I gotta be honest. I decided to get a dog before I did any research about how much it costs to have one. All I knew was that I saw a picture of the cutest toy poodle ever and knew I was going to be her dog mom. But I had no clue of the financial commitment I was signing up for until I brought Sugar home and took her to her first visit with the vet.
I remember sitting there in shock asking the tech, “Wait, how many shots does she need?” And, wondering how much this was really going to cost me. “Never again,” I thought. “I will not be caught off guard like this again.”
So, this blog post is all about creating your dog mom budget and how to make it work for you and your dog.
ESSENTIAL BUDGET CATEGORIES FOR DOG MOMS
Let’s start with the basics. Every dog mom needs a budget. According to Rover.com, the annual costs of caring for a dog can range from $1,000 to $5,225 a year, while the typical monthly cost of owning a dog ranges from $80 to $440 per month. A study published by USA Today states that the average monthly cost of dog ownership is $376 a month or $4,512 annually. A budget helps you manage your dog-related expenses and keep your non-dog-related expenses in check.
In other words, it helps you financially plan to love and spoil your dog without forgetting about all the other life expenses you must manage. Every dog mom’s budget will be different. However, there are some essentials that should go in every budget:
Pet Food & Treats – Regular meals, whether dry food, wet food, or human-grade food, and treats.
Grooming & Hygiene – Costs to bathe and groom your dog, including products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and nail clippers.
Vet Visits & Pet Insurances – Regular and unexpected vet visits and pet insurance premiums.
Toys, Furniture, & Enrichment Activities – Toys, puzzles, dog beds, blankets, crates, and other furniture or décor.
Training & Care Services – Behavior training classes or coaching, daycare, dog walking, or dog sitting services.
Flea & Tick Preventative or Other Medications – Regular flea and tick preventative and any other necessary medications.
Pet Licenses – Annual fees for registering your dog.
Dog Supplies – Cleaning supplies, potty pads, poop bags, collars, leashes, food and water bowls, and harnesses.
BUDGETING FOR IMPULSE BUYS
One thing about Sugar, she’s gonna wake up and be cute. So, I never felt guilty about splurging on her when I saw a cute toy or made her a special treat. However, impulse buys, if not careful, can throw your budget off. So, I’ve found it easier to include them in my budget. Here are some strategies that’ve helped:
Give Yourself a Monthly Allowance – Include a small amount specifically for impulse buys for your dog each month. This way, you can treat your dog and still stay true to your budget. Save it if you don’t spend it every month until you see something you want to buy.
Create a “Fun Fund” Account – Deposit the amount you’ve designated for impulse buys into a “Fun Fund” account. This helps you think through those impulse buys and maybe focus on saving for something big.
Give Yourself a Limit – Set a limit for how much you can spend on impulse buys and stick to it. This allows you the freedom to buy impulsively but keeps you from going overboard.
FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR DOG MOMS
Budgeting is about creating a plan. The financial plan is designed to help you plan for your and your dog’s future selves. Here are five tips that helped me create my budget.
Be Realistic – Align your budget to what you can afford. Take a good look at your income and expenses. Use them as a guide to create a budget that makes sense for you.
Build an Emergency Fund – Contribute money towards an emergency fund in your budget. This helps handle unexpected expenses without throwing off your budget.
Review Your Budget Regularly – Review your budget at least once a month to ensure you’re on track and adjust as needed. Weekly reviews can be even more effective.
Create Your Budget Ahead of Schedule – Create a budget at least 1 to 2 months ahead. This allows you to be proactive with your money instead of reactive.
Write It Down or Record It – Keep your budget in a written or digital format. This allows you to refer to it regularly and see what you’re planning and spending.
BUDGETING METHODS FOR DOG MOM EXPENSES
All budgets are not created equally. There are a million and one budget strategies out there. It’s about picking one that works best for you. Here are three common budget methods to help you get started with your budgets.
Zero-Based Budgeting – Allocate every dollar of your income to specific expenses, savings, and investments. This method ensures that you account for all your income and know exactly where your money is going.
Envelope System – Use physical or digital envelopes for different spending categories. Once the money in an envelope is spent, you can’t spend more in that category until the next budgeting period. This method helps control spending and stick to your budget.
50/30/20 Rule – Divide your income into three categories: 50% for needs (including dog-related expenses), 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt repayment. This simple framework helps ensure a balanced approach to spending and saving.
GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR DOG MOM BUDGET
Whether you’re a brand-new dog mom or have been living this dog mom life for years, a budget is essential. However, you’re approach to getting started may vary based on your experience. So, here’s how new dog moms and experienced dog moms can approach getting started.
Starting a Budget for New Dog Moms – Start by researching the average costs associated with dog ownership, such as food, grooming, veterinary care, and supplies. List all the potential expenses and categorize them into monthly and annual costs. Set a realistic budget by allocating funds to each category based on your income. Keep track of your spending to ensure you’re staying within your limits and adjust as necessary. Additionally, set aside a small emergency fund for unexpected expenses, such as vet visits or health issues. Using budgeting tools or apps can help you stay organized and monitor your spending habits.
Creating a Budget for Existing Dog Moms – Start by listing all your current dog-related expenses, including food, grooming, vet visits, toys, and enrichment activities. Compare these expenses to your income and see if there are areas where you can cut back or need to allocate more funds. Incorporate any new costs that may have arisen, such as increased vet fees or additional grooming needs. Set realistic goals for savings and emergency funds to cover unexpected expenses. Regularly review your spending to ensure you’re staying on track and adjust as necessary. Consider using a budgeting method, such as zero-based budgeting or the envelope system, to help manage your expenses effectively.
Being a dog mom is a dope experience. Every time I see Sugar’s face, I know I made the right decision in bringing her home. Even though I didn’t really know anything about how much she really was going to cost me, I wouldn’t change my experience with her for the world. Having a budget and knowing how to work it makes this dog mom lifestyle much easier navigate and plan.
Now, we’d also love to hear from you. What’s in your dog mom budget? What budget method works best for you? Share your stories and connect with us @pupcakesugar.
If you’re looking to bake your dog treat or your still on the fence about trying, we’ve got you covered. Sign up for the Pupcake Sugar mailing list to get Sugar’s favorite birthday pupcake recipe to try at home with your dog. It’s great for dog moms who are new to baking dog treat.
Also, check out the Shop page for more of Sugar’s pupcake recipes and the stories that inspired them.
You’ll also get a chance to step into Sugar’s world. I love my dog, Sugar, and her daily shenanigans make me laugh. So, I created an illustrated character inspired by her and her love of pupcakes. Sugar’s character is a “pupcakepreneur” that owns and operates her own pupcakery called Pupcake Sugar. It’s a tongue twister, but it’s amazing what you can create when you let your imagination lead the way.
