The Financial Reality of Owning a Dog
Al Olsen
How Much Will You Spend on Your Dog in His Lifetime?
There is nothing more fulfilling than raising a little puppy into a big healthy dog. However, it requires a lot of effort on your end to make sure that the puppy is well taken care of. Apart from all the hard work and dedication you also need to spend a lot of money. In this blog, we will explain the cost involved in raising a puppy.
Initial Costs: Bringing Your Dog Home
The first major spending in your journey of raising a dog starts with buying one. Usually, a dog will cost you somewhere around $30-$300. A purebred on the other hand can cost you somewhere between $500-$3000. Depending on the breed of the dog you might have to pay a little extra. Here is a list of expenses of owning a dog:
- Supplies: You will need a few things such as a leash, collar, bowl, bed, and more. These are some essential items required in raising a dog.
- Veterinary Care: Apart from buying the few essentials you also need to spend on the dog's medical care including vaccinations, wellness checks, and spaying.
- Training: If your dog finds it difficult to follow commands then they might require professional training which can cost somewhere between $50-$200.
Annual Expenses: The Cost of Day-to-Day Care
As mentioned earlier raising a dog can be a bit expensive. Annually you might end up spending somewhere around $1400-$2000 on raising a dog. Here is a list of things that you will be spending on when raising your dog:
Food and Treats
A dog needs a lot of food, especially in the initial stages of growing up. This means you will have to spend a lot of money on their diet. Annually you might end up spending somewhere around $250-$700 on their diet.
Veterinary Care
As a dog owner, you must be concerned about the well-being of the dog. This means regular visits to the vet. The routine check-up will cost somewhere around $300-$700 annually. Dogs can be a handful so you can expect unexpected visits to the vet as well which will eventually add up to the overall medical expenses.
Grooming
Different dogs require different types of grooming which will eventually determine the overall cost of grooming as well. However, you can expect to spend somewhere around $300-$900 annually on grooming.
Accessories and Toys
Dogs especially in the early stages need a lot of physical activity which means spending on toys that can cost somewhere around $50-$200 annually.
Lifetime Costs
If you add up all the above-mentioned expenses and the average life span of a dog then you might come up with an estimate of $1500-$50000 annually. However, the cost of raising a dog can be higher depending on the breed of the dog.
Ways to Save Money Without Compromising Quality
Now some of you might give up on your dream of raising a dog simply cos they can't bear the overall expenses. However, there is still hope if you follow some of the tips mentioned in this blog carefully. Here is a list of tips to save money on expenses in raising a dog:
- Adopt Instead of Shop: There are plenty of cheaper options when it comes to owning a dog. You can always adopt a dog instead of buying one from the shop. Dogs at the shelter are vaccinated which means you don't have to spend money on getting the dog vaccinated.
- Invest in Pet Insurance: Another clever way of saving some money is by getting insurance. Insurance can surely come in handy especially when it comes to unexpected medical expenses.
- DIY Grooming: There are plenty of videos online showing owners how they can groom their dogs at home. These online tutorials can come in handy when it comes to saving some money on grooming expenses.
- Buy in Bulk: You can also buy your dog's favorite food in bulk. There are plenty of shops giving discounts if you buy in bulk. This way you can save a lot of money on their diet as well.
- Preventative Care: Prevention is always better than care especially if you wish to save money. Simply by being a little careful, you can avoid a lot of visits to the vet.
