Getting a Dog in Medical School Part II
In my article on Getting a Dog in Medical School, I discussed the benefits of getting a dog while in medical school as well as what that ideal dog would be for someone with such a busy schedule. In this article, I want to focus on some of the more practical details, such as the cost of getting a dog and how it may impact your day-to-day life.
I was really lucky when I got my dog, Ollie. He was the runt of the litter, which is why I was able to get him without having to wait more than a few months. As I’ve said before, it was the best worst decision of my life. This article will explain why.
Deciding to get a dog in medical school is an important decision because it involves financial costs, vet visits, changes to your daily routine, and very few days off. Here are the bullet points to consider about getting a dog in medical school or any other professional setting.
- Financial Responsibility
- Time Commitment
- Training and Socialization
- Exercise Requirement
- Support System
- Living Arrangements
- Local Regulations
- Allergies
- Long-term Commitment
- Stress Management
How Much It Costs To Get A Dog
The biggest question you need to ask yourself is whether or not you want to get a dog from a breeder or from a rescue shelter. Buying a dog from a respectable breeder costs $1000 and up where as rescuing a dog from the shelter will cost you several hundred dollars max.
Looking at dollar signs alone, it may seem like getting a sweet dog from the pound for $150 is the best deal. However, you do need to exercise caution as these dogs typically have a history of homelessness, abuse, and poor health. Since graduating from medical school, I am fur mama to another dog named Mal, a rescue. And while he is a well-intentioned dog, he is obsessed with when his next meal will be and suffers from anxiety that I worry may partly stem from his rough puppyhood. Breeders typically insure the health of the parents prior to having a litter, and they are invested in providing their puppies with a good home. However, it is pricey, and it leaves countless dogs in shelters waiting for their forever home.
Once you bring your dog home, the costs do not stop there. USA Today posted an article on The Cost of Dog Statistics 2024. Here are the key points.
- The average annual cost of owning a dog is $376 a month or $4,512 a year, according to a recent survey of 1,000 U.S. dog owners.
- The total cost of owning a dog includes the cost of adopting or purchasing the dog as well as ongoing annual expenses, such as vet care and dog supplies.
- Initial medical costs for a new dog, such as for vaccines and spaying and neutering, can run from $50 to $500.
- Additional services such as doggie day care or a dog walker can add to the cost of dog ownership.
So you have to consider the cost of vet care, pet insurance, dog supplies, grooming, spaying/neutering, doggie day care/walkers/sitters. It all adds up.
Getting a Dog is a Huge Time Commitment
Day 1 of bringing your dog home is amazing! But soon after, you will be callin the nearest vet to get your dog up-to-date on his vaccines and make sure he/she has a clean bill of health. Below is a typical vaccine schedule.
| Dog Age | Recommended Vaccinations | Elective Vaccinations |
| 6-8 weeks | Distemper, Measles, Parainfluenza | Bordatella |
| 10-12 weeks | DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) | Leptospirosis, Bordatella, Lyme Disease |
| 12-24 weeks | Rabies | None |
| 14-16 weeks | DHPP | Leptospirosis, Lyme Disease |
| 12-16 months | Rabies, DHPP | Leptospirosis, Bordatella, Lyme Disease |
| Every 1- 2 years | DHPP | Leptospirosis, Bordatella, Lyme Disease |
| Every 1-3 years | Rabies | None |
Not only is there a lot of money required upfront, but also you will be juggling taking your dog to the vet in between attending class and studying for exams. And the time crunch will not end there. You cannot predict when your dog will get sick and need additional visits to the vet. This is why some pet owners opt to get pet insurance.
Pro Tip: Getting pet insurance is typically cheaper the younger and healthier your dog is. There are also some vets that have monthly membership plans that include free sick visits, so shop around.
Training and Socialization
You will also need to set aside time to train your dog unless you want a wildebeest running around your humble abode. This training includes a minimum of potty training your dog and teaching him basic commands like sit and stay. You can opt to do this yourself; however, your time is already taken up by endless classes and weekly exams. It may be better to send the dog away for training if you can afford it.
And please do not forget about socializing your pet. It’s so important the younger your dog is to let them go out and learn doggie culture from older pups, interact with people of all ages, and get accustomed to numerous environments. If you do not, then it will be difficult to feel comfortable socializing with your dog later on. And think about how you would feel if you were left alone all day without any sort of social interaction for hours on end. It’s depressing just to think about it.
