Sheltie Yearly Costs

[3Stars]

Here are my costs per dog:

Necessities:
Food, treats and supplements (high quality) - $800/year
Basic veterinary expenses (Frontline, yearly appts) - $200/year
Grooming (I bought my own equipment, but most of the sheltie owners I know get their dogs groomed professionally a minimum of 4x per year) - $270
Various supplies (kennels, toys, bowls, leashes, collars, tags, nail clippers, etc.) $300/year.

**Something else to consider - will you travel with your dog, or will you kennel him/her? Both options involve additional fees.

I actually spend a lot more than this on my dogs - I'm going with the absolute minimum.

I also have $5000 put aside in case of emergency veterinary bills. When Seren had HGE, the bill was over $1500 - within 72 hours. A few months after that she had to have a minor operation because of a dog park accident - $600. A few months later she had to have a large lump on her gum removed - $600. So essentially, within a year, including her normal vet fees, I spent almost $3000 on vet bills alone. And it isn't unusual for something like this to happen - I know very few dog owners who haven't been hit with a huge bill at some point.

I would echo the thoughts of others, and advise you to wait. I love dogs, and desperately wanted one, but I waited until after university, after I had a good job, after I had bought a house, and after my roommates were gone - essentially it was seven years after I graduated from university before I felt stable enough financially to make a commitment to a dog.

You may want to consider fostering at your local Humane Society - it's a great way to have a dog, without worrying about all of the expenses. They also make arrangements to keep the dogs during holidays/while you are away. They provide food (usually) and cover all veterinary expenses. I did this for about 5 years (once I had bought my own house, but before I could afford a dog). It was a great experience.

 

[3Stars]

By the way, our first year expenses were very similar to 1stSheltie as well - the first year is a very expensive year.

 

[mmcginty]

I think, at the end of the day, you're the only one who can know whether or not getting a dog is right for you. No it wouldn't be the easiest path to follow, but since when is the easiest way, the only way, or even the best way?

I'm not questioning the validity of any point that's been made. A lot of valuable insight, experience and perspective has been shared here, and I'm not trying to detract from any of it. And I agree that a decision to get a dog shouldn't be made lightly -- but you already know that, or you wouldn't have asked this question. (I realize that your question was "how much does it cost" not "should I buy one" and now I'm as guilty as everyone else of straying from the topic... oopsie.)

But life could go a million different ways, maybe you'll finish school, maybe not, maybe getting a dog would impact that, but in what way remains to be seen. A dog brings a lot of positive things to the table.

On paper, I probably can't really afford two dogs, but I might well be homeless without them, they start and end my days with a positive outlook and a smile on my face. History has proven I have a difficult time getting my work done, and I'm no fun to interact with, without a dog. Their impact on my life overall is entirely intangible, but there's no doubt in my mind that it's substantial.

Note that none of this was intended to sell you on getting a dog now, just to neutralize any negative bias that may have been applied (beyond the scope of your original question, of course.) Also note that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, so try to ignore any opposite bias I may have applied here.

So consider all the factors, weight them according to your own personal context, make your own decision that's as objective as possible, but don't discount the intangibles.

 

[sheltieluvr6]

Don't worry about giving me harsh advice. I'm getting different views from people I talk to in person too. The best thing for me is to really think it through which involves persistent opinions. I have also spent many of my free hours budgeting and finding out if this could work. There are a number of ways to address this though.

The fact that this question has strayed from "the yearly costs" to "can I get a dog?" is actually perfect. For me, they are one in the same. I am a person who is motivated when it comes to animals. I would do anything in my control to provide and give him a life that was deserved. Of course, there are events that are unfortunately not in my complete control. Puppies are notorious for experimenting and finding trouble. For this reason, I would need an emergency fund. I know firsthand how expensive a dog can be. My family had a shih tzu who had continuous health problems after discovering chocolate in the cupboard one afternoon. In the later years of his life, he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism(I believe or something of the like). I know that I was only a kid so I didn't exactly know for myself the hurt of those costs, but I was involved in Mushu's life. When he was in trouble, I'd make sure I knew everything from my parents' standpoints. I was 18 when he died so I understood the cost of his illness later on in his life. That being said, I know what can arise.

