Purchasing a puppy, whether from a breeder, SPCA or pet store requires a lot of money. While it can be tempting to bring your puppy home right away, you will need to be sure you have everything you need, supplies and finances –prior to bringing him home.
Puppy Cost- Mutt and Pedigree
Puppies can range in price, depending on pedigree, size and age. Pedigree dogs (dogs that are registered with the American Kennel Club, or AKC for short) are generally more expensive than rescue dogs, ranging from $500 up to $3000 dollars, for certain breeds.
If you are looking to adopt from your local SPCA, check to see whether the cost of needles or neutering is included in the price, or whether you will need to have that done on your own expense. Neutering should be done (as with spaying) if your intention is to have a family dog. If you are hoping to breed your puppy, understand that the dog will reach an adolescent age where he begins marking his territory (peeing on various things in your house). It is common for a puppy around 6 months of age to go through this.
Puppy Shots and Supplies
Every puppy will need 3 sets of shots; one at about 8 weeks of age, another at 12 weeks, and the final set a month after that (around 16 weeks of age). These shots can range from about $60 to $120, depending on the vet, and your location. Dogs will also need basic items like training, food, dishes, toys, crates and of course a leash and collar. Although it may not seem like a lot at first, these costs quickly add up.
Tattoo or Microchip
Ideally, a pet owner should also have the dog tattooed or microchipped, should the puppy get out from the yard, or escape from the house. Microchips cost approximately $100-$150, again – depending on your location and vet. The microchip is inserted with a needle, under the dog’s skin at the back of the neck. Tattoos are normally done in a dog’s ear or on its inner thigh. They consist of an alpha-numeric code that is stored in a database. Should your pup be found, animal control will search the database for your information, or will scan the dog for a microchip.
Escape Artist
Should your puppy get out and animal control seizes him, you will also have to pay a fee. The fees range greatly – depending on how long he was there (you will have to pay for his “stay,”) as well as a fine. The price can be around $150, although it can go up from there.
Vet Costs and Emergencies
Finally, a puppy will have to go for an annual check-up, shots and exams. The average price for vet exams are about $150. This is only an average, although you will have to consider that puppies tend to get into trouble (they are similar to a toddler until age 2). They will eat things they aren’t supposed to, sometimes causing emergency vet trips. As such, you will need to make sure your pup has an emergency fund, of about $500-$1500. This cost is for basic Emergency care, as it does cost more than the average vet bill. Should your puppy get hurt (hit by a car or injured by another dog,) the average cost can almost triple.
See Dog Training Methods, for a better understanding of puppy training on the market today.
Deandra Busch - An online marketing expert, Deandra has successfully launched C3 Marketing, helping companies generate over $3 million in net profits.
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