It’s easy to see why German Shepherds are a popular choice for anyone looking to add a larger dog to their family dynamic. Besides their loyalty and superior intelligence, German Shepherds are also excellent family companions and working dogs. They’re well known for having protective natures, which makes it easy for them to be recognized as a top choice for watchdogs and family protectors.
If you’ve added a German Shepherd to your shortlist of potential pets, then you may be wondering how much it will cost to own this breed if you live in Charleston, South Carolina. While the exact amount varies based on several factors, it’s estimated that you can spend as much as $3,500 on your new fur friend in the first year. Fortunately, this amount drops to around $500 – $1,500 for every year thereafter. This post explores a few key costs to expect.
Adoption Fees
How much you spend on getting your new German Shepherd will be determined by various factors, such as age and the organization or shelter you’re adopting from. Typical adoption costs can range from $150 to $500. Organizations such as Pet Helpers usually offer German Shepherd puppies at $300, while adult dogs can go for as little as $150. Senior dogs (older than eight years) can often be adopted for $125.
Vaccination Costs
As with everything else related to dog ownership, the cost of vaccinations depends on various factors such as age and current health. On average, you can expect to pay between $20 – $100 per vaccine. These are often broken down into the following categories:
- Core vaccines: Includes DHLPP, which protects against parvovirus and parainfluenza usually costs between $20-$60 per shot.
- Rabies vaccines: For German Shepherds, these can range between $20-$30.
- Non-core vaccines: These include kennel cough or Bordetella and cost less than $100.
In addition to vaccinations, your German Shepherd may also require yearly vet visits and wellness checks. The cost of these will depend on health and the reason for the visit. Typical costs of general visits, such as booster vaccines, preventative medications, and basic check-ups, can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,500 annually. Pet diagnostics (specialized tests) and emergency care could cost considerably more for a larger dog.
Food and Supplements
Assessing the exact cost of your German Shepherd’s food can be challenging because there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for big or small dogs. The amount of food your German Shepherd consumes will depend on age, health, and food type.
However, keep in mind that the average adult German Shepherd will eat about three to five cups of dry food every day. Puppies may eat softer food more frequently. Total cost is also determined by brand and whether or not you’re adding veggies and meat separately. More active dogs will also require more meals to keep their energy levels up. You can expect to pay anywhere between $600 and $1,200 per year on food, depending on brand and type.
Grooming
German Shepherds have relatively short hair, which means they may not need the specialized grooming that other long-haired breeds require. This means you can get away with spending about $60 every eight weeks. You can also brush and bathe your canine at home, which will reduce the potential costs associated with professional grooming.
Training
If you’re looking to turn your German Shepherd into a guard dog, you may need to invest in specialized guard training. Opting to have this professionally done can cost between $1,000 and $2,500. The exact price will depend on the type of training and facility being used. Basic obedience training is recommended for companion dogs and usually ranges from $50 to $500, and will be cheaper when done as part of a group.
Choose the Best Pet Insurance
No potential pet cost calculation should be complete without including a top-notch pet insurance. The good news is that Lemonade dog insurance in SC is not only affordable but comprehensive enough to suit a German Shepherd. If you’re living in Charleston, you can expect to pay anywhere between $30-$34 for quality insurance…