University of Illinois Extension

Other Options

That’s right, it could cost around $2,000!  After the first year, the dog may cost you about $500-$820 a year to keep her happy and healthy.   As the dog gets older, he may require more care increasing your costs.  Can you believe it could cost this much for the privilege of having a dog?

If dog ownership is not in your budget right now, you can still enjoy the companionship of a dog in other ways. You can ask your local animal shelter about becoming a volunteer. Or you can offer to walk or sit your neighbor’s dog.