The cost of a puppy, be it a purebreed or from a shelter, is basically a down payment. You might be able to find a puppy for 100$, but you've got to factor in supplies and vet visits. The costs wracks up very quickly.
After we got our puppy, we spent 200$ on supplies alone, right off the bat. Part of that was a crate, but at least 100$ of that was just your basics....leash/collar, grooming supplies, pee pads, monthly flea meds etc.
Soon after we had to get him treated for worms and ear mites, which was another 100$ there.
Even with a shelter dog, you're going to have other expenses that need to be factored in. We got our pound-hound when she was a tiny puppy, she might have been 100$...but she was so sick that within six weeks we had spent several times that amount in vet bills.
In my family, we've come to the conclusion whenever you get a young *anything* you better expect them to have *something*. Maybe its a cold, or worms, or just a bad case of fleas, but its always something. |