Comments on: The Annual Cost of Pet Ownership: Can You Afford a Furry Friend? http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership Personal Finance for the Young and Ambitious Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:10:14 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Wednesday http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership/comment-page-1#comment-822 Wednesday Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:59:41 +0000 http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership#comment-822 The puppy classes were only $15 each. The $800 was unforeseen medical. Like most "blues" (which are all MIXES of pit bull/mastiff), she has massive allergies. It was $800 before we got them under control. The puppy classes were only $15 each. The $800 was unforeseen medical. Like most “blues” (which are all MIXES of pit bull/mastiff), she has massive allergies. It was $800 before we got them under control.

]]> By: Wednesday http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership/comment-page-1#comment-820 Wednesday Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:55:24 +0000 http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership#comment-820 I have found the first year to be the most expensive. We got our pit bull/mastiff from the shelter. $200 covered her spay, microchip, shots, leash, collar, bag of dog food. We feed the raw diet that we get from an organic farm and she eats $35 of food a week. $140 a month on food. We use natural balance for training and a large $8 roll lasts us two weeks. $16 a month on training food. We did all three training classes her first year in preparation for her being a therapy dog. Each class ran us $120 for a whopping total of $360. We took her to three "puppy parties" at a trainers class before she was five months old $800 there. I forgot her crate. We bought an extra large when we got her and just sectioned it off when we were housebreaking her. That crate cost us $100. She has never gone to bathroom in the house. She doesn't chew the furniture (despite her love of chewing) because we always have toys for her. We probably spend another $400 a year on various toys. She's worth every penny. This next year will be less expensive, luckily. With our next dog, we won't need to buy another crate. We'll likely adopt a dog that is a few years old so we don't have to go through housebreaking again as well. Our bestfriends got thier puppy from a backyard breeder. They were told she was a fullsize maltese and it turned out she was a runt (or "teacup" aka poorly bred dog). After spending $800 on her (because backyard breeders are CHEAP), they dumped another $5,000 into her medical bills only to lose her barely a year after they got her. Buyer beware. Do your research to be sure you are getting a quality dog if you are going to a breeder. It's worth the extra money to avoid medical bills and heartache down the road. The Humane Society has an excellent breeder checklist for those of you who are looking for a GOOD breeder. Good breeders don't advertise for free. They don't take credit cards. They don't sell CHEAP dogs ($200-800). Their dogs hold champion titles from competing in dog shows. They don't breed their female until she is two years of age. They don't always have puppies available (they breed every few years). They insist on you meeting BOTH parents of the puppy. They get to know you. They make follow up calls. You sign a contract stating that you will notify them if ANYTHING medical crops up with your puppy even five years from now. Why? Because they CARE about the dogs and are all about furthering the breed. If your dog develops hip dysplasia at two, they want to know so they don't breed that female again. It is worth the extra money to ensure you are getting a quality dog. I have found the first year to be the most expensive. We got our pit bull/mastiff from the shelter. $200 covered her spay, microchip, shots, leash, collar, bag of dog food. We feed the raw diet that we get from an organic farm and she eats $35 of food a week. $140 a month on food. We use natural balance for training and a large $8 roll lasts us two weeks. $16 a month on training food. We did all three training classes her first year in preparation for her being a therapy dog. Each class ran us $120 for a whopping total of $360. We took her to three “puppy parties” at a trainers class before she was five months old $800 there. I forgot her crate. We bought an extra large when we got her and just sectioned it off when we were housebreaking her. That crate cost us $100. She has never gone to bathroom in the house. She doesn’t chew the furniture (despite her love of chewing) because we always have toys for her. We probably spend another $400 a year on various toys. She’s worth every penny. This next year will be less expensive, luckily. With our next dog, we won’t need to buy another crate. We’ll likely adopt a dog that is a few years old so we don’t have to go through housebreaking again as well. Our bestfriends got thier puppy from a backyard breeder. They were told she was a fullsize maltese and it turned out she was a runt (or “teacup” aka poorly bred dog). After spending $800 on her (because backyard breeders are CHEAP), they dumped another $5,000 into her medical bills only to lose her barely a year after they got her. Buyer beware. Do your research to be sure you are getting a quality dog if you are going to a breeder. It’s worth the extra money to avoid medical bills and heartache down the road. The Humane Society has an excellent breeder checklist for those of you who are looking for a GOOD breeder. Good breeders don’t advertise for free. They don’t take credit cards. They don’t sell CHEAP dogs ($200-800). Their dogs hold champion titles from competing in dog shows. They don’t breed their female until she is two years of age. They don’t always have puppies available (they breed every few years). They insist on you meeting BOTH parents of the puppy. They get to know you. They make follow up calls. You sign a contract stating that you will notify them if ANYTHING medical crops up with your puppy even five years from now. Why? Because they CARE about the dogs and are all about furthering the breed. If your dog develops hip dysplasia at two, they want to know so they don’t breed that female again. It is worth the extra money to ensure you are getting a quality dog.

