[nagdu] Cost of owning a guide dog

[Philip S]

Hi Julie,
Thanks for your detailed answers.  You mentioned "both of your dogs".
Do you have 2 guide dogs?  Yes, vet visits and unforeseen medical
expenses can be costly.  Is it a common practice for people to buy
health insurance for their guide dogs such as from PetPlan?
Thanks.
Phil


On 2/20/11, Julie J <julielj at neb.rr.com> wrote:
> Phil,
>
> My best answer is...it depends.  It's hard to pin down an exact amount I
> spend monthly or yearly because there are so many variables. Here's my best
> guess at your individual questions.
>
>> About how much can I expect the cost to increase as a dog gets bigger >
>> (eat more?) and older (more vet visits?)
> *> The cost you incur on food won't really change over the lifetime of the
> dog since all the programs will be matching you with an adult dog.   Whether
> or not you spend a lot on vet visits totally depends on the individual
> health of the dog.  I wish I knew of some way to predict health and
> longevity, but I don't.*
>
>> In particular, how much do you spend each month (or each year on the
>> following)?
>> Food  *approx. $600 per year I have a very large dog who cannot tolerate
>> corn, wheat or soy*
>> Treats *I only buy treats every now and then, maybe $20 per year.
>> Typically I use regular dog food or find something appropriate from the
>> refridgerator.*
>> Snacks *I don't really do snacks*
>> regular Vet visit*approx. $30 per year, but I live in a very rural
>> environment.  My vet is super cheap compared to what you'd experience in a
>>
>> large city.*
>> Major medical expense*Absolutely no way to know in advance.*
>> supplies*I've had dogs for all of my life.  Many of the supplies I have
>> like brushes etc.  I've had for ages.  None of them were very expensive,
>> except for the Furminator.  You could buy all the brushes and combs you'd
>> need for under $20.  I think the dishes I have cost something like $7 or
>> so.*
>> Kennel*Again I have a very large dog, 27 inches tall.  There aren't a lot
>> to choose from when you get to that size.  I have a VariKennel which was
>> about $100.*
>> license*Spayed or neutered dogs are $5 here, which I do pay.  Technically
>> speaking a fee cannot be charged to you because of your choice of mobility
>>
>> tool.  Your experience in getting local authorities to understand this may
>>
>> vary.*
>> Toy*my dogs are spoiled in the toy department.  They have an entire bin
>> full of them.  I try to pick super durable toys that will last a long
>> while though.  I'd say the current toy selection probably cost me around
>> $100, but they weren't purchased all at once and they obviously don't need
>>
>> all of those toys.  I like King Wholesale for toys.  They are about half
>> the price of Petsmart or Petco.*
>>
>> Do you visit any dog/pet website?
> *Yes, many.  I like King Wholesale for toys, supplies, grooming needs etc.*
>
> Do you get your dog food/supplies
>> online or at a store?
>> *Generally online.  Again I live in a very, very small town.  There is no
>> pet store here.  I feed Flint River Ranch dog food to both of my dogs.
>> it's only available on line and delivered to your front door.*
>> Thanks very much for your help!
> *No problem.  I did want to mention that most/all of the guide dog programs
> will provide you with a couple of toys, a mat or crate, leash, collar,
> harness, food bowl, brush and probably other stuff I'm forgetting at the
> moment.  the two major expenses are food and vet bills.  Some of the
> programs will provide a yearly stipend or  assistance with unforseen vet
> costs.  If you live close enough to the school I think most of them will
> allow you to take your dog there for vet visits free of charge.*
>
> Julie
>
>
>
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