Why does he need a dog
right now?
Even if he does go the mixed-breed route, I would encourage him to only do so once he's put away an emergency fund specifically for the dog (or future dog) as to not cripple his own personal finances should something go wrong.. because when you love a dog, you'll do anything you can to keep that dog healthy.
Quote:
| My son cannot afford a puppy from the breeder I used. |
The purchase price is the *tip* of the iceberg with pet ownership costs. I take it you own a Yorkie yourself, but sometimes it's easy to overlook how much we spend on our furry friends.
Please discuss the potential costs of owning a puppy, and help him figure out if he can afford a Yorkie.
Keep in mind, getting a rescue is always an option.. and they're already vaccinated and altered.
In the first
YEAR your son owns this dog, he is likely to incur the following costs:
$125 Food. My 5lb dog eats 1 bag of $15 Evo per month. She's a light eater, YPMV.
$30 Collar, Leash, Tag
$120 Two vet exam fees. (just to have the vet look at the dog)
$150 vaccinations
$120 flea/tick/heartworm preventative
$45 microchip
$200 Neuter (unless we're continuing in its fathers footsteps)
$30 crate
$50 grooming supplies (assuming that isn't done professionally)
$15 City License fee
$100 toys/treats/clothes
$125 (optional) Pet insurance $15/mo
----------
$1110 is where we're at now , and please remember, that's
only the first year, assuming
nothing goes wrong.
The following things could also happen.
- Dog has an emergency or trauma (as Lorraine said) $500-$3000 vet fees.
- Dog needs to be boarded $30-60/day.
- Dog needs to fly w/ you. $75-150 for each direction of flying (fee X 2 for a round trip)
- Pet deposit for rental. $150-500
- Pet rent for rental. $20-60 per month. ($240-720/yr)
I don't mean in any way to chastise you or your son, and I do hope you take this into consideration.