Financial Planning for Dog Owners
Are you the proud owner of a dog? Or perhaps thinking about adopting a new furry friend? Wherever you are on your path to puppy ownership, you should stop and consider Fido’s impact on your finances.
Realize the Time Commitment
We don’t just mean the time it takes to go on walks and trips to the vet! Most dogs live between ten and fifteen years (hopefully, even longer!), so you have to plan for over a decade worth of financial commitment.
Breakdown of Expenses
Food, toys, medical bills, oh my! How much does all of this really cost? Depending on the size of your dog, these numbers may vary – but the list of annual expenses found below will help you start preparing your pocketbook for puppy ownership.
- Food – $350
- Medical Costs – $250
- Pet Insurance – $225
- Toys + Treats – $40
Please note this list is based on an annual average and does not include startup costs for first-time puppy owners. For an exact list of costs based on your pets specific size and startup expenses, please refer to this official ASPCA breakdown. Now let’s get specific about what you need to prepare for financially.
Purchasing Dog Food – Raw Diet or Store bought?
Your pet’s diet is a pivotal part of their daily life. Purchasing the right, high quality, food is very important. With no doubt, you have seen the literal hundreds of dog food choices lining the shelves of your local grocery store. However, if you have the time and the money to consider a raw dog food diet for your pet, the benefits are extensive. If you choose to go this route, be sure to account for the added expense (roughly $3 a day) in your pets weekly budget.
Medical Costs – Consider More than Your Basic Check-Up
Our dogs are more than just pets, they are our fur babies! So naturally, we go to great lengths to ensure they have the best when it comes to healthcare. In addition to your basic annual pet care (vet visits, shots, flea and heartworm prevention, etc) you should make room in your budget for your pet’s preventative health routine. Which brings me to my next point…
CBD Oil For Dogs
CBD Oil is all the rage in the holistic wellness world right now, but did you know you can purchase CBD products for pets as well? While it is still new to the market, the benefits of incorporating CBD oil for dogs into your pet’s diet are countless. There are several ways in which you can incorporate CBD into your dog’s diet, such as CBD Treats or CBD Oil. We recommend any of the high-quality products from Honest Paws since they are non-GMO, all-natural, soy-free, and lab-tested.
Supporting a Pet, In Summary
Everyone should enjoy the benefits of having their own dog, but before you go out and get attached to a puppy – make sure you, and your finances, are ready to give that fur baby the long, healthy life it deserves.
