| Before choosing to have a dog it is important
to understand that having a dog will result in a certain amount
being spent for your dogs’ procurement, keeping and
care. In terms of expenses, these relate to the basic requirements
of a dog which are food, shelter and care besides physical
and mental stimulation.
The information given below will equip you with the required
details for you to make a rough estimate of the cost of having
a dog. Some of these items are compulsory while others are
optional. You need to find out the rates in your area for
each of item. The rates will vary over time but this should
be a good starting point and one can always revisit this list
to incorporate changes and additions.
Preliminary Expenses:
Cost of purchase of dog/pup
Cost of license
Breeders’ Fees (if any)
One- time Expenses (unless wear and tear demands
replacement):
Cost of dog house and dog- mover (could be a crate or a cage)
Cost of sleeping rugs or bedding
Cost of food and water bowls
Cost of leashes, collars and identification tags
Cost of a dog grooming kit (to include combs/ brushes/ washcloths/
toothbrushes/ scissors/ clippers/ pincers/ towels/ sponge
cloths)
Cost of dog toys
Please check out if there are any other legal requirements
that need to be adhered to in your area that may result in
another expense header.
Recurring Expenses
Cost of food
Cost of toothpaste/ soaps/ shampoos/ conditioners/ special
cleaning products/ anti-parasite powders/ drying agents
Please refer to dog nutrition
for more details on dog food and to dog grooming for more details on grooming requirements.
Medical Expenses
Cost of standard Injections/ vaccinations, boosters and the
cost of optional injections
Cost of annual Medical Examinations
Cost of Neutering/ spaying
Vets’ Fees
Cost of treatment and medicines if your dog is ill
Please consult your vet as soon as you bring your dog home.
It is best to maintain a planner-cum-diary to ensure that
the necessary medical requirements are met.
Probable Expenses:
Groomers’ and Trainers’ Fees - If you
are trained to do this yourself you will not incur this expense.
The added advantage is that these two activities will help
you bond with your dog. A few visits to professionals interspersed
with your own grooming and training sessions is a more economical
and beneficial solution.
Lodging Fees - If there is no one to look after
your dog while you are away on business or holiday and you
cannot take your dog along, you may need the services of Dog
Boarding Homes. Please ensure that you choose a good boarding
house and give the necessary instructions clearly. It is advisable
to write these down so that they can be referred to by the
one caring for your dog.
Dog Parks Fees - Some areas have special parks where
people are allowed to walk their dogs besides having open
spaces where owners can play with their dogs. These parks
are places where dogs can meet each other and play together.
Some parks charge a small fee.
You may have other costs depending upon your lifestyle and
the lifestyle you choose to give your dog.
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