Since many of the videos Doggie Outpost shares are about dogs getting adopted, it is a good idea to know about the expense of owning a dog before making that commitment. Guest writer Margaret Brooks, a Houston based professional writer, wrote the following article about what it costs to own a dog. Margaret is the VP of content at CertaPet.com, and is an animal lover. She had owned dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, monkeys and other small animals at different parts of her life. She currently owns just one pet – a Rottweiler named Toggie. Enjoy her article!
Can You Afford to be a Pet Owner?
Owning a pet is something every child dreams of, and every parent hesitates about. While it may seem easy, owning a pet is a lifelong commitment that should be taken quite seriously. From planning out the budget to choosing the right pet for your family, there are plenty of things to consider when making such a decision.
Exactly how much does it cost to own a pet on average?
In the case of many dogs, the cost of pet ownership is much more than just the food and water provided each day. For example, breeds such as the English Bulldog can require additional care due to their unique characteristics.
That is not to say they are not outstanding dogs to have as a family member, but simply that they have their own specific needs that will need to be managed in order to give them the best quality of life possible. After all, we certainly want to provide the best possible care for our pets.
The average cost of owning a dog of any breed is approximately $1,000 annually. This includes food, shots, licensing, check ups, and an allowance for extras such as toys and flea collars. The first year cost, however, can be even higher, as it includes spaying/neutering, adoption fees, and more. Knowing these expenses is important, as many pet owners jump in without a plan.
Don’t adopt to satisfy Empty Nest Syndrome
One of the reasons many people choose to get a pet is that need to take care of someone or something. They do not care what or who, they simply need to fill that empty space. While this may be a viable reason to want a pet, it is not a reason to rush out and get one. Without proper planning and consideration, that pet could very well end up being an expense you were not prepared for.
When you do visit an adoption facility or breeder, be sure to ask questions about the dog, the breed, and any health related expenses there may be. For example, some adoption facilities have already spayed or neutered the adoptable dogs in their facility. Agreements are often made for puppies and kittens that may not be old enough for the procedure at the time of adoption.
Article source: Thanks to Guest Writer Margaret Brooks, VP of Content at CertaPet.com
