Jul 10, Dog Ownership Costs, Annual Cost to Own a Dog

If you're looking for a listing of dog ownership costs, here's the low-down.

The cost of owning a dog is an important issue to consider.

First, there's the initial purchase price. What type of dog will you buy? A mixed breed "mutt"?A purebred?A "designer" dog?A shelter dog?
The cost of dog ownership starts when you buy your dog. A quick glance at our local newspaper's classified section shows quite a selection of purebred puppies for sale. Here are just a few of the entries and costs:
Golden Retriever pups, purebred, mom/dad on site, AKC/CKC ready. Includes 1st shot. $750.
Dachshund pups, AKC mini, smooth coat, adults $200, pups $600-$700.
Maltese Tea Cup pups, pure white w/blackk points. Dew claws removed, will be 3 lbs. full grown! Male $1500, Female. $2000.
Toy Poodles, AKC, 4 wks old, 1 male, 3 females, 1 red, 3 blk. private breeder, $700.
Bichon Frise pups. Very popular family pet. Non shed, shots. $500-$550.In 2007, $41.2 billion was spent on our pets in the United States,
up from $38.5 billion in 2006. Food: $16.2 billionVet Care: $10.1 billionSupplies/OTC medicine: $9.8 billionLive animal purchases: $2.1 billionPet services:grooming/boarding: $3.0 billion
For 2008, it is estimated that $43.4 billion will be spent on our pets in the United States.
Source: The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA).

Let's take a look at pet ownership costs in Great Britain. According to the Blue Cross UK Pet Census in 2007, 49% of the population of Great Britain owns a pet.

There are more dog owners in Wales than in any other country in Great Britain. The average annual expenditure on a pet was £278 (approx $551 US today's dollars), which increased from £231 (approx $458 US today's dollars).

Interestingly, according to the survey, men spend more on their pets in a year, women. People in the North and North West spend the most on their pets (£303 per year), those in Wales spead the least (£253 per year); people in the East Midlands spend the least (£240 per year).
Source: The Blue Cross UK Pet Census 2007.

...Feed Your Dog

Feeding your dog is on ongoing cost. This is a variable expense; it depends on the type of food you buy. Store brand or vet brand? Even the size of your dog will determine how much you'll spend, and figure in the annual cost to own a dog. Bigger dogs eat more than smaller dogs. In 2007, American's spending on pet food is estimated to be $16.1 billion.

Did you know that 44.8% of U.S. households own a dog? That's alot of kibble!
Source: The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2007/2008 National Pet Owners Survey.

....Play With Your Dog

Ah, we love to play with our dogs. The cost of dog ownership includes those frisbees, squeaky toys, and rubber balls. We love to pamper them with a warm cozy dog bed. A holiday stocking stuffed with dog chews. Maybe a doggie sweater or raincoat for inclement weather? ID tags, collars, and leashes factor in the annual cost of dog ownership. In 2008, American's spending on pet supplies and other products is estimated to be $16.9 billion.

The total number of dogs owned in the U.S. is estimated to be 74.8 million.
Source: The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA).

...Care for Your Dog

The cost of owning a dog would not be complete without mentioning veterinary expenses. No matter what the breed, or where you live, surgical and routine vet visits are costs to plan for and consider. This will include vaccinations, heartworm prevention, cleanings, spaying, neutering, and unexpected visits. The $12 billion veterinary industry has been growing 7 percent annually in the United States, analysts say.
Source: Aaron Smith, CNN/Money

No matter where you get your dog, surgical and routine vet visits are dog ownership costs to consider. This will include vaccinations, heartworm prevention, cleanings, spaying, neutering, and unexpected visits.

For 2008, we are estimated to spend $10.9 billion on vet care in the U.S.
Below is a chart of estimated first year expenses which shows the annual cost of owning a dog. As you can see, these dog ownership costs will vary according to the size and breed, and any special requirements or grooming needs of your dog.

The cost of dog ownership includes expenses which will vary depending on where you buy pet products and supplies, and even where you live. Other discretionary expenses can include boarding, obedience classes, doggie day care, books, etc.
Source of the above dog ownership costs were found on ASPCA.org Looking for More Information
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