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Chicago is known for its skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and hot dogs. But that is not all. If you are a dog lover, you will be glad to know that there are many dog-friendly parks in the city where your dog can enjoy off-leash walks. These parks are a perfect place to spend your weekends and meet new people and make new friends. A perfect place to socialize and blow off some steam. Here is a list of dog-friendly parks in Chicago. Wiggly Field in Noethling Park If you are looking for a dog-friendly park in Chicago, Wiggly Field in Noethling is the place for you. The park showcases a spacious fenced-in area with ramps and obstacles for dogs to enjoy. The park is quite popular among pet owners, so you can look forward to socializing with other dog lovers as well. Grant Bark Park Located in the heart of the city, Grant Bark Park is another dog-friendly park in Chicago. The park is enclosed making it a safe place for your dog to have a good time. The park consists of a drinking fountain and a splash pad. It is a perfect place for you and your dog to have a great time. Jackson Bark The park was built for dogs making it an ideal destination for your furry friend. The park has plenty of equipment to keep your dog busy. So, if your little puppy is bursting with energy then you know where to take him. The park has obstacle courses, ramps, and tunnels. The best part is that your dog can roam off-leash and there is plenty of space for the dogs to run around. Larrabee Dog Park A very posh-looking park located right in the center of the city. The park is perfect for pet owners with small breeds looking for a dog-friendly park. It is also a great place for meeting new people and making new friends. So, if you are looking for a nice place to spend a pleasant afternoon with your furry friends then Larrabee Dog Park is the place for you. Puptown Dog Park in Margate Park The lush green park is perfect for sunny days. Surrounded by trees the park provides much-needed shade for your dog. The spacious park is ideal for long walks with your dog. So if you are staying in uptown Chicago you can head down to the Puptown Dog Park in Margate Park. Tips for Enjoying Chicago’s Dog Parks Now that we have informed you about the different parks for you to take your dog. It is also important to remind you of certain things that you need to keep in mind when visiting any of the above-mentioned parks with your dog. Here is a list of tips to enjoy a hassle-free experience with your dog : Get a DFA Tag: You need to get the DFA tag to access dog-friendly areas in Chicago. Follow the Rules: The rules are simple. Make sure the dog is on the leash and clean up when you are done. Stay Hydrated: make sure you and your dog consume a lot of fluids to stay hydrated. Be Mindful: Your dog is your responsibility. Make sure your dog does not make others around uncomfortable. Visit Off-Peak Hours: If you don't like crowds then you can visit the park early in the morning. Clean up after yourself: Remember to clean up after you are done. Throw the waste in the bin before leaving the park. Conclusion Chicago is a haven for dog lovers. There are plenty of dog-friendly spots for you and your dog to have an amazing time. Most of these spots allow dogs to roam off-leash. These parks are spacious and have fences making sure that there is plenty of space for your dog to roam around and you don't have to worry about the safety of your dog. These parks have plenty of exercise equipment to keep your dog fit. Things like obstacle courses, ramps, and tunnels are just what your dog needs to get rid of that excess energy. Just make sure that you carry all the essentials when visiting a park. Carry your water bottle, towel, and snacks.
If you are planning to buy a new cat then you might want to consider the expenses that are incurred while owning a cat. Cats are amazing creatures, worshipped as gods in ancient Egypt they certainly want to be treated like royalty. Apart from the love and care that's obviously free of cost, there are some things that do cost money. In this blog, we will talk about the expenses of owning a cat. Initial Costs of Cat Ownership Owning a cat can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in one's life. However, it is going to cost some money as well. You might end up spending somewhere around $10,000-$20,000 annually on a cat. Here is a list of expenses of owning a cat: Adoption Adopting a cat is much cheaper than buying one. The cost of adoption is around $50-$150 which also includes the cost of spaying, vaccination, and check-ups. On the other hand, buying a cat can cost somewhere between $500-$3000. The cost may vary depending on the breed. For example, some breeds can be quite expensive like the Siamese cat. Spaying/Neutering Many owners prefer to neuter their cats, especially females to prevent them from giving birth. Depending on your personal preference you can choose to neuter your cats. The cost of neutering your cat is around $50-$200. Initial Veterinary Visit It is important to get the cat examined by a vet regularly to make sure that the cat is in good condition. A visit to the vet can cost somewhere between $100-$250. However, regular checkups can help avoid serious health issues. Essential Supplies Before you bring your cat home you need to buy a variety of items including a litter box, food bowl, scratching post, and toys which can cost somewhere around $200-$500. Depending on your cat you might have to buy a few things multiple times in a year. Recurring Monthly Costs You will mostly be spending on food which is something that you would be doing every month. Cats consume two types of food, dry food and wet food. It is important to feed your cat superior quality food to avoid any health-related issues. You might end up spending somewhere around $100-$200 per month on the cat's diet. Pet Insurance or Vet Savings As mentioned earlier regular visits to the vet is crucial for the well-being of the cat. Regular check-ups can help avoid serious health issues. A visit to the vet can cost somewhere around $100-$200. However, we would advise you to get your cat checked regularly. If left unchecked cats can develop a variety of health issues caused by disease and infection. How to Save Money on Cat Ownership Now that we have discussed the overall expenses of owning a cat. Let us talk about ways that you can save some money as well. Here is a list of tips on how to save money while owning a cat: Adopt, Don’t Shop As mentioned earlier the cost of buying a new cat can be much more than adopting one. We would advise you to adopt a cat instead of buying one if you plan to save some money. You can visit your local adoption center to find your new pet. There are plenty of cats to choose from you will certainly find a cat of your choice there. Buy in Bulk Now buying food regularly can cost a lot in the long run. So, if you wish to save some money on cat food we would suggest that you buy in bulk. You can also get discounts if you buy in bulk which means you will end up saving money on your purchase. You can stock your cat's favorite food so you never run out of supply for cat food. Regular Vet Visits As discussed earlier regular visits to the vet is important for the well-being of your cat. However, if you don't want to end up spending money on medicine and procedures we would advise you to take preventive measures. Maintaining a certain level of hygiene can also help in preventing disease and infection. Regular grooming can help in maintaining hygiene and cleanliness which can eventually help in saving money on medical procedures.
