How much does a dog cost per year
It is a common question, how much does a dog cost per year. Of course this question only makes sense if you have a long term commitment with your dog. But even if you are thinking of buying a dog and are not sure what costs you should expect, it is still helpful to know some of the potential expenses you will face.
It’s no secret that we have a real soft spot for dogs here at Snappa. Well, who doesn’t? With that said, we’ve been hearing you ask (sometimes in not-so-kind words) why our affordable online graphic design services cost so much. Well, we’re proud to announce that our unique team of artists has created a fun infographic that includes a table displaying all the costs associated with owning a dog per year!
What’s the adoption fee?
The adoption fee is the price you pay to take home an animal. If you adopt from a shelter, the fee is usually $0. If you adopt a dog from a breeder, the fee is also usually $0. Pet stores charge between $100 and $200 for puppies depending on their age, but they do not allow customers to bring home any dogs until they are at least 8 weeks old (and fully weaned). Private owners rarely charge anything for their pets—many of them won’t even let potential adopters meet their animals unless they’ve already made up their mind about taking them in for good!
Initial equipment and supplies.
The first purchase you need to make is the actual pet. There are many different breeds of dogs, so what you choose will affect the cost of your dog. A purebred German Shepherd puppy will cost more than a mutt puppy from a shelter, for example. In addition to the initial cost of buying your dog, there are some things that you’ll need to buy before bringing him home:
- Training classes
- Collar and leash
- Puppy chow and toys
Food, food, and more food.
The next most important cost of owning a dog is food, food, and more food. You will need to feed your dog for the rest of its life, so get ready to spend some money on this category. The amount you will have to spend depends on the size of your dog: generally speaking, larger breeds eat more than smaller ones. If you have an enormous puppy who eats like a horse (or even a cow!) then get ready for big bills every month because it’s going to cost quite a bit until they reach adulthood!
You can estimate how much you will pay by looking at the label on the bag at the store—it should tell you exactly how many cups are in each bag along with how many calories per cup and nutrients like protein and vitamins per cup too.
Pet health insurance.
Pet health insurance is a great way to save money if your dog or cat has any kind of serious medical issue. It can be very expensive and hard to afford without it, but luckily there are many ways you can get pet health insurance for cheap or even for free.
If you have any other questions about how much a dog costs per year, ask us!
Dental care for your dog.
You’ll need to brush your dog’s teeth regularly—maybe even twice a day—and the best way to do that is by using a special toothbrush for animals. Your vet will also likely recommend that you take your pooch in for dental cleaning, either annually or as needed.
If you don’t want to go through all of this trouble, there are plenty of treats available at pet stores and online that help promote healthy teeth and gums in dogs without the hassle of brushing and cleaning from home. These treats are called “dental chews” because they’re designed specifically for chewing; they’re made with natural ingredients like herbs, vegetables and vitamins (instead of artificial coloring agents).
Consumables and incidentals.
In addition to the initial investment, there are additional costs you should keep in mind when budgeting for your dog.
- Treats and toys. A few dollars a week is all it takes to keep your dog happy with a bag of treats or a new toy every now and then.
- Collars, leashes, harnesses and other gear. If your pup isn’t already sporting some kind of collar or leash (or harness), expect to spend about $50 on this basic gear when you adopt him or her from one of our shelters or rescues. You can also find great deals on these essential items at pet stores or online retailers like Amazon!
- Medication (including flea/tick prevention). Dogs need medication just as much as humans do — but luckily they don’t have to pay out-of-pocket for it! Most veterinarians offer prescription medications at little or no cost through their office: once per month drop-off times are common in vet offices across America! Some vets even work with pet insurance companies so that clients are covered for treatment costs outside of regular visits—but if yours does not, be sure that you’re aware of any potential fees before signing up!
Doggie daycare or a pet sitter.
Doggie daycare and pet sitters can be helpful if you have to go out of town, or even just need a break from your dog. But it’s not just the time away that will benefit your canine companion: these services also provide a safe place for him to play, socialize with other dogs and people, learn new tricks, and get some exercise while you’re away.
If you have multiple pets at home they may benefit from having an additional person around who is able to give them individual attention from time-to-time. It’s also important not to forget about our furry friends during holidays!
Doggie treat temptations.
Dog treats. They’re little pieces of heaven, and your dog is surely an angel who deserves nothing but the best. But let’s face it: The cost of these tiny morsels can add up quickly if you aren’t careful. If you buy treats for your pet more than once per week, consider buying them in bulk at a discount store such as Costco or Sam’s Club to save money.
If you’re interested in finding out how much money your dog spends on his or her food, check out our blog post on estimating how much a dog will eat each month!
You need to consider all the things that will cost money when you commit to owning a dog
When you decide to bring a dog into your life, it’s important to consider all the costs that will be associated with owning one. The initial investment in equipment and supplies is substantial, but over time the cost of food can add up quite a bit as well. Make sure you have pet health insurance before you commit to owning a dog—the unexpected could happen at any moment! And dental care for your pup is not something you should skimp on either; that’s why we’ve included it in our list of things every budget-conscious owner needs to consider before bringing home their new best friend. You’ll also need consumables and incidentals like flea treatments (or flea collars), training classes, toys and treats, veterinary visits and so much more! These items can quickly add up if you aren’t careful—but don’t worry—we’ve got your back here at [name_of_company] — we’re here to help keep these costs down for everyone looking for quality products without breaking the bank!
Conclusion
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