Dog ownership is a financial as well as a emotional commitment. The puppy you pick up for free today will need at least $250 worth of vaccinations, and medical care and may turn into the dog who needs special medications and foods two years from now. If you are considering getting a dog- great! But consider the costs.

Thinking about getting a dog and wondering about the cost? As a pet professional I recommend people prepare to spend $750-$1000 the first 6 weeks on their new dog. But the cost of preparing for and acquiring a dog varies greatly by where you get the dog, the dog's size, and your own taste (designer collars or walmart chic?)

Basing calculations on a medium sized dog:

If you plan on adopting a dog already spayed or neutered and up to date on shots, you should expect to spend about $500 the first month on a crate, a bed, toys, chew toys, a leash and collar, a training collar, flea and heartworm prevention, dog food, food and water bowls, etc.

If you plan on buying a puppy add the cost of the puppy plus $300 to the above figure. Puppies require frequent vet visits the first few months, puppy pads, extra chew toys, collars they will grow out of soon, etc. Puppies also require spaying or neutering their first year, which runs $75-$200.

The cost of maintaining a dog, of dog ownership in general, is much less- perhaps $300 to $600 per year. Once you've outfitted your home with crates, collars, beds, ID tags, pet gates, etc the upkeep basically entails food, vet care, and flea and heartworm preventative- commercial or holistic versions.

How much does a dog cost?

How To Love Your Dog - What Dogs Cost

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