How Much Is That Puppy…Actually?
“How much is that doggie in the window?”
We all know how the song goes “How much is that doggie in the window?”. It’s a song I sung as I kid, but I never asked, “How much is that doggie going to cost me over 10 plus years?”. Whether you rescue or purchase from a breeder, your new furry family member might cost you a lot more than you think!
Pet ownership for me started when I was 26 and married less than a month. My husband, Joe and I returned from our honeymoon and his job required traveling. He was gone for weeks. My days consisted of working and coming home to an empty apartment in a town where I didn’t know anyone. I was beyond lonely.
One Saturday we were walking around Port Jefferson when we passed a popular puppy store. We stood there watching the cute puppies in the window and then left to have lunch. On the way back to the car, I asked to go back to the puppy store. Joe knew from that moment; he wasn’t going home without a four-legged furry friend.
About an hour or so later, we left as proud parents of a Cocker Spaniel named Simba. Now, being an accountant and budgeter of our expenses, for some reason that day I never took the time to ask, “Can we afford to be a pet owner?”. I didn’t consider how much Simba was going to cost over her lifetime. I was just caught up in the emotional moment.
Over the years and 3 dogs later, I have spent thousands of dollars on them; including veterinary care and several surgeries over $3,000. A few of those surgeries happened while I was a stay at home mom and the budget was tight. Sacrifices had to be made to pay those bills. I don’t regret one moment, but I do realize my younger self never considered the potential and sometimes significant cost of owning a pet.
So back to that question – “How much is that doggie in the window?”. Well, according the ASCPA, the first year alone is in excess of $1,000. I can attest to that. Riley just recently joined our family in August and the cost of bringing her home has been more than just the initial fee to purchase her.
Not including food or toys, Riley’s costs have been:
Initial medical exam with vaccines $200
Additional vaccines: $150
Blood work and testing: $250
Spaying: $450
Collar & Leash: $45
Crate: $60
Puppy Kindergarten: $200
As you can see, I have spent over $1,000 and Riley has only been in the family for four months!
Consider Unexpected Expenses
While there are many known expenses, such as food and toys, it is important to consider unforeseen expenses. Can your budget handle the costs of emergency care? Are you prepared to pay to board your pet when you travel? Do you need a dog walker or doggie daycare for the days you’re working long hours? Should you pay for pet insurance?
Owning a pet is a financial responsibility. Before you get caught up in the emotional moment like I did with Simba, make sure you can afford to own that pet you are looking at by doing the following:
1. Look at your monthly budget and determine how the monthly cost of a pet will affect it. If those expenses are too much or if you cannot cut back on something else, then this probably isn’t a good time.
2. Determine if you can set aside an emergency fund for that unexpected vet bill. Don’t think it will never happen, because pets get themselves into situations you would never think possible! Case in point, my dog Zoe found and ate two large bags of Lindt Chocolate Truffles one Christmas!
3. If you can’t set aside an emergency fund, can you afford pet insurance? Do your research on the coverage, not all policies cover the same costs.
Finally, once you bring home that pet, I say Congratulations!! Enjoy the crazy fun and all the love you will receive over the next decade!
Written by Susan Weingaertner
Susan is an organizational maven who currently serves as Client Relationship Manager at Johndrow Wealth Management. A former accountant at Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C. and Travelers Property Casualty Corp.