The True Cost of Owning a Dog May Surprise You

Whether you bought your dog directly from a breeder or rescued him off the street, caring for a pup is a major investment. Just how much? Rover broke down the true cost of dog ownership in the infographic below.

According to recent research from the dog-sitting app, people tend to underestimate the expenses that come with parenting a pet. While most people think dog care bills come out to about $26 to $75 a month, the real average cost is closer to $153. That includes up to $60 for food, up to $120 for heartworm medication, and as much as $200 for flea and tick prevention.

These estimates assume your dog doesn't have any emergency medical issues that need to be taken care of. If that's the case, a single trip to the vet could cost you upwards of $1000.

If you're considering getting a dog, or if you have one already, don't let these numbers scare you. Making smart investments in your pet's wellbeing—by paying for preventative pet care, for instance—can save you money in the long run. Check out the statistics below before planning your pet care budget.

[h/t Thrillist]