ownership costs?

[aggiez28]

i would like to know the general ownership costs of a boxer. I am not so much worried about the one time or occasional things (crate, collars, dog bowl etc etc) as I am the monthly/yearly costs (significant reoccurring expenses) such as food and medical expenses.

what are some general numbers?

[Spyglass Sally]

Welcome to the forum - good question! Probably like having kids, the cost per dog goes down if you have more than one because of things they can share or buying volume.

We only have one and I budgeted $100/mo for food, doctors, toys, etc. Honestly, I have had trouble meeting that but

1) he eats well.
2) I'm a sucker for toys (& he's a destroyer of toys).
3) so far, each quarter seems to bring something we hadn't counted on. Training expenses at first, then bedding that needed to be replaced, an unexpected doctor visit - that type of thing.

I think we're getting closer to it now, but it's involved me being sure to watch the expenses with him and make cutbacks where needed - just like with the budget for our living expenses. It's really like having a child in many ways.

[Marylou Mader]

Not everyone feels their dog needs it, but if you are a person that likes to go to events training would be a cost factor.

Most dogs/handlers need at least a series of 10 sessions to learn control and command, this can run anywhere from 75.00 to hundreds depending on the facility.

[Ron]

Collars are almost always more than a one time purchase. I think we bought newman 4-5 in this first year.

1. he outgrew them
2. he chewed them.


The greatest cost is going to be vet visits (vaccines, check ups, injuries and getting fixed)

[Erin251]

food wise, for just Bo we spend an average of $45 a month which makes out to $540 a year, vet costs 100% depends on the dog, bo has only had vaccines heart-worm and he got neutered the neutering was $125(i think) the heart worm is $6 a pill(once a month) and i honestly can remember what the vaccines were. but some dogs will go in for more then just that, like if they swallow something they shouldnt have or if they get hurt in some way. factor in our one toy a month limit(set by hubby) and that is an average of $15 a month(sometimes more or less)... and collars are always not a one time thing, and those are at least 10-15 dollars... so if my calculations are correct the average yearly cost for just Bo will be around $950. and that is if we have no surprises and only for one dog.

[bruinsBoxers]

I tell new owners to put away $25 a month towards unexpected illness . You just never know when an accident may happen .

Vet costs will vary depending on area but I would think $200 per dog per year for a healthy dog with no medical conditions . Just a routine well visit , of course add in vaccines and it will be higher.

A good quality kibble will run about $50 per dog per month . Feeding raw will be more around $100+ a month per dog for the size of a boxer.

I think training should be ongoing throughout the dogs life so at least one set of classes per year , at least for the first few years.

Regular supplies like collars , leashes, beds , toys . They all wear out ( or get eaten ) and need to be replaced .

Don't forget boarding expenses if you go on vacation and can not take your dog with you . Around here it is $25-$30 per day per dog for a good boarding kennel.

[Doreen]

I just spent $54.97 for the largest bag of kibble (venison/sweet potato) which lasts my 2 dogs 2 weeks!