I'd space your shots out...rabies shouldn't be given with any other shots. You should wait 3 weeks between them.

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Karen, Chance, Lucy and Savanah RB



“Everyone needs a dog to adore him, and a cat to bring him back to reality”

I wish my figure was outrageous.. I just told my bf we have spent at least $4000 and he said "oh, more than that!" But we definitely won't be spending even close to that (hopefully) in the future since we have all the toys and supplies we need.

But, I think I might have a bit of a spending problem... I received 9 rewards coupons from Petco for spending $100 NINE times.. And Petco isn't even our go to pet shop..


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About how much does it cost for food, toys, vaccinations, etc per year?

Wouldn't it be this way for almost any breed? Just wondering.

Big dogs cost more in a lot of ways. They eat more, bigger sizes in leashes and collars cost more, heart worm and flea prevention is more expensive..spay and neuter is more expensive, etc.

I don't think it is right to go into pet ownership thinking you will only spend a certain amount a year. I did not think owning a dog would be expensive at all. There are a lot of things that come up that cost money.

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There is also the very real chance that your puppy will eat something they shouldn't. They are fast and I mean in the blink of an eye fast. Sometimes you don't need costly vet bills, but are you willing to be on poop patrol and search through it to make sure what went in one end came out the other and if it didn't surgery can cost about $2000-$3000. I've known a couple people this happened to. I've been lucky to only have had poop patrol. An older Golden, maybe around 3 years old might be your best bet. Price for adoption is about $350 to $450 so much less than a breeder, but you will still have food costs and medical bills for the life of the dog and in all honesty Goldens have more than their share of health issues


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Barb, Rick and Tayla (STAR Puppy)



Cheyenne (CGC) and Jesse (CGC) who will be always loved and never forgotten.

I'd like to go with an adult golden retriever (like 3 or 4 years old; not too old but not a puppy) because I don't have to train it.

Where can I adopt one? Petfinder.com says there is no purebred (I'd really like a purebred golden retriever) in my area.

Thank You everyone for your help.

Food, toys, and vaccines can vary greatly in prices depending on brands and sales. You can clip coupon for food and a lot of vets run weekly clinics for vaccines.

You can check with Golden Retriever rescues in your area if you are interested in adopting an older dog, however keep in mind that just because they are older doesn't mean they are trained.

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How can I find out if there are any Golden Retriever resources in my area?

I found my golden on Petfinder. It was by chance. We were looking for a golden/ golden mix. I preferred a dog that looked like a golden though it did not have to be a "pure bread". Jake has been the most wonderful dog. He was apx 18 mos to 2 years old when we adopted him last February. The vet thinks he is either "pure" golden are at least 3/4.. I had been looking at several rescue sights but in the end by chance Jake came up through a nearby "pound". So he was incredibly CHEAP. ha ha. Though I would have payed more for him. We payed $40.00.
I don't have all the figures in my head but it has not been too bad, but we have been lucky. He has not had major health issues. I have had to make a few trips to the vet for his ears. Golden's have a tendency to have itchy ears (and other things too). I have had him professionally groomed a few times (apx $50- helps w/ the shedding). I send him to 1/2 day dog daycare a couple of times a week for exercise ($7.50/day-very reasonable!) .
We feed him quality dog food so it's about $50 for a bag. Hoping that pays off w/ better health for my dog
Heartworm meds should be given monthly. (maybe $50 for 6 mos?)
You will probably need a flea/tic solution like Vectra, Frontline, etc.. (maybe $50+ for 3 mos supply?)
These are all expenses for any dog of course.. not just Golden's..

A Golden/Golden mix is a great dog!
It's good that you are asking questions. However, I hope that your parents are fully on board here. A 16 year old cannot (should not) take on the full care and expenses of a dog. If this is a "Well, it's your dog.. you take care of it" kinda deal. Don't do it. Wait until you are older (an adult). Like w/ anything (dogs, kids, homes, cars) you just don't know what you don't know.. and fixing it often takes money..sometimes more than we expect.

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Love this silly dog!

There may not be any in your area at the moment. Some websites like petfinder and the humane society you can set it up so they send you a email when they get a dog with the specifications you give them. You just have to keep a eye out and not expect that you can get one right now.