Are you a first-time dog owner or thinking about pet ownership? You’ve probably heard that dog ownership is no walk in the park. This is true as it will take a lot of your time, money, and effort. But many pet owners will tell you how rewarding it is as their dogs provide them with kisses, laughter, emotional support, and many years of happiness.
Pet ownership doesn’t have to be so expensive if you plan accordingly and prepare ahead of time. According to DogLeashPro, the combination of planning ahead and making sure your canine consumes a healthy diet throughout his life will help to prevent any unexpected medical costs.
From your pup’s early years to their senior years, you can expect some financial responsibility including health checkups, vaccinations, food, toys, and accessories. As pet owners ourselves, we want to share some financial tips and tricks that will save you time and money without flattening your wallet. We wish someone had told us these tips we are about to share.
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Savings fund for your new dogs or pet
Similar to having a personal saving account to cover for any unexpected current and future emergencies that come up in your life, your dog should have one too. Setting up a savings fund for your new dog is crucial. The amount you’ll want to save in the savings fund depends on your dog’s size and breed.
It’s best to put in about $300 to $2,500 or even more into this savings fund. Remember there are some pet expenses that will stay throughout your pup’s life including veterinary costs, physically and mentally stimulating toys, grooming costs, food, and accessories (leash, clothing).
Let’s discuss these costs in detail.
Food
Like humans, dogs need to eat every day. If you have dogs, it’s not surprising that food will be one of your major expenses. The rule of thumb is the larger and more energetic the dog, the more food they’ll need to consume.
An example would be that a Yellow Labrador would need to consume more food than a Chihuahua because the Labrador is larger and more energetic. If you have larger dogs, expect to spend an average of $500 or more a year.
Grooming
Many dog owners will tell you how much hair their canines shed. It’s on their sofa, bed, blanket, carpet, and floor. Some honest owners will tell you that they have to vacuum their carpets every day.
Some dogs shed a lot during the winter or their coat grows very long. It’s important to groom your pups because it keeps them clean, happy, and healthy.
If you visit a professional pet groomer, it can get quite expensive. Expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $500 annually if you visit a professional groomer. Grooming expense is a bit lower if you decide to groom your dog at home. You’ll have to buy all the grooming equipment like clippers, scissors, and more.
Training
All dogs will need to be trained so they are well-behaved canines and are able to socialize well with other people and animals. Training is crucial so your puppy does not wreck your house by destroying your furniture or chewing on your shoes.
Training costs depend on how frequently you’ll be training your dog and what type of training. You can expect the training expense to go anywhere from $200 to a few thousand dollars if not more.
Remember, dog treats are important during dog training and you’ll need lots of it. Dog treats used during training are especially great for food-motivated dogs like Golden Retrievers, Yellow Labradors, and Chihuahuas.
Play or activities
Dog toys are fortunately not as expensive as other dog needs. You can expect to spend around $25 to $150 or more every year.
Dog sitting
If you’re traveling for work or will be out of town, you may want to hire a friend or a professional pet sitter. Expect to spend about $20 a night or more.
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Pet insurance for dogs
We recommend pet insurance for all dogs. You may already know that the cost of health care for dogs is rising. Depending on the type of veterinary care visits, you can expect to pay between $40 to $500 or more.
Emergency visits like getting surgery or an unexpected health issue can flatten your wallet if you are not prepared. What’s sad and true is that some surgeries are so expensive for many owners that they aren’t able to pay for it and have to choose between life or death for their dog. Some owners, unfortunately, will have no choice but to consider euthanasia, so their furry friends don’t have to suffer the pain anymore. Bivvy is here to make sure that’s a decision you never have to be faced with. With their affordable rates, it’s an expense you won’t regret building into your budget.
Make sure to choose a reputable pet insurance carrier so when an emergency occurs, you’ll have the funds to cover the costs.
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Have a guardian in your will
Our dogs become our furry family members. So wouldn’t it make sense to have a guardian for your four-legged friend in your will if something were to happen to you?
It’s easier than you think. When you are revising or setting up your will, you can add a line for your dogs. List the name of a guardian for your dog, preferably someone who already loves and knows your dog. Make sure you inform this person that they are the guardian and ask for their consent.
Lasting Thoughts
While pet ownership is rewarding, it doesn’t have to flatten your wallet or break your bank. As your furry family members, you want what is best for them. By being prepared for the financial costs of dog ownership, you’ll have peace of mind to live in the moment every day with your dog and family, instead of worrying about the finances.