I want to get a poodle, but my mom said I could get one if I saved up for a poodle plus one month of care. She thinks this impossible beacause I am not allowed to go outside by myself, and make a lemonade stand or whatever. Please tell me exactly HOW much money I need for care for a standard poodle in one month.
If you can, tell me ways to earn money as a 13 year old with an overprotective mom
Thanks!
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You may think your dog is overprotective but I think your mom is very smart because she is teaching you the real meaning of responsibility and money in a very positive and productive way.
If you can not go outside to make a lemonade stand (which is no way to make money, by the way), then I have to wonder where you live and whether it is an appropriate place to have a dog. Do you live in an apartment? On the busiest street in city? Do you have a yard? If you can’t go outside alone, who is going to walk the dog and where?
First, to buy the dog, you have to be sure to get it from a rescue or a reputable breeder. If you get it from a rescue, get it from a breed specific rescue. To do this, Google standard poodle rescue and look for a breed specific rescue in your area that has rescued poodles for adoption. The adoption fees are usually between $250 and $5. To purchase a quality dog who has been from parents that are health tested is going to cost at least $15 – $20 or more. If you find a dog much less expensive than that, it is the result of a back yard breeder or a mill and you stand a good chance of getting a dog that will develop serious and expensive vet problems in the future. And NEVER buy a dog from a pet store. They are all mill dogs and have all kinds of problems.
As for how to earn money, again, it’s hard not knowing if you live in an apartment or where, but at your age there are two possibilities that could net you a lot of money. The first is to work as a mother’s helper, the second is to operate your own dog walking service. Both can be done after school and you can probably earn close to $20 per hour if you do an excellent job.
Cost for a dog – maintenance… you need to factor in food, treats, and vet expenses. Plus you need a reserve savings for unexpected vet expenses. You also have to pay for grooming, heartworm prophylaxis, and licensing. The first year is expensive, as you have to pay for multiple vet visits plus spaying, which is why adopting a 2-3 year old dog from a rescue is really wise – they have had their shots and are already spayed/neutered. After the first year, you have to pay for dental care.
Here is how it works out:
Food and treats – $60 to $90 month, depending on what you feed (2 small cans of quality food a day is $2 per day, and you will feed at least that plus kibble)
Toys, leashes, etc. – plan on $10/month
Vet – first year, $1-$150 month; after that, $75 month covers dental, one physical and lab work, and one sick visit in one year.
Medications for heartworm prevention, tick preventives, etc. – roughly $30 month
I would plan on $3 month and put anything left over into savings to save for an emergency vet visit or a special treat for your dog.
Source(s): 45 years of experience raising dogs