adoption

You may be wondering why I am writing about dogs. Well, if you are a pet owner, you know that they require some upfront financial responsibility. They need food, shelter, and medical care like other living creatures. This article will provide ten tips to prepare money for a puppy for the future vet or emergency veterinary visit that your dog may need someday in his life!

Budget and Make a Plan

If you know the basics of Microsoft Excel, you can make a budget for your dog. Start by estimating how much you will spend on average each month on food, toys, kennel, license, and other incidentals. Once you have that number, multiply it by 12 to get an estimate of what the yearly cost will be. This is important information to have so you can start saving now!

Next, you need a plan and actualize it. How much can you afford in terms of food and other supplies for your little pupper? What brand is the most cost-effective but still provides sufficient nutrients? How can you save more money for your puppy’s future?

Learn the Costs of Breeders and Shelters

Breeders will charge anywhere from $100 to $5000, so it is important that you do some research. Some breeders require all vaccinations, while others may not provide them until the dog is six months old (which could cost up to $600). If buying a purebred dog, you may also want to factor in the cost of registering the pet with The American Kennel Club.

Puppy mills and animal shelters are cheaper alternatives to breeders, but there are some things you should be aware of. Animal shelters typically do not provide full medical care for the animals they take in and may euthanize them if they are not adopted within a specific time frame.

Get Pet Insurance

This is probably one of the most critical tips on this list! Dogs can get sick or injured at any time, and pet insurance can save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars.

Policies can be expensive, but it is definitely worth the investment if you can afford them. With that being said, animal shelters typically have purebred dogs as well.

Set Aside Money for Emergencies

This one goes hand in hand with getting pet insurance! You should always have a little bit of money saved up for emergencies. Whether your dog breaks his leg or contracts an illness, you will be glad you have the funds to take care of him.

Prepare for Veterinary Visits

As your dog gets older, he will likely need more frequent veterinary visits. This can include teeth cleanings, check-ups, and blood work. All of these procedures cost money, so you should start saving now!…