Why are dogs so expensive? Many of us “pet people” find this question coming to mind at some point during our pet-human relationship.
We sometimes find ourselves fighting with ourselves whether owning a dog is worth its cost.
From buying your dog, boarding your pooch, feeding it nutritious food or even licensing your dog, there are numerous costs associated!
A high-end dog can set you back by thousands of dollars. That is a lot of money!
But WHY are dogs so expensive? Well, let us find out…
Table of Contents
17 reasons why dogs are so expensive
1. Initial Cost
Buying a dog can become very costly.
That is one of the main reasons why dogs are so expensive.
This will depend upon the breed, the size of the dog and the age of the dog.
The initial cost can also vary depending on the location you want to buy from.
A German Shepherd can cost up to $7,000, a Cavalier can cost up to $2,000 and a Golden Retriever can cost up to $3,500.
2. Vet Bills
It is important to take your dog for regular checkups and veterinary visits.
These visits combined with the costs of treatment can become very pricey!
If you want to have a healthy dog, it is important that you take your dog for regular checkups.
These checkups can include the cost for vaccinations, deworming, blood tests and even the cost of spaying/neutering the dog.
A basic checkup can cost from $150 to $250. A comprehensive checkup and treatment can push the bill up to $500.
3. Proper Nutrition
Dogs need a healthy diet with nutritious food in order to stay fit and healthy.
If you provide them with unfit food, then the health of your dogs will always be at stake!
Dog food that is specially formulated for your dogs’ breed and size can become expensive.
If you want your dog to live a long, healthy life, then it is important that you feed it with nutritious food.
This will be a major ongoing cost!
4. Training Costs
A dog is a family member and a friend!
If you want your dog to fit in with your family, then it is important that you train it properly.
There are so many training schools or trainers out there who can help you train your dog.
The training cost depends on the type of training you want your dog to receive.
Basic training is very important and some dog owners start off with that.
A basic training course can cost from $200 to $500.
5. Dog Licensing
Every dog owner should ensure that his or her pet is licenced properly and has all the required documents on him/her before purchasing it.
If the dog is not licenced, then you can end up paying heavy fines!
In some cities, if you own a dog without a licence, you can be fined up to $600.
That’s why they say dogs are expensive!
6. Grooming Costs
Every dog owner has to groom his or her dog once in a while.
Grooming costs can vary depending on the type of breed, the size and the length of fur!
But grooming is very important and it is vital that you groom your dogs at least a couple of times every year.
This will make sure your dog stays clean, healthy and shaggy-free!
A basic grooming cost can range from $50 to $100.
7. Health Insurance
If you want your dog to live a long, healthy life and avoid expenses related to health, then you must ensure that it has health insurance.
There are a few companies out there that provide health insurance for dogs.
A basic monthly premium can be anywhere between $25 and $35!
8. Boarding Costs
If you are not able to take your dogs with you during your vacation or business trip, then you need to board it.
This can become a hassle for many people!
If you do not board your dog, then it will be left alone in a kennel and it will suffer a lot psychologically.
With boarding costs, you can cost around $50 to $60 per day depending on the type of dog and the location.
9. Toys & Equipment
Dogs require entertainment and various toys in order to stay fit and healthy.
It also needs equipment such as collars, leashes, tags etc..
The more accessories you buy for your dog, the more expensive it is!
A basic collar and leash can cost around $50.
The various toys and equipment that your dog might need can add up to a few hundred dollars!
10. Food Bowl & Water Bowls
Dogs require a place to eat and drink.
And it is not only for show, but also for health purposes!
If you do not provide it, your dog will not be fit and healthy.
Some dogs like expensive food and water bowls but most dogs just need a basic bowl with a lid.
If you want to buy an expensive bowl, then you can end up paying around $15 to $20.
11. Carriers
If you are planning on taking your dog with you while travelling, then you have to spend to buy carriers as well as equipment for your pet dog.
If you travel a lot and have to bring your dog everywhere, then the cost of a carrier can become very costly!
The carriers come in many sizes and colors.
A carrier that can fit a small dog can cost around $40 to $60.
A large carrier that can fit a large dog can cost anywhere from $300 to $500.
12. Dog Houses
If you are staying in areas where the temperatures are very harsh, then it is important to invest in proper doghouses for your dogs!
Owners should never compromise on this!
Dog houses are a necessity during winter.
The dog houses can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 depending on the size and design.
13. Grooming Tools & Supplies
There are numerous grooming tools and supplies that owners need to invest in.
From nail cutters to brushes, collars and leashes etc.
These are all needed for any dog.
These grooming tools can range from $20 to $100 depending on the quality of the tools.
14. Dog Houses & Fences
Every house needs fences and houses for their pets as well!
Apart from providing safety, these houses also provide comfort for dogs.
These houses also give a sense of ownership to your dogs.
Some of these houses can be very expensive!
If you have a large dog and want it to have an indoor house, then you may have to pay around $1,000 to build the house!
15. Unforeseen Costs
Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong!
Just like humans, dogs need to go to hospitals too!
Sometimes your dog might get injured and you might end up paying a lot for its treatment.
As a responsible dog owner, you should ensure that all of your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.
This will help you to prevent any medical issues.
16. Upgrades
When you buy a dog and take it home, you are not done yet!
Dog owners have to make upgrades to their homes in order to make their dogs feel comfortable and secure.
Dogs need space and it is important to let them have that space!
All dogs are different. The upgrades will only depend on your dog’s needs and requirements.
17. Miscellaneous Costs
If you want your dog to live a happy and healthy life, then you have to spend even more!
There are many other miscellaneous costs that do not fall in the basic dog care category.
Sometimes your dog may need a bed or a toy or some other thing as well.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how expensive it is to keep a dog, it is very important that you make sure that you invest in a dog instead of buying one.
This will ensure that your dog is happy and healthy.
If you already have a dog, then you will know how expensive it is to buy dog food, toys and accessories!
But we must all remember that the costs are worth every penny.
References
