Getting a Thrifty Sidekick: Planning for a Pet

First Daughter Malia Obama with Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog gifted from the late Senator Kennedy

Are you considering getting a dog?  What a big decision you have before you! There are so many different things to think about such as choosing from a panoply of breeds, where you will get your pet, and how to budget properly for your new family member. Clearly, this can be an overwhelming decision so let's try to break it down.



Choosing a Breed:

Millie, a springer spaniel, is the author of Millie's Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush

Take the time to research a dog breed--it's not wise to make an impulse buy. Animal Planet's breed selector tool, will ask you some questions about your preferences in breed and match you to several options to get you started. When you narrow down your search, actively seek out dog owners and people with experience with that breed through local veterinary clinics and shelters. Other things to consider are:


Living space- Do you live in an apartment or a home with a large backyard, or even a farm? Some dogs need lots of space to run around.


Climate- Do you live in a New England known for it's long, bitter winters, or California with a less harsh climate? Most dogs aren't very heat tolerant, but there are variations in every breed.

Security: Are you looking for a bodyguard or just a buddy? Certain larger dogs and medium sized dogs with strong personality types are good watchdogs and loyal protectors of their owners.

Grooming: Do you have a lot of time and/or money to groom your dog? Certain breeds require significant upkeep because of their coats, and others might be able to get buy with a brushing once a week.

First Lady Grace Coolige with Rob Roy, a white collie

Should you Adopt or Purchase a Purebred?:

We are not going to discuss the ethics of breeding versus adopting. People who advocate for purchasing purebred dogs often express that they feel more "secure" buying a dog with an established lineage and genetic history that is readily available. This might make the owner feel that they are taking on "less risk" in the long run by taking appropriate steps to avoid or postpone the onset of chronic illnesses which certain breeds are susceptible to. Perhaps the owner wishes to have a certain breed of dog that is not typically found in local rescue shelters.

To find a reputable breeder search through a local veterinarian, a grooming parlour, or obediance trainers. Never give your credit card online and then have a pet shipped to you. Once you select a breeder, you should make a trip up to the breeding farm to screen the breeder. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or the sire) of your puppy. Monitor how the dogs at the breeder's home interact with the breeder. You might have to write a bit of background about yourself to the breeder  which shows that you have done some homework on the breed you have in mind, and that you have a plan on how to provide for the dog. This is because, a responsible breeder will be screening you too to make sure you will provide a good home for the pup.

Check out the Learnvest slideshow on 11 Most Expensive Dog Breeds

On the other side of the fence are people who advocate for adoption. These people often cite the US Humane Society statistic that every 8 seconds a pet is "put down" in animal shelters across the country due to pet overpopulation. Many of these pets have been abused or neglected by former owners and require caring, patient owners. If you are looking for a specific breed of dog, try to find rescue shelters that have rescued specific breeds from abusive homes.

There are three kinds of adoption organizations: municipal animal shelters, private humane societies and SPCAs and rescue organizations. The Shelter Project makes it easy to find pet shelter's in your area with their Shelter Finder tool.

Budgeting for your Pet:

First daughter Lucy Baines Johnson with her beagle

Taking the time now to think about the future costs of getting a pet is one of the best things you can do for your little pal. By researching the costs now and putting aside money from each paycheck for this purpose, will benefit you when you finally do pick up your pup.

Remember to consider the following:

Boarding/Pet-Sitting- If you are planning on being away every weekend, or travel a lot of business, you should consider how much it will cost to pay a pet-sitter or to board your animal in a kennel.

Food- Some dogs might need sensitive stomach food, others will need sensitive skin food. Puppys get their own special food too. Start planning ahead on which wholesale clubs give the best deals on dog food, and collect coupons or stock up now.

Health Care- Dogs at shelters usually receive their first round of vaccines and frequently have been already spayed or neutered. Your dog will also need annual shots and boosters. If the area you live in is prone to ticks, fleas, and heartworms, then there will be preventative costs to this too.

Supplies- The biggest priority is to purchase a collar with identification, a food bowl, and a leash. Additional supplies include toys, nail files, grooming brushes, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and a training crate.

Emergencies- Accidents happen to us, of course they can happen to your dog too. Set aside money into your emergency account fund for your pet too in case of unexpected accidents, injuries and illnesses that could happen at any time, however well you look after your dog.

This is by no means an all-exhaustive list. For estimates on how much this could all cost, check out RaisingSpot.com. 


As you can see, getting a dog is a big responsibility! We hope you and your thrifty side-kick are a match made in heaven.