Those "just in case" places that I had set up wasn't because of doubt. I believe that no matter what, it is good to have a backup plan. That's just my personality. I like to think things through to every detail before I invest in something. A dog is one of those experiences. I completely respect everyone's advice and warnings. Don't get me wrong. It is all taken into consideration.

For right now, I am heavily measuring all expenses down to the last toy and flea medication. As I've said before, I'm dedicated to animals. All advice does not fall on deaf ears here. I'm considering every opinion seriously even if I will be the final decision. I have also always been someone who to takes others advice before making the decision myself. This isn't the case this time around. I am extremely grateful for you all and for your opinions. And no matter what my decision is, please don't hate me for it. I might get him and I might not. But either way, I will be prepared.

 

[3Stars]

Don't worry about giving me harsh advice. I'm getting different views from people I talk to in person too. The best thing for me is to really think it through which involves persistent opinions. I have also spent many of my free hours budgeting and finding out if this could work. There are a number of ways to address this though.

The fact that this question has strayed from "the yearly costs" to "can I get a dog?" is actually perfect. For me, they are one in the same. I am a person who is motivated when it comes to animals. I would do anything in my control to provide and give him a life that was deserved. Of course, there are events that are unfortunately not in my complete control. Puppies are notorious for experimenting and finding trouble. For this reason, I would need an emergency fund. I know firsthand how expensive a dog can be. My family had a shih tzu who had continuous health problems after discovering chocolate in the cupboard one afternoon. In the later years of his life, he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism(I believe or something of the like). I know that I was only a kid so I didn't exactly know for myself the hurt of those costs, but I was involved in Mushu's life. When he was in trouble, I'd make sure I knew everything from my parents' standpoints. I was 18 when he died so I understood the cost of his illness later on in his life. That being said, I know what can arise.

Those "just in case" places that I had set up wasn't because of doubt. I believe that no matter what, it is good to have a backup plan. That's just my personality. I like to think things through to every detail before I invest in something. A dog is one of those experiences. I completely respect everyone's advice and warnings. Don't get me wrong. It is all taken into consideration.

For right now, I am heavily measuring all expenses down to the last toy and flea medication. As I've said before, I'm dedicated to animals. All advice does not fall on deaf ears here. I'm considering every opinion seriously even if I will be the final decision. I have also always been someone who to takes others advice before making the decision myself. This isn't the case this time around. I am extremely grateful for you all and for your opinions. And no matter what my decision is, please don't hate me for it. I might get him and I might not. But either way, I will be prepared.

No one will hate you no matter which way you decide. You're clearly taking this seriously, you're listening to advice, and you're putting considerable thought into your decision. Your puppy will be very lucky to get an owner like you, whenever you choose to get it

 

[Moxie]

While it's good and important to have money (or a credit card you don't use) set aside for emergencies, you can actually care for the usual day to day of your pet rather inexpensively.

I've owned healthy, happy dogs my entire life and have always lived paycheck to paycheck. I bought a Sheltie a couple weeks ago and aside from his purchase price I've only spent around $20 so far. $50 if you count food.

Dog bowls: Less than $5, for two dogs. Using $1 plastic or glass people bowls bought at Walmart for food. Everything's $1 store also has glass bowls that would work fine. I looked for inexpensive, sturdy ones. In the past my pets always had ceramic nice dog bowls, but they aren't really all that necessary. For water I prefer stainless and you can easily use an inexpensive stainless mixing bowls from Ikea or similar.

Dog bed: Free. Any old comforter works just fine!

Crate: Keep an eye out on Freecycle, Yard sales and Goodwill. Brand new crates are ridiculously overpriced.

Toys: Free. Make toys out of old socks, gloves, etc. I love this site: homemade dog toys.

Dog Food: This is the one area that I try not to overly skimp. I don't feed my dogs crap. Normally I feed Natural Balance but when I'm tight on money I feed Natures Recipe, which is pretty decent. You can get a 35 lb bag for around $35 at PetCo. There's usually coupons you can print online too. For treats I make my own out of sweet potatoes, or make a batch of bland peanut butter oatmeal cookies baked extra long for crispiness.

