$Cost of Owning a Dog$

As some people know, I plan on getting a dog as soon as I move out of the house, and get settled in a new house or apartment. I got to thinking, it won't be long until I move out, and I am applying for a job soon. I want to know how much I should start saving.

So...if you don't mind me asking...roughly how much do you spend on your dog/s every month. By that I mean, food bills, vet bills, toys, etc. (Also, please tell me how many you have and what breeds they are- that counts towards the price too.)

Thank you soooo much!

-YellowLabLover

:D Good idea! Okay well..

The prices for two shelties this month are as follows:

food: (roughly) $20 (They're fed raw)
toys: $30 at least
Obedience: $220
New Leashes/collars/harnesses:$35
Two new ID tags: $15
City Licenses:Roughly $50 for both
Kai's neutering: $120
Flea preventative:$10 (per month)

*Keep in mind, this is in Canadian currency.

Do you know what size dog you will be getting?
The smaller the dog, the cheaper your monthly feeding
bill will be.

Food:
Our 2 Large dogs go through approx. 40 pounds of good
quality kibble dog food every 3-4 weeks.
Cost $ 27.00 for a 40 pound bag.

Can food/or people food that I add to their food,
approx. $2-3 dollars per day for both dogs.

Vet bills: I would say on the average about $200-300 per dog
a year. Sometimes less and sometimes a lot more depending
on accidents or illness.

Shelter:
Dog house, bedding, fencing if needed.

Accesories: toys, leashes, collars, brushes, combs,shampoo,
toe nail clippers etc. etc.

Flea/tick products:

Depends on size of dog.
For Front line I pay $36.00 for a 3 month supply
that accutally lasts me 6 months.

Dog licence fees:

I am sure their is more, but I drew a blank. :)

Quote:

---

Originally posted by KYS
Do you know what size dog you will be getting?

---

I am leaning towards a Lab, Boxer, or Dane. So....large/extra large breed. But, of course that could chage, I could run across a tiny little mutt at the shelter and fall in love. But, I am leaning towards one of those three breeds.

may I remind about a grooming fee depending on breed.

Hmmmm -

Max (91 lbs)

$1500 in emergency vet and hospital bills in past 7 months
FrontLine about $40-$50 every six months
Heart Guard about $50 a year (don't have to treat in winter)
$40/month food(premium)
toys variable
toenail clipping about $60/year

Jake (44 lbs)
$400 in emergency vet bills this year, plus immunizations (can't remember price)
FrontLine about $40-$50 every six months
Heart Guard about $40 a year
$20/month food (premium)
grooming about $50/year (I clip his toenails)
toys variable

But - I can't put a price on the joy they've given me.

Edit - I forgot to mention boarding fees for miscellaneous trips. I would say we spend about $400 a year on boarding.

Well, Duke's on all Science Diet now so it's pretty expensive. A 20lb bag of food is around $22. And a case of his canned food is about $36. That lasts over a month, though. Vet visit for things like yearly shots ran around $120. Plus, I use Revolution(for worms, fleas, all those things) That's $17 a month. When they're sick, it's really expensive. Back in April, he was at the vet for a whole weeks and it was almost $1,000. He had pancreatis(sp) from some greasy gravy. I suggest don't even start on feeding them people food if you were considering it. I really didn't realise how harmful it was. Duke almost died because of it. Good luck on finding the dog for you!
I forgot about doggy day care. That's $14 a day or 7 for a half day. Also, get him bathed there in the cooler weather. That's $25.