Dog costs?

Question

My boyfriend and I are really considering adopting a puppy in a few weeks. I was wondering what the monthly costs would average. I know there are vet fees, food, snacks, toys ect. I just wanted some advice from a dog owner that could tell us alittle but more what to expect finacially. And if there are any breeds that we should or shouldn't look at it. Thanks :)

Thanks for the great answers so far... I keep getting more and more excited!

Some more details... we do live in an apartment but do have a nice grassy yard to play with the puppy. We do not want a pure breed high maintance dog... we want a cute furry family pet... again a medium sized dog is what we will be looking at. Thanks for all your information...

more details... we want a puppy so that we can train "it" the way we want, we both do work but only 8 miles from where we live so checking on the puppy throughout the day is not biggy. I work 8 to 4 and my boyfriend works either 9 to 6 or 12:30 to 9... so the puppy would be alone sometimes but again we would check on it during the day. It will defnitly get plenty of attention.

Answer 1

Well you have the cost of the dog. From a rescue, expect anywhere from $50 to $500 (generally not this high but some purebred rare breeds may be). From a reputable breeder, $500-$1500 depending on breed and quality of pups, parents, titles earned by parents, and health tests done. They may have a returned dog or retired one for less but I'll stick with new puppy price. Skip the pet shops. Some do have healthy puppies but many of those pups come from puppy mills. You'll get better quality for the same price or less from a reputable breeder anyway.

Food can be as low at $10 a month for low-quality food for a small dog (please use good food) up to $200 a month for quality food for a giant breed dog. Let's assume you have a medium sized breed with high quality food and $75.

Toys initially would probably be $30 at least. Make sure the toys are breed apropriate. A tiny ball is not a dane toy and a giant one is no good to a chihuahua. Avoid toys that can fit to the back of the mouth as these are choking hazzards.

The essentials: leash, collar, bowls, and a license. $35

Shots and well-puppy check can REALLY vary but let's say $100. GET THE WELL PUPPY CHECK! It isn't much if you do it when you get shots and can save you alot of heartache later. If your puppy is not healthy, your breeder's contract should cover that (this is why I recommend contracts that allow you the choice of keeping the pup with a partial refund or returning the pup for a replacement). If it came from a rescue, you will need to ask them what they do about that. All shelters are different. Some say oh well, some require the pup returned, some return the adoption fee...

Obedience classes if you choose to go can also vary but let's go with $150. Look up my other answers and you will find a list of questions to ask a trainer before trusting him/her with your puppy's future.

Spay/neuter if you choose to can also vary. A shelter pup will already be altered. $150

Crate if you crate train (I highly recommend crate training but remember that your puppy's place is with YOU, not living in his/her crate). This will depend on dog size again ($30-$250 for a standard type crate) but I'll assume medium sized dog. $100

Adding up the essentials - $740 (assuming a $500 dog so you can adjust from there)

With the extras - $1140 (subtract any of the last three if you will not be using it)

Monthly maintainence can be figured out using the numbers given. Less than $100 more than likely unless you have a giant breed.

Remember that this is just a rough estimate and it can easily be higher or lower. This does not include any meds you may choose to use monthly (I choose not to but this choice is for owner and is very much determined by the area you live in). Don't forget to keep emergency vet care in mind. BTW I DID NOT add in grooming supplies as those will depend on the breed you select.

Well that makes things easier. Look for an aussie (Austrailian Shepherd) or aussie mix. Mature between 45 and 60 lbs (females smaller than males). Energy level is moderate to high depending on the dog. Medium length double coat, variety of colors (DO NOT GET A LETHAL WHITE/DOUBLE MERLE), and very friendly personality though they WILL defend their family. Not too high maintainence though they will have a major shed once or twice a year. You can find a purebred at a breed rescue or just look on petfinder. The purebreds are no more high maintainence than the mixes but the adoption fee may be higher.

Answer 2

A lot of this depends on the dog. Coated dogs will require regular grooming - not only to keep them looking great but a dirty matted dog is not a healthy happy dog! Depending on the breed this could be costly. If this is a concern for you, then avoid the cute little dustmop dogs and look for a shorthaired breed. Most shelters will either spay/neuter prior to adoption or give you a coupon. If you are not getting a dog to show or breed intentionally, please do have your dog "altered" as it is the responsible pet owner thing to do, not to mention it is healthier and helps with behavior issues. Friends of Animals can help with the costs ( www.friendsofanimals.com ) Other than that, food and toys are the main recurring fees. Once the puppy is an adult, anual shots and check-ups (most vets do a 3 year rabies & 1 year Kennel Cough and Distemper) Liscencing, depending on your area, is usually anual and nominal. I have two 40 pound dogs and spend about $30 a month on a good quality dog food and $15 or so a month in toys and treats. Oh, I also suggest investing a few dollars and your time in obedience training, it helps build the bond between you and your dog and will give you the tools to teach your dog the right way in a social atmosphere. For breed advice try www.akc.org and then try looking at breed rescue and breed club websites to find the breed that is best for your home and situation. I always suggest shelter dogs and mixed breeds as pets as they NEED a home, though, but you can get an idea of what breed mixes are good for you with a little research. Good luck, and enjoy!

