How to Budget for a New Dog
It may take new dogs a while to adjust to apartment living, but it can be a wonderful experience for both you and the pup. One thing you need to prepare for is the cost of caring for a dog. Between food, grooming, pet insurance and more, you could easily spend thousands of dollars annually. Luckily, there are ways to make the cost more manageable as long as you plan ahead of time.
CONSIDER ADOPTION
Another way to cut pet costs is to take your dog to the vet regularly for routine check-ups. These preventive visits will be much more affordable than treating an actual problem. When budgeting for this expense, you need to consider whether you live in a small or big city. Veterinary costs tend to be higher in larger cities.
SEEK PREVENTIVE VETERINARY CARE
Every neighborhood has its own personality. If you’ve just moved to a new city and aren’t sure which area best suits your lifestyle, you may want to consider a short-term lease. People usually don’t test drive just one vehicle before buying it. They go out on countless first dates before getting married. Why not treat your search for the perfect apartment the same way? Short-term leasing allows you to get to know the neighborhood while living in it. If you decide you don’t like that particular location, you can try out a different one without breaking a long-term lease and paying penalties.
GET PET INSURANCE
Between one to two percent of this nation’s dogs have insurance. It really is a shame because pet insurance is a major asset when you are trying to budget for a pet. On average, this insurance costs about $225 annually, which is significantly less than if you had to pay out of your own pocket for every vet visit.
