I have known for a long time that I would have a GSD at some point in my life, but I have not had the funds or space. I feel that the "right time" for me to look for a GSD is coming in the next little while (up to 2 years from now), and I want to plan accordingly. I intend to rescue a dog no younger than 3 yrs old, but I don't know who will be in need of rescue when I'm ready.

I am most worried about having some savings to deal with unexpected medical bills in addition to what I'll need financially, to properly train, feed, and otherwise care for my new friend.

Can anyone give me a ball-park number of a monthly or annual amount you would set aside for a 3-5yr old, raw fed (franken prey) GSD including training (classes or private or both), and what you try to keep reserved in case of an emergency?

I want to make sure I have a realistic idea of what I need to put aside so I can start off on the right foot once I'm ready.

Congrats for all your planning ahead! I have two dogs that are raw fed and I estimate the cost to be about $100.00 per month (+ supplements, which I'm guessing are about $15.00). I buy in bulk and scour the grocery stores for odd or old meats and bones.

I can't help you with training and/or sporting costs, but there are many on here who can.

As far as emergencies go, well...., I don't really plan for them. Somehow I know I'll find the money somewhere, somehow to pay for any emergency, even if it means using a credit card and paying interest through my..... nose.

Also, HUGE congrats for rescuing! It will be a happy time for both of you!

This is what I put away per month for 2 dogs who are active in sport, fed raw and who are coming up on getting a few things done medically (titers, x-rays, certifications, etc.). Mind you, I only just started working full time and I don't have the greatest paying job.. LOL... and I'm in Canada.

PER MONTH
Food - $80.00
*I buy my meat in bulk and I can get over 100lbs of RBM/MM/OM for this that will feed my dogs for two months, plus I have a freezer full of meat at any given time.

TRAINING - $200.00
* We are starting our own club, and I am a pushover and love to buy new things for the dogs so this goes into a "bank" for those needs later down the road. Our club dues are not set at the moment and we just split whatever we need to purchase at the moment but that will soon change once we register with the GSSCC in the spring. I have all or most of the equipment needed for my dogs in all aspects of training (because I am obsessed..lol) so that cost is low, basically treats and new reward toys.

MEDICAL - $300.00
* I am going to have 2 dogs ready for titers in about 4 months and those are about $400-500 per each dog!!! Plus, Zefra will be ready for prelims and Stark still needs to be certified through OVC/OFA (he's had prelims done and everything looks good!). Also, this goes for 'emergencies' as well. I have a good chunk of change put away for that. Plus I have outside help like my father if the need ever arose.

Wow is there a reason you can't do a blood draw and send it into the states? That seems really high for titers. Come across the border for your x-rays.

Thanks for the input, I really appreciate the responses!

If I could find the time to get over there, I would!

Actually, I am going home in March for a show (to Windsor, ON) and they are both due for check-ups/titers in April so I may just slip over to Detroit/Michigan and have them looked at if I can find a vet who will allow us. I would also like to get their prelims/certs done there for hips/elbows if I could. Do both dogs at the same time and be done with it.

I don't understand why vets couldn't order this kit, even if they aren't in the U.S.

http://www.sys-con.com/node/1665681

Classes in the states run about $100 for 6 to 8 weeks of group classes. Our club dues are around 350 375 a year. I feed commercial so I can't help you on that figure. Vet visit with meds or whatever seems to average around $100. When the Barker Sisters were elderly, Barker the Elder was on Vetmedin which was either 90 or 45$ for a 30 - 45 day supply. I think there were some other pills involved.
Current old geezer dog (9 yo mutt) is on amoxi, a special formula oil capsule & a human grade supplement - might run $1 a day total.

Bloat surgery about 8 years ago ran around $2000 or so; knee surgery about the same - maybe a little more. Clearing a clogged tear duct & pannus treatment - initial visit about $400 but that was about 15 years ago. On going was about $90 for a two month supply of meds.

Somehow, I always had the money when I needed it.

Congrats for rescuing and for planning ahead! Any chance you could volunteer for a rescue in your area? That way you could help dogs and find out a lot about where to to go (and where not), and how to get good care and prices without sacrificing quality, and be well prepared for your own.

Vet costs differ between regions, and members from your area might give you the best idea.

Many people use pet health insurance but I prefer to put aside a monthly fixed sum in a savings account for vet expenses. That way I have access to the money and don't depend on the for-profit insurance company's approval of expenses, and their propensity for rejecting claims.

Care Credit is an option, you can apply for 6 or 12 months of interest free loan for a major vet expense.

Unless you plan on high impact sports with lots and wear and tear and risk of injury, I would skip the hip and elbow x-rays and certifications with an adult rescue dog. It would be of no consequence for the dog as s/he won't be bred.

If you do not board or compete, you might not need titers to prove the dog's immunity on a conservative vaccination protocol. You could go with Dr Schultz' (or other holistic vet's) vaccinations protocol, go by their studies of how long the different vaccinations provide immunity, and vax at the short end of the bell shaped curve, not the peak, to be safe.

Thanks Sarah! I am planning to volunteer first, especially since I'm back in school now and don't know where I'll be in the world when I'm ready to get my GSD. I've been looking at different rescues in my area and plan to get in touch with them soon, once I'm fully settled in my new digs!

I do have care credit (my cat had some urinary issues), but I'm also planning to work a fixed sum into my budget so I have some amount available at all times in case of emergencies/unexpected issues.

Thanks everyone for your help!