Answer 3

First the puppy will not be free so add that into your costs.
Food for a 20 or 25 pound bad about 35 to 40 dollars a month for good guality food, maybe more if you get a big puppy. First vet visit with shots about 50 to 65 dollars. Toys that are good for the puppy about 20 dollars to start. If the both of you work then a crate, somewhere between 65 and 90 dollars depends on the quality of crate you get. Don't forget bowls and brushes, collar, leash, puppy shampoo, and puppy treats add another 50 dollars for them.
Add this all up and thats what you will need
The pup will go through a 20 pound bad of good quailty food every 2 to 3 weeks. Pups must be fed 3 times a day until they are about 16 to 18 weeks old.
Now if you and your boyfirend can care for a pup and feed him and walk him, then go for it if not then perhaps you should wait a bit until you can.

Answer 4

The breed choice all depends on where you live, and what you would want the dog to be like. As for monthly costs excluding vet bills, you would have to pay for food which ranges on the size of the dog as he matures. For smaller dogs, a monthly portion of good dog food will probably cost you anywhere around $20-$30. Flea treatment and heartworm medication can cost around $20-$50 for 6 month doses, depending on the size also. Goodluck and I hope you make the right choice! Remember a dog is a living creature and will be there for a while. Make sure you are ready completely and you are financially stable in case of any accidental emergencies that can occur.

Answer 5

I spend on averate an extra $200-$500 a month on my dogs and that rate goe sup around vaccination time. I however have 2 dogs. Between food, toys, treats and other things I would like them to have it's a cost I have absorbed willingly.

Having a dog is really like having a child, they are expensive wonderful additons to the family. LOL.

On toys I will pay around $100 easily in one shopping trip (about 2x a week)- I have aggressive chewers LOL.

Just write out the basic needs - vet exams, shots, etc, toys, food (on average purchasing it maybe once or twice a month depending on what kind of dog you get), training, up keep in training, and possible emergencies. Don't forget start up supplies, bowls, collar, leashes, tags, bed, brush, proper shampoo. And then call around for prices or look online. You'll have it right in front of you and be able to budget around it.

That is how I determined that I can afford 2 dogs.

Good Luck

Answer 6

It sounds to me like your needs would be filled by a low maintenance dog. I would suggest a mutt. They tend to be healthier, live longer, and require less vet care. They are every bit as loyal, loving, cute, cuddly and lovable as dogs with that all important (sarcastic) AKC registration, they just cost less!

As far as costs? In the beginning, it will seem you are buying something for your puppy every time you turn around. In that respect, it's like having a baby-no matter how well you think you've planned, you still need more! After the first year, though, it's not so bad. Periodic vets visits that seem to average roughly $50-$150. at a pop (Maybe more-there's Frontline and Heartguard to consider!) Food and toys and such-I have a Boxer and we spend about $50.00 a month on food and maybe $20 on toys/leashes/collars.

In the end, it's an investment that pays off big time in wagging tails, laughter, and puppy moochies.

Good luck to y'all!

Answer 7

I recently got a Mastiff puppy. Now, it is a given that such a giant breed will be a GREAT deal more expensive, but I will give you a bit of my expenses so far.

3 sets of puppy shots - say $40 each
Spaying/Neutering - anywhere from $80 to $200
Food - $10 to $100 a month (depending on name brands & what breed dog)
Toys, beds, treats, etc - $10 to ?
Heartworm preventative, flea preventative - $20 - $200

And, that is just the basics..

Answer 8

Alot of the questions you're looking for answers to depend on you and the breed/type of dog you get.

Toys.... maybe $10 a month
Treats $10
Food $30

Vet related cost per month:
Flea control: $15 / mo
heartworm prevention: $7 / mo

So your standard (very basic) cost per month would run you about $75

It's not the general care and basic vet related costs per month that will get you. It's the unexpected (as with everything else). An emergency vet visit could run $300, emergency surgery $600-$2500.

Answer 9

The most cost will be the first six months, vet for shots and to get fixed. But depending on the size you get will be the cost of food. But after six month and no emergecy or sickness, all you need is buy the food. l spend about $10.00 a month. She is a small dog. And $20.00 a month on my large dog. That is with out vet cost. They go yearly. My vet is a friend and don't charge me cost. But that usually is not to bad for when you do go to the vet , some charge from $25.00 to $40.00 dollars just to walk in the door. Cost of love from the dog is priceless.

Answer 10

If you'll be adopting a puppy from a shelter - good for you!
The initial cost should run under $100 - including shots!
Monthly costs will be lower to feed a smaller dog. I have 7 Collies & they are large of course. For all of them, I pay around $100 a month for feeding. For one small to medium sized dog, you should expect to pay around $20 a month for food.
Vet costs - on average - yearly - should be around $150.
The cost of toys & treats depends upon you. These shouldn't be more than $10 a month.
Good luck!