In my previous blog post, I outlined tips for choosing the perfect puppy in Scotland. However, after choosing your puppy, it’s important to be prepared for the financial commitment involved. In addition to the initial purchase price, there are a number of other expenses to consider, such as food, vet care, training, and doggy daycare.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the cost of owning a dog in Glasgow, and provide some tips on how to budget for these expenses.
The Initial Purchase
The initial purchase price of a dog can vary depending on the breed, age, and health of the dog. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from £200 to £1,000 for a puppy from a reputable breeder.
If you’re adopting a dog from a rescue shelter, the cost will be lower, but you may still have to pay an adoption fee of up to £200.
The Lifetime Cost of Owning a Dog
According to research, the average lifetime cost of owning a dog is over £20,000. This includes the initial purchase price, as well as ongoing expenses such as food, vet bills, and grooming. It’s important to keep in mind that this is an average, and the actual cost of owning a dog can vary depending on a number of factors.
Food
The cost of food is one of the biggest expenses associated with owning a dog. The amount of food your dog will eat will depend on its size, breed, and activity level. However, you can expect to spend between £20 and £50 per month on food.
Vet Care
Veterinary care is another major expense to consider. You’ll need to take your dog to the vet for regular checkups, as well as for any unexpected illnesses or injuries. The cost of vet care can vary depending on the type of care your dog needs, but you can expect to spend an average of £100 per year.
Training
If you want your dog to be well-behaved, you’ll need to invest in training. There are a number of different training options available, including puppy classes, obedience classes, and agility classes. The cost of training will vary depending on the type of training you choose, but you can expect to spend between £100 and £500.
Doggy Daycare
If you work full-time or have other commitments that prevent you from being home with your dog during the day, you may need to consider doggy daycare. Doggy daycare can be expensive, but it’s a great way to ensure that your dog gets the exercise and socialization it needs. The cost of doggy daycare will vary depending on the facility, but you can expect to pay between £15 and £30 per day.
Other Expenses
In addition to the expenses listed above, there are a number of other costs associated with owning a dog. These include things like:
- Toys and treats
- Grooming
- Licenses and registration
- Pet insurance
The cost of these expenses will vary depending on your dog’s individual needs. However, you can expect to spend an average of £50 per month on these additional costs.
But do not get scared, check out this blog post for ways to save money on pet grooming by doing it yourself.
Budgeting for Dog Ownership
The cost of owning a dog can add up, so it’s important to create a budget before you bring your new furry friend home. Here are a few tips for budgeting for dog ownership:
- Estimate the initial purchase price, food costs, vet care costs, training costs, doggy daycare costs, and other expenses.
- Add up all of these costs to get a total monthly budget.
- Be realistic about your budget and make sure you can afford the monthly costs.
- Set aside some money for unexpected expenses, such as vet bills.
Conclusion
The benefits of owning a dog cannot be quantified, but it’s important to be prepared for the financial commitment involved. By budgeting for the expenses associated with dog ownership, you can ensure that you can afford to provide your furry friend with the best possible care. You may check out the 10 dog care accessories every dog owner should know.
