Monthly cost of owning a dog?

Question

Just doing a bit of research ahead of time...

I'm a 3rd yr university student and I live @ home with my parents (will probably for a few more years at least). We live in an apartment (that we own) that has a huge (seriously), fenced yard and there are 2 parks 10-15 min walk away. I do currently have a part-time job that gives me $500-600 a month, depending on how much time and if I can do more shifts.

If say, I adopt a medium/large sized, adult? (I'd prefer 1-5 yrs) dog from a shelter, what would be my expected monthly costs? I just don't think in these few years, I can fully commit to training a puppy...

Are trips to a pet groomer necessary every few months? I don't mind doing most of the grooming myself, although not too sure about how well I can maintain the dog's nails =P

My parents savings for school will take care of my university fees, so up until I get my BA, my part-time money is basically my own. My parents are willing to help out for emergencies or if really needed though.

Is it ideal to consider getting a dog in the coming year or two? Or would it really be better to wait until I get my bachelor's?

I'm just trying to see if my job will allow me to pay for the expenses of a dog, though I do have a couple thousand in the bank for various uses that I can count on if need be.

If it makes any difference, I live in BC, Canada. Not sure if monthly costs would differ from say, pet owners in US, but I figure they should be close enough.

Any advice/suggestions is appreciated, or perhaps some of you guys may have a helpful website? Thanks!

Answer 1

It's not that expensive to own a dog.. it depends on which kind you have.  I have a male shitzu.. i got him when he was 9 weeks old.  The first 6 months can be expensive because you have to purchase him his license, scanner id, and shots.  After a 1yr.. all you need to worry about is flee medication, shampoo, clothes, and food.

Answer 2

I would probably not recommending getting the dog yet for 2 reasons you provided yourself:

1 - not having the time to fully commit to training a puppy (a dog from a shelter will probably also require training).  Also, between school and your part time job, how much time do you really have to dedicate to the dog as they need more than just 1-2 hours a day of human interaction.

2 - since you are still in school, you do not know what your living circumstances and availability in terms of time will be for a dog in a couple of years.  What happens if you get a job that requires you to travel even 10% time?  Realize that it is more difficult to find an apartment that accepts dogs.

If your parents are willing participants, I would strongly suggest becoming a foster family.  The satisfaction is immense and the long term and financial commitment is minimal.  With fostering, the rescue group finances all medical costs.  You are just asked to supply routine items like food and toys.  If you work with a general kind of rescue, you could "try" different breeds that will let you eventually decide on what kind works best for you.  If you happen to fall in love (easy to do) with one dog in particular and your life is stable enough, you would probably get first dibs to adopt.  If the dog is not working out, you easily return to the rescue... These dogs want and need all the companionship and love you are willing to give!

Answer 3

Cost really depends on the size and type of dog.  Mutts tend to be healthier and less prone to one-breed diseases and problems and seem to live longer.

It'll cut down on your cost if you buy a dog that is already spayed or neutered.

We have three large "outside" dogs.  One is a newfie/lab (smaller like a lab but lots of hair) and I shave him myself once in late spring and we don't have to clip their nails because since they're outside, that just happens naturally.

Also depends on what you feed your dog.  We don't go with the "norm."  We feed our dogs a dry brand and then also feed them raw chicken, pork, beef bones.  It's good for their health, teeth, and makes their jaws stronger.  With smaller dogs, feed him chicken wings, chicken feet and smaller meat bones.  One of our dogs is 13 yo and his teeth are still white and healthy, which adds to his life.  There are many sites out there that encourage raw feeding, contrary to popular belief.

Check out some doggy sites (shelters and breed sites) and talk to a vet or a shelter employee or do your own research about temperment, etc.  And as far as training your dog, I'm sure there are books you can buy as opposed to spending the money to take him/her to a class.

Answer 4

i have four dogs

i buy the real big bags of dog food which are about $80 and last me bout 2 months.

i then buy heart-worm, flea control etc, but i buy packets which are $80-100 each and that last me 6 months.

so once i have all that, monthly might i'll spend on toys or new bedding (if they chew it ) which would be about $20 - $60-80.

then there is vet bills etc.

buying in bulk is expensive but its worth it. it works out cheaper to do it.