Just like you, your dog needs to socialize. And just like you, your dog needs exercise to remain happy and healthy.
Dealing with Your Dogs Exercise Requirement
Every dog has a certain exercise demand. This is something that you can get a rough idea of based on your dog’s breed. For example, it is safe to assume a Collie needs more exercise than a tea cup Yorkie. In fact, prior to settling on a Bichon Frise, I really thought I wanted a Brittany. I liked that they are known for being sweet obedient medium sized dogs. However, I met an owner at a park who confided that they needed to walk their dog 5 miles a day because of their high energy demands. That’s how I learned the importance of selecting a dog that fits your lifestyle. I am comfortable walking my dog for a mile or two a day, but I knew I could never do 5 miles a day. You have to set aside time to walk your dog at least once a day and let them out for bathroom breaks twice a day at a minimum. Please keep that in mind or else your dog will get antsy and may even become destructive due to all that pent up energy.
Having a Dog Requires a Support System
Even if you set aside time to walk your dog and let him/her outside for potty breaks, there are bound to be times when you can’t be there. Thus, having a dog requires a support system. If you have family nearby, they will be excited to get to know their new family member. However, they may not always be available to cover for you, whether it be petsitting or walking your dog every day while you are at work. Here are the top 5 pet help resources for when you may need to hire help.
I have personally used Rover several times before to find a dog walker when Ollie was still a puppy. It was so easy. I actually found a young woman who would walk Ollie with her dog, a toy poodle, which was a great socialization opportunity.
Your Living Arrangements May Change With A Dog
It’s important to keep in mind that your living arrangements may change if you get a dog. This really applies to individuals who are renting, but sometimes can affect homeowners if there is an HOA. First and foremost, if you are living in an apartment, then you must look over your lease to see what the rules are regarding pet ownership. Some apartments ban certain breeds. It even goes so far as certain home insurance companies banning them as well. Here is a list of the top 10 most commonly banned breeds according to Forbes Advisor.
| Breed | % of Banned Lists with Breed |
| Doberman Pinscher | 100 |
| Pit bull | 100 |
| Rottweiler | 100 |
| Chow Chow | 95 |
| Wolf dogs and wolf hybrids | 93 |
| Presa Canario (canary dog) | 86 |
| Akita | 79 |
| German Shepherd | 45 |
| Husky | 38 |
| Mastiff | 29 |
If your dog is permitted to live in your apartment, you have to consider how much your dog weighs. Often times, there will be a weight restriction in place so dogs who way more than, for example, 60lbs cannot live in the building. I ran into this issue when I wanted to adopt a greyhound from the shelter, but I could not adopt the dog due to my apartment’s weight restriction.
Before you bring a dog into your apartment, you will likely need to make a deposit as security for any incidental damage you pet may cause. Then, some apartments charge a monthly fee as well. You basically get a rent increase that goes along with all the other expenses of pet ownership.
Finally, if you have a roommate, please talk to them about getting a dog prior to making this important decision. While a dog may benefit your mental health, it may do the opposite for your roommate if they do not like dogs or do not want a pet in their space. To be fair, if you get a puppy, they are prone to potty accidents and that can be an added stress for everyone.
Local Regulations
Do not forget to check local regulations regarding pet ownership, licensing, and vaccination requirements. In North Carolina, the law treats pets similar to any other household object. You are expected to have your dogs vaccinated against rabies to maintain a pet license. If you are walking your dog outside, then they must be leashed unless it’s a designated off-leash area. There are also animal cruelty laws, pet poop laws, pet burial laws… You get the idea.
Some People Are Allergic to Dogs
I will be brief here. Some people are allergic to dogs, but do not know it until they have already committed to taking care of that cute four-legged creature. So if you are a first time dog-owner or someone close to you is allergic, it may be worth choosing a breed that is known to shed less as you are less likely to have a reaction. It’s one reason I chose a Bichon.
Having a Dog May Add Stress to Your Life
You are already a busy medical student. While adding a dog to your life is an excellent idea as far as emotional support, you have to be careful that the added stress of having a dog does not outweigh its benefits. This one is tricky to give advice on as only you know best what you can and cannot handle.
You are Making a Decision That Could Change Your Life.
This article addresses the most important things to consider prior to getting a dog. This is an important decision that can change your life. And it’s a long term commitment. If you have any doubts about your ability to properly care for a dog while you progress through medical school, then by all means please wait until your life is a bit more stable.
