When you think about getting a new puppy — or acquire one like I did — you know they have to eat; therefore, you plan for the cost of food. You know you’ll need a collar and leash, a few toys… blah blah blah… all the standard stuff. What you don’t plan for in your budget will far outweigh what you think you’ll spend.
Every pet owner should know…
- Dogs shed, are dirty, and will poop and pee on your flooring (until housebroken) when kept inside.
- Buy a great vacuum, add in the cost of laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and electricity.
- Vet bills will be monumental — if they get sick, add another big stack of coin.
- Flea/tick monthly pills, gas to get your pet to the vet, other medicine, shots, ect.
- Spay/neuter
- Regular vet checks, dental care, vaccinations, etc.
- Crate — can’t leave them home alone for a good amount of time.
- Take a vacation? You’ll need boarding or a pet sitter and neither are cheap.
- Although you will buy toys, puppies just tear up shit. Dharma ate a $2K mattress, Merida destroyed more stuff than I could begin to name including expensive shoes, and Hugo eats at least one pair of footies per day — no matter where you hide them. He’s also destroyed a couple nice throw pillows and made holes in most every throw I own.
Is it worth it?
The American Kennel Club says that owning a medium sized dog will cost you right at $2,700 per year. USA Today says that amount is $4,512 per year. The Pet Clinic says that amount is $6,355. Pet Budget says over the life of your dog you should expect to spend $21,200. I say none of those amounts are high enough to even sniff accuracy.
It’s worth it to me — take my money!
Now you know: Rhode Island Hospital was fined $50,000 and reprimanded by the state Department of Health after brain surgery was performed on the wrong side of a patient’s head three times in 2007. The state also ordered the hospital to develop a neurosurgery checklist that includes the location of the surgery.