pets page: cost of owning a dog

Published in The Post-Star (B12)

11/20/05

It’s hard to resist a Christmas present with fur. But before putting a gift tag on that puppy at the pet store, consider the hidden price tag — owning a dog can easily cost several hundred dollars a year.

Purebred dogs are $1,000 or more, depending on the breed. The price is far less if you’re willing to adopt from a local animal shelter. Dogs of all ages and breeds cost no more than $125 at the Queensbury SPCA or Adirondack Save-A-Stray in Corinth.

"We have a lot of mixed breeds, but we’ve also had purebred dogs that people turn in. Sometimes they just got them from the pet store a few months ago," said Matina Baker, a veterinary technician at the SPCA.

Getting a dog spayed or neutered is sometimes more expensive than the dog itself.

"This often isn’t a financial priority for people, but it’s so important," said Meredith Fiel, owner of Adirondack Save-A-Stray. "There’s a tremendous overpopulation of cats and dogs in this country, and not enough good homes to go around."

A vet might charge up to $300 for the surgery, depending on the size and gender of the dog. Some of the older dogs at shelters have already been spayed or neutered, and those that haven’t usually come with a coupon to help cover the cost.

Vaccinations are another necessary expense, to protect dogs from rabies, distemper and Lyme disease. Healthy dogs don’t need much more than an annual checkup, while others might require expensive medication for conditions like diabetes.

"You’re not always going to get a dog that will live 10 years and be perfectly healthy," said Baker. "You need to be prepared for that possibility."

Grooming is a hidden cost that comes with some dogs. This may seem like vanity, but it’s actually a health issue. Clumps of matted fur are often painful for a dog, and can develop into serious skin problems. Long-haired breeds need to be brushed and trimmed regularly, either by their owner or a professional pet groomer.

Of course, Fido will want to be fed, too. The cheapest brands of food are mostly "filler," the equivalent of junk food for dogs, so it’s wise to spend a bit more for the sake of nutrition. Estimating a food budget will depend on the size of the dog.

"My small dog goes through 20 pounds of food in three months, while my two labs go through 20 pounds in two weeks," said Baker. "But if you think spending $30 a month on food is bad, guess what? You’re in trouble. That’s probably the least expensive part of owning a dog."
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License (required): $5-15
Collar, leash and ID tag: $15-30
Food (based on 50-pound dog): $240-$600 annually
Grooming: up to $100 annually
Toys and treats: $5-$60
Kennel, crate or dog bed: up to $100
Obedience school: up to $200
Vet costs:
Office visits: $40 each
Shots: $50-$70 annually
Booster shots: $115-$130
Spay or neuter: $100-$200
Medications: $10-$1,000 annually
Total minimum annual cost: About $360 for a healthy adult dog, $475 for a puppy.
(Source: Adirondack Save-A-Stray)