[nagdu] Cost of owning a guide dog

[Julie J]

Phil,

I have my current guide and my retired guide here.

Some people do get pet insurance, but I'd caution reading the fine print 
before signing on the dotted line.  I've heard a lot of people say they 
aren't worth the cost, that it's better to just put the money in a savings 
account.   I haven't spend that much time looking into insurance, so I have 
no idea which plans are better than others.  If this is a concern, I'd ask 
the program you are considering what sort of support they offer in cases of 
unforeseen medical expenses.

Julie



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Philip S" <philso1003 at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 4:44 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Cost of owning a guide dog


> 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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>
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