[nagdu] Cost of owning a guide dog

Mon Feb 21 23:13:20 UTC 2011

I used a cane for about 17 years or so. A dog can find things where as
a cane can not, but a cane can give you more tacticle info. I prefer
the dog obviously.

On 2/21/11, Julie J <julielj at neb.rr.com> wrote:
> 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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