CockersOnline Forum

Cocker Specific Discussion => General Cocker Spaniel Discussion => Topic started by: Lomondsk on June 28, 2016, 10:36:22 AM

Title: Cost of owning a cocker
Post by: Lomondsk on June 28, 2016, 10:36:22 AM
My partner and I are doing our prep work on the costs of owning a cocker and what we need to put in place before we own a dog. I would be grateful if any owners could let me know their over budget costs per week or per month for food; insurance; vet fees. We are at the planning stage and putting all our information togther. Thank you
Title: Re: Cost of owning a cocker
Post by: EmmaRose on June 28, 2016, 11:02:33 AM
Hi and Welcome to COL :D

For me the average costs for one are roughly:

£20 per month on food (fed Canagan Chicken), £25 per month insurance, £20 per month training (agility), £20 per month on chews/training treats/fish skins etc...Yearly booster jabs approx. £30
I also put £30 a month aside and use it to buy things they need such as new collars, ID Tags, toys and to use for vets fees excess should I need to. 

But I did spend more when they were puppies on puppy classes/socialisation, equipment such as lead/harnesses/brushes, beds etc... You may also wish to factor in grooming costs and whether you would groom them yourself or pay for them to go to the groomers. 
Title: Re: Cost of owning a cocker
Post by: Theo961 on June 28, 2016, 12:00:22 PM
Hi and welcome  :D

I can tell you roughly what I spend but sure you can be more cost effective.

Insurance is £18 pm but he is a puppy so this will go up with age/claim.
Food I wasn't sure so just checked all about dog food website  which breaks down daily cost and his currently costs about £1.30 a day. This will go down when he is an adult and there are more cost effective foods.
I probably spend about £10 a month on treats or make my own.
He will be groomed every 6/8 weeks and will cost £25 when he is adult. I also have all day to day stuff such as teeth, eyes, ears and keeping the coat matt free( Probably about £5 a month)
I pay vet £16 a month which included booster, worm & flea treatment and free visits.
I spend £10 pw on training.
You will need to think about beds, bowls, brushes,  if using a crate, car saftey, collar/harness leads and toys! So not cheap to run....but worth it!  :luv:
Title: Re: Cost of owning a cocker
Post by: Blueberry on June 28, 2016, 12:55:55 PM
Hi!  Brand new puppy owner here.  Money spent so far:
£800 for him.
£400 for Petplan insurance (£7000 cover) 
£100 for pen and crate.
£23 for travel crate for car
£16 to change microchip details on Petlog,
£16 to change ownership details with KC. 
£36 for initial health check and second vaccination at vets,
£14 monthly vets VIP scheme (covers all booster jabs, flea & worm treatment, annual health check, weight monitoring & nail clipping).
£1.50 day for food (Nutriment puppy) plus treats for training
£60 for 6 of weeks puppy class basic training
£8 for second hand books about training - Gwen Baily & Pippa Mattinson
£8 bitter apple chewing deterrent spray.
£50 approx on harness, leashes, collars id tags.
£50 approx on various toys and training aids  (Although toys not strictly necessary, he can have hours of fun with an old plant pot!)

I think, as someone else has said, initially, there's a lot of outlay all at once, but as he settles in, the costs will stabilise - some things , such as pen, crate, are expensive but only need to be bought once (if indeed you choose to use them, and some people don't).
I'm told the going rate locally for a 'full groom' for a Cocker is £30 - £35, although my puppy is not old enough to have one yet.
I will say though that it is all worth every penny and more besides!
Title: Re: Cost of owning a cocker
Post by: Letichia on June 28, 2016, 03:39:05 PM
Hi there

Have a look on the link below. It gives you a guide of intital puppy purchase and ongoing costs for a cocker  :blink:

http://www.powerscourt-cockers.co.uk/advice-pages/cost_of_dog_ownership.htm
Title: Re: Cost of owning a cocker
Post by: Murphys Law on June 28, 2016, 04:19:19 PM
Don't forget the wine bill for the cockerdile stage :005:
Title: Re: Cost of owning a cocker
Post by: Londongirl on June 28, 2016, 04:34:48 PM
First cost is your sanity. Second is your heart.

To go back to the OP, does anyone think Cockers cost any more than any other breed, apart from the potential grooming costs?
Title: Re: Cost of owning a cocker
Post by: Patp on June 28, 2016, 04:56:30 PM
First cost is your sanity. Second is your heart.

To go back to the OP, does anyone think Cockers cost any more than any other breed, apart from the potential grooming costs?

Only in chocolate and wine  ;)
Title: Re: Cost of owning a cocker
Post by: bizzylizzy on June 28, 2016, 05:28:30 PM
First cost is your sanity. Second is your heart.

To go back to the OP, does anyone think Cockers cost any more than any other breed, apart from the potential grooming costs?

Only in chocolate and wine  ;)

.....and socks!!!
Title: Re: Cost of owning a cocker
Post by: MIN on June 28, 2016, 05:44:33 PM
I agree, your sanity is the highest cost, followed by your sock bill.

Cost of ownership never entered my head. we wanted a pup so we got one.  Ownership can be as cheap or as expensive depending on what you have to spend.
 The main "costs" cost nothing and they are  love, patience  and time  ;)
Title: Re: Cost of owning a cocker
Post by: Jaysmumagain on June 28, 2016, 05:53:47 PM
Must agree the ongoing cost of socks has gone on for eight years......and hoping there are many years ahead :luv:

J
Title: Re: Cost of owning a cocker
Post by: Koslg on June 28, 2016, 07:17:06 PM
Life time pet insurance not annual otherwise what they've had one year won't be covered the next. Three seed from ear removals in 14 months = ££££&
I spend money on day care at £22 a day.

Pyjama bottoms kindly decorated with cockerdile puppy teeth.
Socks. Knickers. Shoes.

Holiday on uk for me and dog.

Towels and washing muddy towels.

Training. Behaviour training. Harnesses.

Toys. Anything on offer of new in the pet shop!

Love.

Paid for with cocker kisses and deep brown eyes so I forget costs and money instantly.
Title: Re: Cost of owning a cocker
Post by: AlanT on July 07, 2016, 08:08:14 PM
Nobody mentioned Petrol.

I do a lot of miles to find swimming, safe walks and interesting new places.