Average expenses for a dog.?

Question

What are the average expenses in keeping a small dog, including adoption fees and vet visits?

Answer 1

I have a small dog, which, depending on the area you live in, may have higher adoption fees because more people want them (I made a $200 donation to a rescue group for mine). Rescue groups also tend to have higher donations requirements/adoption fees than shelters because more labor goes into placing the right dog with the right owner, and to ensure the dog is ready for a home. The donation included neutering and shots.

I spend between $50 and $250 on heartworm pills, vet checkups and shots, depending on the year. Of course, if the dog gets sick, surgeries can be 2000+ if major.

On food and toys, I spend about $150 per year.

If you need to board the dog, its about $50 per night.

Dog training can be between $50 and $300 for a 6-8 week group class.

It can be a big expense, so make sure you're willing to accept the responsibility. I think its totally worth it though!

Answer 2

I have a small breed puppy, so things may be a little cheaper for me, but trust me, I doubt you'll see my list as anything but cheap.

Our puppy originally cost 750, but we haggled a price down to 500.

We are first time pet owners, so we needed the essentials:
4 bags of puppy food (deal), collar, leash, food and water bowls, one small chew toy, puppy Nylabones, its crate, shampoo for bathing, Nature's Miracle (essential!). I tihnk I'm missing a few things, but that was another 100 dollars easily.

The vet visit, plus vaccinations came to around $50. But, we'll need to get her her last set of vacs in a few weeks, so we're expecting a good $75 (we're changing vets too).

In the two weeks we've had her, I've managed to spend an additional $200 on things like puppy pads, more Nature's Miracle, treats, two more toys, a ID tag, a license, etc.

Pupppy class was another $100.

Hope this helps. I say, if you get a puppy for around 500-750 dollars, expect to total at least $1000 for the first month. Long term, we're hoping it's not going to be THAT expensive. But initially, it's quite a small fortune.

Answer 3

With the cost of adoption, spay, vet bills, food, toys, crate, etc, it will probably run about $500 a year. If you buy a purebred, the cost will be higher, add anoother $500- $1,000 for the cost of the dog. If you buy pet insurance, it will save on vet bills in the long run.

Answer 4

Probably no way to predict what the 'average" maintenance is for a pet. My son spent over $2000. for surgery on his dog that developed a twisted bowel causing a blockage. On the farm we would not have spent that amount because any veterinary care was reserved for the livestock, which were the means of support for the family.

Answer 5

Adoption fees from local shelter/humane societys all differ. i paid 65.00 for the adoption of our lab. its the same price for every dog.

That also comes with them being spayed/nuetered and up-to-date on shots.

vet visits always range in prices..anywhere from a simple 20 bucks..to major 4000+ for surgery...

shots are yearly..and range in prices at every vet

Answer 6

go to a pound and get one for 50 im off to go watch mad tv i think peace