There is also the kennel which is rising in prices now

Obedience classes are really good. I suggest researching before you buy the dog which one would be best. and some places wont do payment plans so you may have to save up.

honestly it may be better till you finsh uni.You'll get paid more, you'll be more organised and you'll have one less thing to stress/worry about it something goes wrong.  

Answer 5

In the midwest US, the average dog will cost roughlyl $2,500/year, or just over $200/month.  This includes routine medications, food, the occasional treat, and some toys.  It also covers a once yearly vet visit for shots, etc.  It does not include any emergency vets or other unusual needs.

I would definitely recommend a training class, especially as you have not owned a dog before.  The classes will teach the basic commands, but also help you with common dog ownership problems.

As for grooming, it depends on what type of dog you get.  Many dogs require brushing and the occasional bath, which you could easily do at home.  The nails do need to be kept short, so you would either need to get accustomed to doing it yourself or plan a visit every month or so to a local groomer.

My only concern with getting a dog now is would you have the time between your job and school to have the dog, train them, play with them, take them for walks, etc.  I know that school can take a good deal of time, and a part time job will take some of your free time.  If you feel you can split your time and energy, then I say go for it.  However, if your schedule is already tight, then you may want to wait until you are out of school.

Answer 6

it will probably cost around 100 dollars a month. thats for food,heartworm prevention, flea prevention,treats. it will be more expensive at first b/c you will need to buy toys brushes nail clippers if you plan to do it yourself a bed if you so desire etc. a yearly check up at the vet will cost around 160

Answer 7

I have always had large dogs, so I'll tell you my costs for them and you can adjust if you get a smaller one.  The first month is costly, since you have to buy all the initial supplies.  Expect about $75-$150 in toys, bed, dog food, bowls, etc.  You'll probably want to take your new dog to the vet for a standard checkup, which will cost you around $100 (many vets will do it for less, and some may offer first-time visit discounts.)  If you want it spayed or neutered, you can add another $50-$100 to the aforementioned vet visit.  After that first month, though, a dog is very inexpensive.

I feed my dog premium food, and a $30 bag will last me about a month.  I spend roughly $10/month on treats.  

If it's your first time owning a dog, obedience training will be a great experience for you.  The classes I have taken run from $60-$150 per course, depending on difficulty level.  Keep in mind that obedience is more about training the owner than training the dog, so you may prefer to get a good book and do all your training yourself.  I have trained my last two dogs, to great success.  It's important to note that training a rescue is often just as difficult, and sometimes much more difficult, than training a new puppy.  With a pup you can take advantage of their natural inclination to follow you, as well as their "den" instincts (they won't pee in the place where they sleep.)  Also, puppies have not yet learned bad habits, and their developing minds makes them very flexible in learning from you.

Good luck!!  I hope you find the dog of your dreams!

Answer 8

It sounds like you should have enough money. I think we spend about $150 a month on our puppy (if you don't take into account her recent spaying which cost an extra $150 this month). That's good that you have some extra money set aside for emergencies, that's very importatnt, and if you get an older dog that is already fixed, then you won't have to worry about that.

I'm more concerned that you might not have enough time to properly care for a dog. College can be very demanding, and are you sure that you'll have enough time to train your dog, play with him/her, and walk him/her every day? Even adult dogs need a lot of attention, and if you don't take care of them properly you'll end up having an unhappy, misbehaved dog once you're out of school. I'm not saying don't get a dog, but before you do just make sure that you can devote enough time to him/her. Good luck, I hope everything works out well for you!

ADD: I realized I didn't answer few of your questions, so I'm adding this on. You asked if it's necassary to take your dog to the groomer's every month. It really depends on the breed of dog. I've never taken a dog to the groomer's in my life, but I've always had short-haired breeds of dog. I give them a bath myself once every week or two, and I use a dremmel tool to shorten their nails. If you get a dog with longer fur, you probably will need to take them to the groomers. Each breed has their own individual needs. Your other question was whether or not you should get your dog in obedience classes. Since you're going to be a first time dog owner, I would say definately sign up. They can be incredibly useful in teaching you how to train your dog, and are also good socializing for a new dog.