Collars, leashes: Look at flea markets and yard sales.

Vaccinations: Keep an eye out for shot clinic specials. Low cost spay/neuter places usually do vaccinations very inexpensively. They are usually a good place to get flea and heartworm meds from too.

I do all my grooming myself. It's not that hard to learn, especially if you start from a puppy and do it as your dog grows into adulthood. You'll figure it out. I've found the brushes and combes very inexpensively just from looking around.

It's really not that hard to care for your pet economically, whenever you truly feel it's the right time. Just keep an eye out for a good deal and buy little by little, as you can.

 

[sheltieluvr6]

Thank you for the support 3Stars! I truly don't deserve such great friends!

That is a great site, Moxie! I just looked through the entire thing. Homemade toys are so clever. Especially the water bottle in a sock. Genius! The nice fact is that I have most of my old shih tzu's things such as a crate, a few brushes, nail clippers, bowls, and toys galore. The major expenses would be an exercise pen, grooming supplies (furminator from ebay and shears/scissors), flea/tick meds, vaccinations, and food. Adding it all up together, it's not even that much. By saving money on smaller, less important items, I found that I have more money left over to put into the emergency fund. I really think that this is doable if I am frugal. Though nothings for certain yet. The breeder hasn't given me any updates since three weeks and the puppies just reached five weeks today But good comes to those who wait huh?

 

[Lysette85]

A great dog food comparison site is dogfoodadvisor if you want to be able to compare 1 star foods with 5 star foods. I'd be careful about feeding out of anything plastic due to plastics breaking down over time and dogs tend to chew plastic bowls. Glass is a healthier choice. For dog food storage, I recommend buying a large storage container but leave the food in the bag and place it in the container. Dog food bags typically are made to preserve the taste and freshness of the food. Placing the food on a different container can cause the food to absorb a different flavor-I don't leave the measuring cup in the bag, either!

Just a quick note about food-higher quality foods (4-5 star) tend to be much more digestible, which means less food is needed per feeding, and less poop for you to scoop! Not to mention your sheltie will have a more luxurious, healthy coat, and the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to be healthy inside as well.

Homemade toys will save you money, but just remember that if you use a household item/article of your own clothing like a sock to make a toy, your pup may not understand that chewing on one of your socks on the floor is not acceptable.

Both my pups just turned a year and I have spent thousands on them. No health issues-just a couple scares from one jumping and hurting his leg, cracking a tooth chewing on something, and everything else has been spent on food ($80 for 30lb bag of Orijen) and toys, leashes, etc. I don't have children so I spend wayyy too much money on buying "unnecessary" things for them haha!

Good luck with your decision, there is a lot to consider-financials and time. Depending on your pup's age you may not be able to leave it for more than a few hours at a time. But just make a list on paper so you have something tangible you can reference and add to as you think of other expenses and whatnot. In the end, your gut will most likely have the right answer for you.

 

[Moxie]

Homemade toys will save you money, but just remember that if you use a household item/article of your own clothing like a sock to make a toy, your pup may not understand that chewing on one of your socks on the floor is not acceptable.

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In all my years with dogs I've never encountered this. Once you toss it at them and engage in play with the item they will realize it's theirs. They won't get "their" sock confused with another of yours.

 

[bi-blacks]

We have lived with shelties for thirties years, good times and bad (financially) and their lives have enriched ours in more ways than I could count.
I believe you can make anything work if you set your mind and heart to it. One of our fur kids cost us $$ dearly over his years but we would paid it off as life went along and he was worth every penny. I would never have changed things.There will always be something to come along but if we live our lives waiting for the perfect time life could pass us by. The unexpected can happen to ourselves too but we don't have crystal balls to tell the future. As has been mentioned you can economize on a lot of your dogs daily living items but their food, exercise and your love are the most important. Shelties are very adaptable and trainable dogs, that is what I love about them, so they can live in a variety of situations. Only you can make the decision to be a puppy parent but you sound like the type of person who would make things work. I wish you the best of luck no matter what you decide.