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Is Your Family Ready for a Dog?

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Can you afford a dog?

The expense of owning a dog entails more than just the cost of food and toys. You also need to pay for yearly vaccinations, annual checkups, heartworm medication, flea and tick medication, microchipping, licensing, spaying or neutering...the list goes on and on. Considering that many dogs live to be at least 10 years old, if not older, the expenses can really add up! According to the Wall Street Journal, the average cost of a dog over it's lifetime can range anywhere from $12,000 to $23,000.

And remember, the bigger the dog, the bigger the bills. No wonder some people compare owning a pet to having a child!

Next: Are you patient enough?

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