- We all need to have to foresight to plan our budget and time for expenses and expectations, and to understand whether we can afford a new pet before we bring our furry friend home.
- There’s no such thing as a free adoption. Even when we take in a dog with no required up front fees, remember there are basics like food, pet beds and other comforts, treats, veterinary costs, and more.

- The average expenses of the first year of dog guardianship are over $1,000 for a medium-sized dog.
Larger dogs are consistently more expensive than smaller dogs. They eat larger servings of food and require larger doses of medication when they are sick.
- Spaying and neutering our dogs are less costly in the long-run. Many try to avoid the expense of surgery to save money, but these procedures significantly reduce the risk of some cancers and diseases.
- Aside from spaying and neutering, plan on standard dog care expenses, such as standard vaccinations, teeth cleaning, and pest prevention (e.g., fleas and ticks).


