Budgeting for a New Dog

If you are looking at adopting a new dog into your family, Congratulations! This exciting new addition to your home will change your life in many fun ways. Dogs are wonderful companions for any stage in life. Whether you want an older or younger dog, a trained purebred, or a rescue fur buddy, there are always expenses that come with owning a dog. Find great ideas to help you save money and financially plan for your new dog here.

10 Items to Budget for When Buying a New Dog

1. Type of Dog

The type of dog that you are planning to adopt will determine how much money you spend on adoption fees. If you are not too picky, you can find someone desperately trying to give away puppies for little to no cost. Rescue and mix-breed dogs are typically cheaper than pure-bred dogs from a breeder. Puppies can also be more costly than older dogs since the demand for a puppy is higher. Finding the right dog for you is the most important part, so research the cost of what you are looking for before getting your heart set on a dog that is out of your budget range.

2. Food

If you are looking at how to save money on dog food and supplies, there are a variety of pet products on the market. Dog food comes in various sizes, styles, and prices. Decide which food brand you want your dog to eat, and then look for sales or coupons to help save money.

3. Treats

Reward treats are vital when training your dog to behave appropriately and make the habits stick. Treats are necessary when you adopt a dog so your dog knows what to expect when it behaves and listens well. Stock up on positive reward goodies at the store when they are on sale and find the ones you like the most to have an estimated budgeting plan for your dog’s food prices and purchase frequency.

4. Bed

Your dog will need a soft place to rest and go when it needs to be out of the way, like family dinner time or when guests visit. A dog bed is an excellent addition to your dog’s corner, where it can go to take time away from everyone else. Dog beds come in various shapes, sizes, features, and prices. Look at different stores and websites to see how to save money on pet bedding supplies.

5. Veterinarian Visits

Your dog will need routine checkups, vaccines, and other medical needs. When budgeting for a dog, make sure you add a line in for yearly medical expenses and a little for unexpected illnesses. The budget line will allow you to plan for all your dog's veterinarian costs when issues arise.

6. Insurance

Did you know that some pet insurance companies discount dog food and supplies when a pet owner opens a plan? This is another great way to learn how to save money on dog food and supplies. Sign your pet up with a reputable company and save on medications, food, vet visits, wellness supplies, and more. Compare companies to find the best insurance that fits your needs when budgeting for a dog.

7. Professional Training

Dogs are eager to learn and do the right things to please their owners. You can begin training your dog as soon as you welcome it home. Teaching its name, simple commands, and house boundaries, like not jumping on furniture, are excellent training opportunities. When you settle in with your dog and learn its personality, it is a good idea to contact professional trainers for strategies to help train your dog on needed behavior modifications and new manners. Budgeting for a dog trainer will take some upfront research, so you know the company you want to sign up with, its training options, and costs.

8. Basic Supplies

There are some vital yet essential dog food and supplies you need to add into your budget and learn how to save money on when planning a dog. You will need a leash, grass stake (for outside yard leashes), collar, food and water dishes, mat for food bowls, bed, kennel, and toys immediately. There are many places to go shopping for these basic necessities. Check out pet stores and online sites to find what you want for your new dog and how to save money on pet supplies.

9. Training Supplies

Training supplies are another line for your new dog budget. A clicker, whistle, short leash, reward treats, and toys are critical to your successful training environment and lessons. Learning the best tools for your dog will make training easier and get your desired results.

10. Special Event Items

As your dog becomes part of your family, you may decide to invest in some extra special items for your dog. When Halloween approaches, you may want to dress your delightful dog up in an adorable or scary costume to greet the trick-or-treaters. Birthdays are special to your dog, too, so planning for your dog’s birthday cake, candles, and party should also make it into the budgeting for a dog.

Call True Canine for Your Training Budget

True Canine knows that taking on the ownership of a new dog is very rewarding and can be costly. These tips and tricks are helpful when learning how to save money on dog food and supplies. Having a pet is a huge responsibility, and training your dog is vital to a fun and long-lasting relationship that you enjoy with your dog. 

True Canine offers in-home dog training for anyone within 150 miles of Scottsdale, Arizona. We also offer board and train programs at our facility, where your dog will receive one-on-one training with a dedicated trainer for several weeks. When you budget for dog training with True Canine, you receive a lifetime of support and refresher courses. Past client testimonials speak to our effective and successful routine strategies your dog can learn to become a well-mannered pet. Call our trainers today!