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Welcome back, fellow parent

With National Dog Day just around the corner on August 26th, I’ve been reflecting on how much our furry friends truly mean to us.

We don’t personally have any pets (one toddler is enough for our household), but I’ve seen firsthand through friends and family just how much love and joy these furry companions can bring.

But as much as we adore them, the reality is that owning a dog can also be quite the financial commitment.

I was surprised when I first learned just how much it can cost to care for a dog. On average, we’re looking at about $376 per month, which adds up to $4,512 each year.

And over a dog’s lifetime—typically 10 to 13 years—that could mean spending anywhere from $45,000 to $59,000. I don’t know about you, but that’s a hefty chunk of change!

Let’s break down where these costs are coming from:

• Food: $300 to $1,000 per year, depending on your dog’s size and dietary needs.

• Veterinary Care: $225 to $1,200 per year for checkups, vaccinations, and flea prevention.

• Grooming: $30 to $500 per year, based on your dog’s grooming needs.

• Supplies: $50 to $500 per year, including toys, beds, leashes, and other essentials.

• Unexpected Costs: Emergencies or sudden illnesses can lead to significant, unplanned expenses.

These costs can add up quickly, and I’ve seen how easy it is to be caught off guard with unexpected costs.

Below are a few practical tips that have helped our family and friends manage these expenses while still giving their dogs the best care possible.

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Food and Supplies

One of my favorite ways to save money in general is to shop in bulk. Costco is by far my favorite, but Sam’s Club and BJ’s are also solid choices. The same applies to dog food.

It will depend of course on your favorite brand and who has it. For example, let’s say your dog loves Purina Dog Chow Complete (Adult Dry Food). If you go to Petsmart, you’ll pay upwards of $0.74 per pound. The same food is available at Sam’s Club for $0.58 per pound. Especially if you have a large dog (or more than one), this savings adds up.

Outside of bulk stores, I also found some really great deals when searching for whole sale dog food online. I even saw dog food being sold by the pallet. 😂

There’s also a DIY option to consider, especially if you aren’t thrilled with the ingredients in available dog food (topic for another day). A friend of mine makes her own dog treats using simple ingredients like peanut butter and oats. Not only does it save her money, but her dog absolutely loves the homemade goodies.

Bonus savings tip: If you’re crafty, you can also make DIY toys from old t-shirts or towels—something my neighbor’s kids enjoy doing as a fun weekend project.

Vet Care

Just like with us humans, preventative care is crucial to saving in the long term with medical expenses.

Regular checkups, vaccinations, and flea prevention might seem like extra costs upfront, but they help catch potential health issues early, which can prevent much bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road.

A savings tip from a friend out West is to look and see if there are low cost clinics in your area versus going to a vet. It may be more available on the West Coast, but these clinics are often ran by non-profit organizations and are very affordable. They offer everything a vet does, from vaccinations, checkups, and even dental care. I’d highly recommend this approach and a quick online search should help confirm if there is one close to you.

If you can’t find an affordable care, something to consider is pet insurance. Pet insurance was so surprising to me at first. I spent five years working in the insurance industry and it wasn’t a huge topic over a decade ago. But it’s really taken off since then. It makes sense though as I’ve heard horror stories from friends whose dogs needed emergency surgery or cancer care.

Similar to how we have medical insurance, for a small monthly premium, you can get peace of mind knowing your dog is covered if an emergency arrived.

There are a TON of options now when it comes to Pet Insurance, from major carriers such as Nationwide to specialized carriers such as Healthy Paws. Costco even advertises 15% off of insurance for members to get pet insurance.

Grooming

Doggy haircuts are serious business and can range in price. There are the “Supercuts” of the world, where you take your dog for an affordable price, mobile units who come to your work or home and cut hair in the parking lot, to full concierge where the groomer does their thing in the comfort of your home.

It’s quite amazing to see how this has taken off and how much money is being passed around when it comes to dog hair.

To save money, my family started grooming her dog at home after realizing how much they were spending at the groomer every month. With a bit of practice and some help from online tutorials, they’re now pros at bathing, trimming nails, and even haircuts. It’s saved a ton of money, and her dog seems to enjoy the extra attention.

Local community colleges even offer grooming classes if you’d like to learn from a professional before trying it yourself.

Another friend of mine discovered that grooming schools often offer discounted services because students need practice. Her dog gets pampered, and she saves money—a win-win!

Medications and Treatments

One thing I’ve learned from talking to dog owners is that medication prices can vary significantly depending on where you buy them.

My friend always checks online pharmacies and uses tools like GoodRx to find the best deals on her dog’s prescriptions. She’s saved quite a bit by not automatically buying meds directly from the vet. I’ve also heard really great things about getting prescriptions from Costco, Walmart, and Chewy.

Another tip that’s come up in conversations is opting for generic medications when possible. Just like with human meds, generics are often just as effective but much more affordable. It’s a simple switch that can really make a difference in your budget.

Balancing Cost and Care

Over the years, I’ve seen the love and dedication that my friends and family put into caring for their dogs. And while pet ownership is a big responsibility, it doesn’t have to drain your wallet.

By planning ahead and using these cost-saving tips, you can ensure your dog gets the care they need without breaking the bank. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping both you and your furry friend happy and healthy.

What’s the Most Surprising Cost You've Encountered?

Even though we don’t have any pets, I love to hear crazy pet stories! Drop me a note if you’re willing to share your favorite.

See you next week,

The Dollar Dad

P.S. If you enjoyed today’s email, drop me a money bag emoji (💰). I read every reply and it helps with my email score.

All your news. None of the bias.

Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440! Dive into 1440, where 3.5 million readers find their daily, fact-based news fix. We navigate through 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive roundup from every corner of the internet – politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a quick, 5-minute newsletter. It's completely free and devoid of bias or political influence, ensuring you get the facts straight.

Subscribe to 1440 today.