]]> By: Jeremy http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership/comment-page-1#comment-819 Jeremy Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:40:04 +0000 http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership#comment-819 I guess those numbers are for a small dog. I have a bloodhound that is about 90 pounds. She eats a $40 bag of dog food every month, at least. I think those food costs should be more like $300-$500 a year. I guess those numbers are for a small dog. I have a bloodhound that is about 90 pounds. She eats a $40 bag of dog food every month, at least. I think those food costs should be more like $300-$500 a year.

]]> By: smarieb http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership/comment-page-1#comment-817 smarieb Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:20:02 +0000 http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership#comment-817 You forgot to mention: --boarding expenses or hotel "pet fees" if your friend is going with you. ($25/day) --emergency room visits and their associated costs ($150+) --cleaning agents (to clean whatever they threw up on) --shampoo and brush --vitamins ($5-10/mo) --nail clippers or trips to the groomer ($20/month) --specialty needs (one of my dogs requires eye drops for chronic dry eye and arthritis meds allergy medications) ($100/mo) They are expensive! ...but worth every penny. You forgot to mention:
–boarding expenses or hotel “pet fees” if your friend is going with you. ($25/day)
–emergency room visits and their associated costs ($150+)
–cleaning agents (to clean whatever they threw up on)
–shampoo and brush
–vitamins ($5-10/mo)
–nail clippers or trips to the groomer ($20/month)
–specialty needs (one of my dogs requires eye drops for chronic dry eye and arthritis meds allergy medications) ($100/mo)

They are expensive! …but worth every penny.

]]> By: Amanda http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership/comment-page-1#comment-818 Amanda Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:17:47 +0000 http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership#comment-818 I have one cat, and I agree you do have to consider the cost and you shouldn't adopt a pet that you can't afford. However, on the flip side, there are studies that say that pet owners live longer and less stress filled lives than those who do not own pets. So maybe there is some cost savings in the long run? I have one cat, and I agree you do have to consider the cost and you shouldn’t adopt a pet that you can’t afford. However, on the flip side, there are studies that say that pet owners live longer and less stress filled lives than those who do not own pets. So maybe there is some cost savings in the long run?

]]> By: Petcare Made Simple http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership/comment-page-1#comment-810 Petcare Made Simple Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:58:59 +0000 http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership#comment-810 True cost to own is something I have usually associated with car buying, but very relevant to pet ownership too. Too many dive into having a pet without thinking about the full consequences. Thanks for sharing some of these estimates with us. True cost to own is something I have usually associated with car buying, but very relevant to pet ownership too. Too many dive into having a pet without thinking about the full consequences. Thanks for sharing some of these estimates with us.

]]> By: finaidgirl http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership/comment-page-1#comment-815 finaidgirl Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:21:03 +0000 http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership#comment-815 As with other personal finance discussions, I think the issue of time should be factored in with financial cost of a pet. If someone can financially afford an animal, can they really afford the time they require? I see too many people who spoil their animals with "stuff" but leave them alone all day long. For myself, In the 15 months I've tracked my expenses my 42lb lab/basset mix costs average $118 per month - and like Lisa said above, it's worth everything! Also I have to plug adoption and spaying/neutering over buying from a breeder - there are way too many animals dying every day due to overpopulation and not being wanted. As with other personal finance discussions, I think the issue of time should be factored in with financial cost of a pet. If someone can financially afford an animal, can they really afford the time they require? I see too many people who spoil their animals with “stuff” but leave them alone all day long.

For myself, In the 15 months I’ve tracked my expenses my 42lb lab/basset mix costs average $118 per month – and like Lisa said above, it’s worth everything!

Also I have to plug adoption and spaying/neutering over buying from a breeder – there are way too many animals dying every day due to overpopulation and not being wanted.