Chicago is famous for sunny beaches, mouth-watering delicious cuisine, and a happening nightlife. If you are a pet owner looking for dog-friendly beaches in Chicago then you need not worry. There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches for your furry friend. Most of these beaches allow your dog to roam off-leash. However, at some beaches, they need to be leashed at all times. You just need to follow the guidelines to make sure your dog is safe at all times. Here is a list of dog-friendly beaches in Chicago: 1. Montrose Dog Beach (Wilson Avenue and Lake Shore Drive) If you are looking for a dog-friendly beach in Chicago then Montrose Dog Beach is the place for you. The beach has fountains, shaded areas, and disposable bags. The best part is that your dog can roam off-leash. So, if you want to take your dog out for a swim then Montrose Beach is the best option for you. 2. Belmont Harbor Dog Beach Dog owners who are looking for some peace and quiet can head on to the Belmont Harbor Dog Beach. If your dog is a bit shy and prefers little human interaction then Belmont is perfect for your dog. The water is not so deep which means it's safe for your dog to swim around and have a great time. 3. Foster Avenue Dog Beach At Foster Avenue Dog Beach you can do more than just take a dip in the water. You can enjoy taking your dog on long strolls and soaking up some sun while enjoying the surrounding greenery. It is a perfect place to spend your Sunday afternoon after a long week of work. There is nothing like spending some time with your dog at the beach. 4. Rainbow Beach and Park (South Shore) Dogs are allowed on the beach but they need to be leashed at all times. You can also enjoy playing catch with your dog at the park near the beach. So, if you are looking for a beach to spend some quality time with your dog then Rainbow Beach and Park on the city's south side might just be the place for you. 5. Dog-Friendly Areas at Lakefront Trail The 18-mile-long trail along the shores of Lake Michigan connects multiple dog-friendly places. However, the dogs need to be leashed if you are planning to visit the lake. It is an ideal destination for pet owners looking for a place to spend some time with their beloved pets. Tips for Visiting Dog-Friendly Beaches Know the Rules: If you are planning to take your dog to the beach then make sure they are tagged. The DFA tags are a must and are issued by the animal care and control department, in Chicago. Bring Essentials: Another important thing to do is to carry all the essentials such as water, snacks, towels, and waste bags. The last thing you want to do is to through garbage at the beach. Keep an Eye on Your Dog: You need to make sure that your dog behaves properly and does not bother other people on the beach. Timing Matters: If you want to enjoy some peace then we would recommend that you visit the beach early in the morning. As the day goes by more people keep showing up at the beach. Clean Up: Be responsible and clean up before leaving the beach. Use the waste bags and the trash cans to get rid of the waste. Nearby Amenities for Dog Owners Chicago has plenty of options to spend some memorable moments with your pet. Here is a list of places for your dog to visit: Pet-Friendly Cafes: Apart from the sandy beaches Chicago also has some nice dog-friendly cafes where you can spend some time with your dog such as The Perch in Wicker Park or Heritage Bicycles & Coffee. Parks: After the beach, you can head to the nearby parks like Lincoln Park or Grant Park, with walking paths and shade. Pet Stores: There are plenty of pet stores to buy pet accessories from like Kriser’s Natural Pet or Tails in the City are just a short drive away.