She Strengthens

The True Cost of Canine Companionship: A Year-Long Expense Breakdown

As a self-proclaimed “crazy dog lady,” I’ve always been curious about the financial implications of sharing my life with a furry friend. After tracking my spending for a year, I’m excited to share my findings with you.

The Importance of Financial Awareness

Before diving into the numbers, I want to emphasize the significance of tracking your expenses. Without this habit, I would have no idea how much my dog’s care costs me each year. It’s essential to understand where your money is going, especially when it comes to pet ownership.

Meet My Trusty Sidekick

My dog, a lovable labra-mutt, is a rescue pup who brings immense joy to my life. His size, age, and breed all impact the cost of caring for him. At 75 pounds, he requires more food and exercise than smaller breeds. His age, around 4.5 years, means he’s still relatively young and active. As a mixed breed, he’s not prone to specific health issues associated with purebred dogs.

The Bottom Line: A Year of Expenses

After tallying up my dog-related expenses, I was surprised to find that it cost me $1619.59 to care for my furry friend over the past year. This amount excludes contributions to his emergency fund, which adds an additional $1143.05 to the total. Yes, you read that right – the grand total comes out to $2762.64!

Breaking Down the Costs

So, what does this significant sum cover? Here are the most notable expenses:

• Routine Vet Visits: Regular check-ups and vaccinations are essential for maintaining my dog’s health. These visits cost me around $200 per year.
• Annual Insurance Premium: I opted for pet insurance to cover unexpected vet bills. My premium costs $316.25 per year, providing peace of mind in case of emergencies.
• Food and Treats: My dog’s size and dietary needs mean he requires more food than smaller breeds. I spend around $800 per year on his meals and snacks.
• Supplies: From collars to toothbrushes, the cost of supplies adds up quickly. I spent around $300 per year on these essentials.

Looking Ahead

As I move forward, I’ll be working with a revised budget of $135 per month, based on this year’s expenses. While it’s impossible to predict every veterinary expense, I’m confident that my emergency fund will provide a safety net in case of unexpected costs. And, of course, I’ve renewed my dog’s insurance policy for another year – just in case!