How Much It Costs to Own a Dog in Florida – Boca Raton’s Most Reliable News Source

The cost of owning a dog by state

Boca Raton, FL – Dogs are often the perfect companions. Many of us consider our dogs to be family, and we will do whatever it takes to provide the best care for our beloved puppies. The average new dog owner pays about $1,750 in ownership expenses, and some residents pay close to $3,000 a year. We’ve broken down the average cost of owning a dog by food, pet insurance, vet visits, vaccines, and spay/neuter for each state. Read more for details and what to expect for your dog.

The most expensive state to own a dog

Delaware: $2,864

. Groceries: $1,609 per year

. Pet Insurance: $548 per year

. Visit to the veterinary office: $67 per year

. Vaccines & spay/neuter service: $640

The cheapest state to own a dog

Idaho: $1,232

. Food: $103 per year

. Pet Insurance: $503 per year

. Visit to the veterinary office: $53 per year

. Vaccines & Spay/Neuter Services: $573

Interesting insights

• On average, Delaware residents pay $2,864 in dog ownership costs — the highest in the United States.
• Residents in Idaho, the cheapest state for dog ownership, typically pay $1,232 in dog ownership costs.
• Vet visits in New York typically cost $77 per year, the highest in the United States, while Arkansas residents typically pay $51.
• Dog food in Delaware costs over $200 more a year than in Massachusetts, the second most expensive state.

Dog food costs

Dog food comes in many varieties and, like human food, can vary in quality and ingredients. Dogs can eat wet or dry food, and some brands even have chilled fresh meals. The most suitable food for your dog depends on its breed, activity level and health. The cost of groceries depends on the brand and where it is bought, e.g. B. via a subscription service, delivery or in a store. On average, Americans pay $581 a year for dog food. Premium dry dog ​​food typically costs more per pound than regular dry dog ​​food and can cost significantly more in smaller states with a smaller local inventory.

In general, you should consult a veterinarian and discuss your dog’s nutritional requirements to determine the best dog food. If your dog has a medical condition, specialized food brands may cost more due to the quality ingredients, but some dogs may only need standard kibble to meet their nutritional needs.

Pet insurance cost

Visits to the vet can be expensive, and pet insurance gives dog owners peace of mind and can save them money. In the United States, pet owners pay anywhere from $407 to $735 per year for pet insurance, and like other insurance plans, the cost varies depending on what the plan covers. Typically, pet insurance policies can cover:

• accidents and injuries
• Chronic or frequent diseases
• Serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes
• Hereditary disorders such as hip dysplasia, eye disorders and blood disorders
• testing and diagnosis
• Procedures such as surgery, hospitalizations, nursing, endoscopies and chemotherapy
• Holistic and alternative procedures such as acupuncture, chiropractic and laser therapy
• Vaccinations, flea/heartworm and spay/neuter surgeries
• Behavior therapy for problems such as destructive chewing, excessive barking and aggression

‍Some plans can cover all of these examples, or you can choose to cover just a selection of services. Plus pet insurance Not cover pre-existing medical conditions, grooming, food, supplements, or other treatments that are considered non-veterinary. Nonetheless, pet insurance can potentially help with long-term veterinary expenses and comfort owners who want to prepare for accidents or unforeseen emergencies. In other cases, we sometimes need our pet for emotional support. Pettable makes it easy to get in touch with a licensed professional who can write an ESA letter. Find out if you qualify in just a few easy steps.

Cost of vet visits

A visit to the vet can cost as little as $100 or thousands depending on the service, breed, and urgency. After-hours vet visits to a veterinary clinic will usually charge higher fees for services, especially for complex surgeries like emergency surgery or if your pup gets too much chocolate. However, routine annual checkups typically cost less than $100 without pet insurance. According to responsible animal husbandry guidelines, pets deserve preventive and therapeutic health care from their owners. Routine vet visits usually don’t break the bank and can help identify health issues that your pet isn’t showing.

‍Additional vet or pet grooming visits may include services such as grooming, teeth cleaning, and heartworm and fecal testing. For most breeds, these other visits cost about $25-$75 each, and some dogs may need routine services year-round.

cost of vaccines

Dog owners can expect to pay $175 to $228 for pet vaccines, and vets may recommend the following:

• Bordetella – an optional vaccine given to dogs that are frequently exposed to other dogs (many daycares or kennels require Bordetella)
• DAPP – a recommended vaccine for puppies against distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis]parainfluenza and parvovirus
• Bivalent influenza – an optional vaccine that can protect against kennel cough or the flu virus
• Leptospirosis – an optional vaccine that can protect against bacterial infections that can cause the disease leptospirosis
• Lyme disease – an optional vaccine that can protect against tick-borne infection.
• Rabies – A mandatory vaccine that can protect against infected animal bites

‍Most of these vaccines are given during the puppy phase, but DAPP and rabies usually require additional doses throughout your dog’s life.

Cost of neutering or spraying

Typically, it costs Americans between $265 and $460 to have their dogs spayed/neutered. Not all pet owners may choose to have their dog neutered/neutered, and there are a few reasons why it makes sense to leave your dog intact. For example, a dog breeder may choose to spay or neuter the dog after a few years, or some owners may have concerns about the lasting health effects. However, most pet owners choose to have their dogs neutered/neutered, and most kennels and daycares only accept dogs that are neutered/neutered to avoid accidental whelping.

‍If you have specific concerns about spaying or neutering, it’s best to speak to a veterinarian. Some dog breeds may have risks with the procedure, or it may be possible to postpone it until later in the dog’s life.

Cost breakdown by state

‍Doug Reffue – CEO and Founder of Pettable