Pet Pause: The cost of having a pet - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

By Natalie Sparacio & Dolores Glytas

WAKE UP WISCONSIN (WAOW)-- This week's Pet Pause segment focused on the cost of having a pet.

Dolores Glytas, from Wisconsin Federated, joined us to share some insight on what you can expect to pay.

Purchasing VS. adoption charges:

Getting a dog- first check out your local shelter or go to petfinder.com if you are looking for a specific type of dog.

For example, if you want a yellow Labrador many shelters do have pure breeds or go to a Lab rescue site.  Your price would probably be 1/3 the price of a Breeder, and in most cases these dogs are already spayed/neutered.

Another example, at Portage County Humane Society the adoption cost for a dog is $105. The dog is spayed/neutered, micro chipped and has current shots.

A breeder may charge a minimum of $300.

Here's a breakdown of common costs to take into account:

Food - can range from $500 to $1000 or more per yr.

Carriers/crates, bedding, toys, collars lashes, etc.

Boarding or in home sitters - from $9 to $25 per day

Veterinarian charges (average): for dogs and cats

Office visit  --$30

De worming  -- $50

Rabies shot -- $30

Spay  -- $250

Neuter -- $80

Flea/Tic meds -- $50

Online Reporter: Natalie Sparacio