About 43.5 million U.S. households own at least one dog, and more and more dog owners are lavishing pets with amenities like nail-polish “pawdicures” and banana biscotti-pampering that takes a serious bite out of the bank account. Consider these three classes of dogs and what their varying lifestyles cost in the Chicago area.
MIDDLE CLASS MUTT
| Food: Kibbles ‘n Bits, 4 lb. bag (Petco) | $4.99 |
| Grooming: Top Paw Oatmeal Shampoo (PetSmart) | $4.99 |
| Fitness: A brisk DIY walk around the block | $0 |
| Training: Urban Dog: The Ultimate Street Smarts Training Manual, by Cis Frankel (who trained Oprah’s cocker spaniels) | $19.95 |
| Kenneling: Beg a family member or neighbor | $0 |
SPOILED PUP
| Food: Science Diet Canine Maintenance, 5 lb. bag (Petco) | $8.49 |
| Grooming: Self-service dog wash facility; includes shampoo and brushes (Scrub Your Pup; 773-348-6218) | $18 |
| Fitness: Daily walk by a certified dog walker (Urban Tailblazers; 773-388-9800) | $13 |
| Training: Eight weeks of basic obedience (Call of the Wild School for Dogs; 773-539-1088) | $250 |
| Kenneling: One night of cage-free boarding (Citizen Canine Bed & Breakfast; 773-935-3853) | $35-$45 |
HAUTE COUTURE HOUND
| Food: Six canine cannolis (Galloping Gourmutts; 773-477-5959) | $10.50 |
| Food: Innova Evo, 6.6 lb. bag (made entirely from fresh red meat without grains) (Doggy Style Pet Shop; 773-235-9663) | $16.89 |
| Grooming: Including hand drying and nail trim (Streeterville Pet Spa and Boutique; 312-787-7792) | $50 and up |
| Fitness: Five swimming lessons | $200 |
| Fitness: 30-minute treadmill session | $20 |
| Fitness: 60-minute aromatherapy massage (Pooch Chicago; 773-661-0632) | $60 |
| Training: Four in-home dog obedience training sessions | $999.99 |
Kenneling: One night in a glass-walled room, with river views, a toy chest, fresh flowers, and prints by photographer Keith Carter (Stay; 773-509-0001) |
$75 |
REX RX
Like human health care, veterinary medicine can also translate into four- or five-figure hospital bills*
1. Canine cataract surgery: $2,000-$3,000
2. Cost of your dog eating a sock: requires surgery totaling $1,500 or more
3. Cost of your dog eating pills from your medicine cabinet: $500-$800 (includes induced vomiting, blood work, and overnight monitoring at facility)
4. Puppy wellness physical exam (exam only, not including vaccinations, etc.): $33 average
5. Canine spaying, less than 25 lbs.: $148 average; canine neutering, less than 25 lbs.: $128 average
6. Total hip replacement: about $4,000
7. Kidney transplant: $10,000 and up (includes dialysis)
Sources: Veterinary Specialty Center in Buffalo Grove; American Animal Hospital Association
*Costs can vary, depending on geographic location and other factors
DID YOU KNOW?
So, you go out and spend $500 or so for a dog. That’s kibbles and bits, compared with the lifetime cost of caring for a dog, which can go as high as $50,000 and beyond.
AVERAGE ANNUAL COST OF OWNING AND CARING FOR A DOG (by Size)
$3,321
Giant dogs
(Great Dane, mastiff)
$2,569
Large dogs
(Labrador retriever, golden
retriever, German shepherd)
$2,628
Medium dogs
(cocker spaniel, corgi)
$1,831
Small dogs
(Boston terrier, shih tzu)
AVERAGE ONE-TIME COST OF DOG OWNERSHIP
$2,100
Includes expenses such as: spaying/neutering, emergency vet care, training, and supplies
Source: American Kennel Club