Yes, $20,000 is a LOT of money. So, which of these statements is true?

$20,000 is what I'd spend as a down payment on a new house.

$20,000 is what it costs to own a dog.

Surprising as it may seem, BOTH of these statements are TRUE!

Today I'd like to give you a little information about what it really costs to care for a dog. When you add it all up, the costs may surprise you - they actually surprised me. I recently read that owning a dog can cost as much as a down payment on a home. I must admit that I was skeptical, so I looked at the numbers - and sure enough, it really is true.

I bring this up because so often pets are an "impulse" addition to the family. I don't want to discourage anyone from getting a dog but you should know what you're getting in to so you can be prepared. At first you think, "No big deal, it's just a dog - all he'll need is some dog food." But it won't take long before you learn that dogs cannot live by biscuit alone.

If you are on a fixed income, costs for your dog's general care can really add up. And as we work harder to give our pets a better life, the cost of that care increases. If you haven't given much thought to how expensive dog care can really be, it can be challenging. But you can get the help you need to keep your dog happy and healthy without breaking the budget. To find out more, go to petinsurance.com.

Your dog's health care can be expensive. Costs vary widely, but regardless of your situation, those costs add up - and the annual cost is a lot more than you might realize.

According to the 2006 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), the annual cost of owning a dog is $2,084. (Cat owners pay about $1,318 per year.) That's a big chunk of change, but it includes expenses for veterinary care, boarding, grooming, food, treats, toys, training, collars and leashes.

Let me break it down for you.

Veterinary Care/Examinations/Laboratory: $150 to $300

Immunizations: $60 to $125

Internal/External Parasite Preventatives: $120 to $325

Food: $260 to $710 (depending on your dog's size)

Treats: $25 to $150

Boarding: $0 to $300

Miscellaneous (training, collars, leashes, grooming): $150 to $425

Total: $765 to $2,335 per year (with an average cost of $2,084)

Amazing, isn't it? And here's another amazing fact. Veterinary care accounts for more than half of those expenses - and that doesn't even include over-the-counter medications and other supplies!

Now you can see why it really DOES cost upwards of $20,000 to own a dog. If you take an average annual cost of about $2,000 and multiple that times 10 years (a dog's average life span), you will spend $20,000. That is a down payment on a house!

The costs will vary considerably based on factors such as your dog's growth rate and size, types of food, unforeseen medical conditions and the level of comfort you choose to lavish on your dog (doggy daycare and regular grooming sessions will quickly add up). Where you live also has a big impact on costs. Remember that costs vary from store to store and veterinarian to veterinarian, so always shop around.

Generally, puppies require more routine medical attention than adult dogs, and dogs over eight years of age will require more veterinary care than younger adult dogs. Still it is beneficial to get pet insurance for your dog early on because wellness coverage can cover vaccines, check-ups and heartworm prevention.

When considering costs for your dog's care, keep in mind that a serious illness or injury, especially one requiring hospitalization, can very easily cost thousands of dollars. If your budget for

medical care is a concern, consider pet insurance . It pays up to 90% for covered diseases and illnesses. I've seen it make a real difference for so many pet owners over the years.

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