How Much Does It Cost to Own a Dog?

Are you considering getting a dog or cat? Before you do, it is important to understand the cost of owning a dog or cat.  Here are tips from Savings Experiment: Cats vs. Dogs.

“The results are clear, and it's not even by a whisker. For most lifestyles, dogs are higher-maintenance so they're more expensive. Although cats and dogs tie in some arenas, there's not a single category in which cats are pricier.”

When adopting a pet from the ASPCA, there is an adoption fee, but it does include spaying or neutering, micro-chipping, and shots. For a dog, expect the adoption fee to be between $75 and $200. Add to your dog budget other costs, such as routine health care, pet insurance, food, treats, special dietary needs, dog toys, a leash, a pooper scooper, waste bags, dog walkers, and kennels.

You can save money on bags by using the Doody Digger pooper scooper, since you don’t need to dispose of the bag after only one use. Stand up the Doody Digger when not in use and the weight of the waste will virtually seal the waste bag closed. When the bag is heavy, replace it with the inexpensive Doody Digger waste bags or reuse grocery store bags.