Owning a dog is arguably one of the single most rewarding experiences that people get to enjoy. Pit bull owners in particular seem to know they’ve hit the jackpot. Here is a creature that you can shower with your love and affection and in return it showers you with theirs. A dog that is never judgemental and never points out your flaws. They love you unconditionally and without fear and are always thrilled to see you the moment you walk through the door. 

As much as pit bull owners love their pups, owning this breed - or any other breed labeled a “dangerous breed” - does come with some extra expenses. With pet ownership in general on the rise, striking the balance between affordability and quality care can be a real challenge.  

Costs of Pet Ownership

Many people looking into adopting a pet for the first time fail to adequately estimate the monthly costs associated with owning a pet. Initial adoption fees and pet supply purchases are typically the first hurdle. For instance, first-time dog owners will have to pay any adoption fees and purchase necessities like dog food and bowls, a collar, a leash, dog tags, bedding, and toys to keep the new pop entertained.  

A variety of other purchases may also become necessary depending upon the pet, their health, and a wide range of other factors. The average household spends between $100 and $150 per month on their pet. Many first-time owners don’t realize that there are many other hidden expenses associated with a dog such as: 

  • Vaccination fees;
  • Microchipping;
  • Dog door installation;
  • Fencing; 
  • Training classes;
  • Crate or kennel purchases;
  • Puppy pads or waste bags;
  • Flea and tick prevention;
  • Grooming supplies;
  • Apps to track your pet’s whereabouts and their health;
  • Odor remover and cleaning supplies;
  • Dog jackets and outdoor gear;
  • Pet sitting or doggy daycare fees.

Pet ownership is expensive and many people are feeling the strain of providing quality care for their best friend. Some economic reports indicate that even the costs of the basics such as food and veterinary care are becoming too much. Pet food today costs up to 25% more than it did in 2020 and veterinary care is up over 10% in the last year. 

Bully Breed Add-ons

Of course, all of the above is associated simply with owning a dog. There are often additional expenses and things to consider if you are the owner of a bully breed. Bully breeds, which include pit bulls, are defined by a couple major characteristics. Basically they are dogs with square bodies, broad shoulders, blocky heads, and thick neck and shoulder muscles. 

Although owners of these breeds of dogs recognize that they are typically just large, lovey, squish mellows, that isn’t exactly how all of society sees it. Pretty much any dog that fits within a bully breed is considered a “dangerous breed,” which comes with a lot of hidden costs. For instance, you will have to search for a home insurance company that doesn’t add on extra fees if you are a pitbull owner, as many companies may try to up the price of your premium if you own this breed. 

The same goes for renter insurance policies, where the biggest concern is typically dog bite claims. Some pit bull owners haven’t even been able to get that far though - a large number of landlords will not rent homes to people with pit bulls or other bully breeds, which often makes finding a safe home challenging and more expensive. 

Finding Affordability Tips and Tricks

It is expensive to own a dog, especially a pit bull or other bully breed, but there are a lot of ways to help make it all more affordable too. One of the best ways to start is by looking for deals on lightly used pet supplies and toys. This can be done several ways such as by hitting the local thrift store, scouring local buy/sale/trade sites, or simply by coordinating a pet toy exchange with some of your friends that own dogs. 

Other ways to help save money while giving your pet a quality life involve getting active with them. Long walks around the neighborhood and a game of fetch at the local park are free and your dog will love getting out on an adventure full of new smells. If your dog can be trusted in the house during the day, perhaps opt for going to the local dog park after work to burn energy rather than paying for doggie day care. 

Aside from adjusting your pet spending, there are a bunch of tools available to help with saving and budgeting. Some of them can actually turn saving money into a fun thing! Many people find cash stuffing or doing a 52-week savings challenge a great way to help them save money. Others opt for apps that automate saving by doing things like rounding up to the nearest dollar on purchases or gamifying budgeting. 

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Dogs are truly any human’s best friend. However, they can be expensive little critters and finding ways to budget for them is a challenge. This can be especially true if you own a bully breed. Fortunately, small savings and changes in your routine can make a big difference in being able to keep your pet happy and healthy.