Since Oliver celebrated his first birthday this month, I’ve been reflecting on how much he has actually cost. MSN has an article on hidden costs with a section on puppies.
The upfront cost for a medium-size dog can run from zero (“Mom, he followed me home . . .”) to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a purebred. For most people, though, the costs really begin after little Beauregard is part of the family.
You should figure on “capital” expenditures of about $270, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a sum that includes collars, leashes, carriers and the price of neutering or spaying your pet. Annual costs run an average of $620, which covers $310 for a year’s supply of premium-brand kibble, $175 for medical care, $15 for a license and $120 or so for miscellaneous costs, toys and treats.
Given that a medium-size dog lives an average of 15 years, that would add up to a total cost of $9,570, or about $1.75 a day for unconditional love and all the poop you can scoop.
Of course, I know folks who have spent more than that just on vet bills. Improvements in animal medicine mean more conditions are treatable, but that also means one serious accident or illness can cost you thousands of dollars.
A tip: If you’re a treat-at-any-cost sort of pet owner, strongly consider setting up a special savings account for vet bills or purchasing pet insurance.
Oliver cost $550, his first few vet visits toppd $250, and neutering cost $300 (and that’s after I switched vets because the first one wanted to charge $450), so I think the article’s estimates are quite conservative.
Add a $100 pet carrier, $20 a month to have his nails clipped, $25 on food and treats monthly, an assortment of collars and doggie t-shirts, trips to the doggie bakery, and a few stays at the doggie hotel, and I think Oliver has cost me around $3,000 in the past year.
But, he keeps me company, protects me, and insists that I go on a daily walk, so I think he’s worth it.
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