When you love animals, adopting a dog may seem like a no-brainer. You’re giving a needy pup a home and gaining a family member while you’re at it.
But once you start doing the math, a dog may be a lot to take in. To make sure you’re making the right choice, keep scrolling. Here are four things you should consider carefully before you bring a dog home.
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1. Veterinary Costs
Although your adoption fee will cover essential vet care such as an initial check-up and vaccinations, you’re on the hook for their ongoing health needs. This usually includes an annual check-up with your vet to ensure your pup’s in good health while updating any vaccinations and medications.
According to PetCareRx, most pet owners can expect to shell out roughly $45 for an office call and $25 for booster shots.
How much these appointments cost you depends on your vet — some charitable practices set prices on a sliding scale. They may also vary depending on your location, as someone in Kansas may end up spending lesson vet care than someone in New York.
2. Emergency Expenses
Accidents happen, even to dogs. They can twist their ankle while running over tree roots or get clipped by a car in the street. You never want to think of your pup this way, but it’s important to consider how you would cover these emergencies.
Urgent vet care is much more expensive than a routine appointment, so having a well-stocked emergency fund can help you cover these costs.
If your savings fall short in an emergency, you may consider taking out an installment loan online. Just like vet care, rates can vary depending on where you live, so make sure you home in on anonline personal loan in Kansas if that’s where you and Fido call home.
Focusing on your local personal loans will help you find the best rates possible, so try typing the following into a Google search: personal loans Kansas. Sub out your home state for geo-specific options.
3. Food Bills
Food costs may not pack the same punch as vet care, but this expense arrives on a regular rotation. You’ll have to fill your cupboards with dog food and snacks to ensure your dog is healthy and happy.
On average, food costs dog owners $20–$70 per month. Knowing what you need on a month-by-month basis may take some time — you’ll have to see how long it takes your dog to go through both wet and dry foods.
4. Exercise Needs
A dog is a great way to get you on your feet, but be honest about your own mobility and exercise habits. If you don’t have time to walk for an hour or more every day — or if you walk with mobility aids — you should look at breeds that require less exercise. Picking the right breed for your habits will result in a happier, better-behaved dog.
Bottom Line
A furry companion will change your life, in more ways than one. Making sure you’re ready for that change is easy — just follow the tips above!