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The Cost Of Owning A Dog |
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How much is the doggy in the window..? £17,000? Or more..?
The average lifetime cost of owning a dog is about £17,000 according to new research undertaken by a UK pet insurance company
That’s just the AVERAGE lifetime cost for man’s best friend. (It did occur to me that I haven’t heard of any pet insurance companies going bust in the recession. Call me a cynic and all that…)
We’re famously a country that loves our animals and you may well judge that the cost is worth it, but who'd have thought your dog is likely to cost you more than a brand new family car. Here are the facts:
- The study found the typical lifetime expense of keeping a dog for the average canine lifespan of 13 years is around £16,900. You could have a brand spanking new Audi A3 for £500 less than that! (The equivalent figure for cats is £17,200 over the average lifespan of 15 years.)
- The research also indicates that if a pet dog lives for 20 years the fees can reach £27,000. We’re pretty close to shiny new Jaguar territory, there!
- Food accounts for about one third of the average annual spend on a pet dog, (41% for a pet cat). Vet fees account for 15%.
- The average annual cost of owning a dog is £1,183, rising to £1,418 during a 13 year life expectancy when inflation is taken into account.
- Dog owners typically spend £121 a year on gifts and treats for their dogs
What’s interesting from my point of view is that there’s no data for the average cost of dog training, which I think any responsible dog owner should budget for. Good quality professional advice is an investment which pays for itself several times over.
Most Dogfather clients don't want to be at Crufts next year at the obedience competitions, they just want a well behaved dog in an ‘real world’ sense - One they can walk calmly and be proud of every day. That’s not too much to ask, and over the lifetime of your dog it’s not expensive. To misuse the words of the credit card adverts of a couple of years ago: Cost of a happy dog and owner: Priceless!
Fact is, I have to do something to make a living: I desperately need the money: You see, I have two lovely big Rottweilers and a Jack Russell to support. That’s second-hand Ferrari money, right there! (No wonder I trundle about in an old Land Rover. Ho hum!)
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Graeme Hall MGoDT, 'The Dogfather' is one of the UK's leading dog trainers. Based in
Northamptonshire, covering all of the UK. I'm a Master Dog Trainer with the Guild Of Dog Trainers. I've
trained over 1,200 dogs. I'm recommended by vets. I'm one of the few dog
trainers chosen by the Hollywood film industry and you'll frequently
hear me on BBC Radio.
I
can come to you wherever you are – and
wherever there is a dog behaviour problem to fix or expert dog advice
needed. Contact me today!
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Dogs I've worked with: |
1,432
updated on 21 Feb 2012
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