| Dogs require a financial commitment. The total annual | | | | good care of him. And it's not fair to you to have to |
| cost of owning a dog surprises many people-it's best | | | | worry about such things as whether you can afford |
| to be prepared and budget accordingly. How much | | | | the dog's annual vaccinations. |
| does it cost to own a dog? Good quality dog food is | | | | Do you know what it costs annually to keep a dog |
| not cheap. Municipalities require that dogs be licensed. | | | | healthy and happy? If not, you should do some |
| Then there's the cost of dog toys, dog beds, | | | | research and calculate an annual budget for all the |
| leashes, collars, treats, grooming-it all adds up. | | | | necessities, and allow for the unexpected medical |
| Health care for your dog can be expensive. At a | | | | care that might be needed. It's a $500 a year cost at |
| minimum, your pet will need annual wellness exams | | | | least, and can easily run $1,000 or more. It's best to |
| and vaccinations. But emergency injuries or illness | | | | be prepared for these maintenance expenses instead |
| happen as well. Dogs sometimes need expensive | | | | of letting them be an unpleasant surprise. |
| surgery. They ingest things that are harmful to them, | | | | There may be other expenses as well. If your |
| including plants in your yard. As dogs get older, just | | | | property is not fenced, you may have to build a |
| like people their medical expenses rise. | | | | fenced area if you have an active dog or one that |
| One option to consider is pet health insurance. | | | | tends to leave the yard when he gets a chance. |
| Several organizations offer this, including the | | | | Without some kind of fenced area on your property, |
| American Kennel Club with its AKC Pet Healthcare | | | | you may quickly tire of having to take him out on a |
| Plan. By paying monthly or quarterly premiums you | | | | leash multiple times a day, especially in bad weather. |
| can spread the cost of routine medical care over the | | | | Do you travel frequently? Then you either need to |
| year, and you will be protected from being hit with a | | | | factor in the cost of taking your dog to a boarding |
| huge medical bill if your dog requires an operation or | | | | kennel while you are away-and many of these cost |
| other treatment. Dogs even require dental care, | | | | $50 a day or more for care-or hiring a dog sitter to |
| including teeth cleaning and, on occasion root canals. | | | | come to your home and take care of your dog. |
| Are you willing to spend the money to properly care | | | | It doesn't really matter how much it costs to own a |
| for your dog? It's not fair to the dog if at this | | | | dog because you can never buy the love and |
| particular stage of your life you can't afford to take | | | | companionship you'll receive from your puppy buddy. |