depend on the food brand and how much your dog eats. The cost may go up to $4800 if you opt for fresh food.
  • Routine vet visits – $210
  • Flea and tick prevention $40-200
  • Heart worm prevention – $25-120
  • Dental hygeine – $60-180
  • Treats – $70-145
  • Toys – $10-200
  • Poop bags – $35-60
  • Miscellaneous costs – $1645-4315. This covers for unexpected costs. Like say your dog requires an emergency trip to the vet.

Some other costs that you need to keep in mind include;

  • Pet care. Not necessary but your lifestyle may demand it. Dog boarding is about $35 per night and dog walking is about $20 per walk. Dog training is about $90
  • Pup deposit. This is necessary if you are renting and it costs $200-500.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay

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