How much on average does it cost to own a small dog?

Question

I'm thinking about getting my first dog. I'm interested in a small dog (eg. Pomeranian). So with food, doctors bills, grooming and other associated costs....how much does it cost approximately per month to own a dog?

Answer 1

Not including the cost of actually buying the dog (and with a Pom, it could run up quite high), you have to think about the vet first. Will you get the dog fixed? That could be a few hundred dollars. It is a one time deal, though. You will need puppy shots every month, for a puppy. Depending on the vet, it could run up to about 30-50 dollars a visit. Growing puppies go through food quite fast, so you'll be getting a big bag every moth: about 20 dollars. Make sure you start out with good ceramic or metal dishes (puppies tend to knock over plastic bowls). A lot of other things, like a bed, blanket, cage, leash, collar, and all that, you'll need right away, but they are one time deals, so it won't really figure into the monthly cost.

With my small dog (Chiahuahua), we have a little potty spot for her in the bathroom (pee-pee pads: you can get them at any pet store). They cost about 15 dollars a month. Her food costs about 20 dollars a month. Water is free! :-) And that's pretty much it per month. Chuahuahuas don't need much grooming at a salon, but Poms do, what with that long hair. But I'm not sure of the cost, since we don't take Pun'Kin often to the salon.

Answer 2

ALOT! I just got a shih-tzu and the costs are much higher than I expected... In the first month I had him I spent about $2000, and everytime I go to the vet there is someother kind of test you must do , some other vaccination. ALOT more than I expected. If I were you, I'd buy an adult dog instead of a pet (maybe from a shelter?) That way, you would be saving a dog, and you wouldnt have to deal so much with training, vaccinations, and all the costly things puppies come with.

Answer 3

Depending on the health of the dog, I would say, maybe 60 to 80 dollars a month. Most months are going to be low, but when the dog needs medication, shots---it gets more expensive.

Answer 4

OK so I can give you some numbers:
(I have a Maltse)

grooming every 2-3 months $45 (petsmart)
food $1 can = 2.5 meals
dry food $15 bag (sm) month +
Litter (yeah she is litter box trained) $15 bag good for 2 months
Toys million bucks or else they eat your shoes

Vet - varies - $150 year (one year had 3 cavities = $450 extra)
Shampoos and eye cleaners - stain removers = 80 year

Answer 5

I would estimate about 100+ a month.. if you average it out.

Food & treats 20ish a month
Grooming 20-100 (depending on breed)
Vet savings 50 a month (to save and prepare for vaccinations and emergencies) and 30ish per year for city tag (depending on where you live)

10-1,000,000's for toys, clothing and other pampering needs :)

The enjoyment that you will get from owning a dog.. priceless :)

Answer 6

my JRT was free...he is 4.5 months old. has had 2 vet visits totaling about $60, the initaial purchase of all his things including, create, food, dog bowl, leash, collar, toys, treats, puppypads, bitter apple, blankets....about $100. now he eats about a bag of food a month about $5 * puppy chow* and many treats and rawhides $20. they bad thing is is that EVERY time you go to the store you find something else they will love... and you buy it bc your a sucker... * well i am * $20 he is pretty pricey now that i am actaully writing this down...but worth every penny!

Answer 7

50-100$ a month and depending how fast it eats and how many toys&treats you want to give it, only time it really get's expensive is when you need to get it's shot's or when it's time to get it fixed(1-400$), it can cost quite a bit but I say dogs are cheap ^^.

Answer 8

In addition to basic care costs, you also have to prepare for any emergencies. One of my small dogs broke his leg when he was a year old. That bill cost $3,000!

Answer 9

About $12 per week and the sanity of your friends and neighbors.