]]> By: Lisa http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership/comment-page-1#comment-812 Lisa Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:03:43 +0000 http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership#comment-812 We paid $1000 for each dog. Yearly Costs- Vet, heartworm pills, frontline: $600 Food: $300 Treats: $1 Million dollars easy :-) They are worth every cent! But I also can afford them. Good advice on thinking about it first before making the step. Lisa We paid $1000 for each dog.
Yearly Costs-
Vet, heartworm pills, frontline: $600
Food: $300
Treats: $1 Million dollars easy :-)

They are worth every cent! But I also can afford them. Good advice on thinking about it first before making the step.

Lisa

]]> By: Funny about Money http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership/comment-page-1#comment-811 Funny about Money Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:41:01 +0000 http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership#comment-811 SDXB (Semi-Demi-Ex-Boyfriend) used to call my German shepherd "The Thousand-Dollar-a-Day Dog." As I recall, he came up with that one after she ate the leather living-room chair. Seriously, you do have to factor in all the damage an animal does: carpets ruined or at least in need of professional cleaning and destinking, furniture clawed, doors scratched up, flower and vegetable gardens unearthed, window screens ripped, draperies sprayed upon....eeek! Then of course there are the less tangible costs: the neighbor who contemplates throttling you after the postal carrier refuses to deliver any more mail to your neighborhood because your dog got out and chased him up the street, for example. I spent over $4,000 on my dogs last year. The greyhound died last fall, and so presumably costs will be lower this year. But I'm not counting on it. Mercifully, the vet has decided to stand down off his demand that the dog be schlepped in every six months for expensive blood tests before he'll give me permission to buy expensive meds for her--but only because she's too old and crippled to get into the car now and I'm too old and crippled to lift an 80-pound dog into a car. It's hard for me to imagine being without a dog. But I guess when the Ger-shep is gone, that will be the case. I can't afford another dog. In fact, IMHO pet ownership today is like keeping a horse: something that is beyond the means of the average middle-class earner. SDXB (Semi-Demi-Ex-Boyfriend) used to call my German shepherd “The Thousand-Dollar-a-Day Dog.” As I recall, he came up with that one after she ate the leather living-room chair.

Seriously, you do have to factor in all the damage an animal does: carpets ruined or at least in need of professional cleaning and destinking, furniture clawed, doors scratched up, flower and vegetable gardens unearthed, window screens ripped, draperies sprayed upon….eeek! Then of course there are the less tangible costs: the neighbor who contemplates throttling you after the postal carrier refuses to deliver any more mail to your neighborhood because your dog got out and chased him up the street, for example.

I spent over $4,000 on my dogs last year. The greyhound died last fall, and so presumably costs will be lower this year. But I’m not counting on it.

Mercifully, the vet has decided to stand down off his demand that the dog be schlepped in every six months for expensive blood tests before he’ll give me permission to buy expensive meds for her–but only because she’s too old and crippled to get into the car now and I’m too old and crippled to lift an 80-pound dog into a car.

It’s hard for me to imagine being without a dog. But I guess when the Ger-shep is gone, that will be the case. I can’t afford another dog. In fact, IMHO pet ownership today is like keeping a horse: something that is beyond the means of the average middle-class earner.

]]> By: Livingalmostlarge http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership/comment-page-1#comment-808 Livingalmostlarge Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:15:03 +0000 http://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership#comment-808 I believe we spend about $200/month on our pets. Something you forgot monthly expense is heartguard and flea/tick mediction. We have 2 bichons and that runs me about $30/month for both. We also only feed our pets Eukanuba. The problem with cheaper food is that it promotes kidney stones and weight gain because of the cheaper filler food. Also including grooming for some breeds, we used to do it a lot more with one, but with two Bichons we do it ourselves. And we have medical healthplan for $70/month for both. So overall I am guessing $200/month. And that's not counting kenneling, daycare, etc. And MEG is right, we do have to consciously come home to let our dogs out. In the mornings I do it, and I usually come home at 4-5 and walk them if we are going out. And we have to be home by midnight to let them out again. It's a very conscious decision to have a pet. I believe we spend about $200/month on our pets. Something you forgot monthly expense is heartguard and flea/tick mediction. We have 2 bichons and that runs me about $30/month for both.

We also only feed our pets Eukanuba. The problem with cheaper food is that it promotes kidney stones and weight gain because of the cheaper filler food.

Also including grooming for some breeds, we used to do it a lot more with one, but with two Bichons we do it ourselves.

And we have medical healthplan for $70/month for both. So overall I am guessing $200/month.

And that’s not counting kenneling, daycare, etc.

And MEG is right, we do have to consciously come home to let our dogs out. In the mornings I do it, and I usually come home at 4-5 and walk them if we are going out. And we have to be home by midnight to let them out again. It’s a very conscious decision to have a pet.

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