Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with its fair share of expenses. If you are considering adding a Basset Hound to your family, it’s important to know how much it will cost to own one, so keep reading while we discuss the cost of purchasing one and buying the supplies that they need, along with the monthly and additional expenses that might come up. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether these pets are right for you. You can expect to pay $200–$400 when adopting a Basset Hound or $500-$2,000 when you buy one from a reputable breeder.

Bringing Home a New Basset Hound: One-Time Costs

The one-time costs of owning a Basset Hound include adoption or purchase fees, spaying or neutering, and initial supplies like a collar, leash, food and water bowls, and a bed. If you are purchasing your new pet from a breeder, know that breeding rights cost extra.

Free

Adopting a Basset Hound for free is possible, though it may require a bit of research and patience. Some animal shelters and rescue organizations offer free adoptions, especially for older dogs or those with special needs. You can check with your local animal shelters, rescue groups, or breed-specific rescues to see if they have any Basset Hounds available for adoption. You can also search online platforms like Petfinder.com or Adopt-a-Pet.com to find free Basset Hounds available for adoption in your area. However, be aware that a free pet can be a red flag. For example, an owner may be trying to offload a dog with a serious medical condition or behavioral problem to an unsuspecting customer, so always do plenty of research and spend as much time with the dog as you can before taking them home.

Adoption

• $200–$400

The adoption costs of a Basset Hound can vary depending on the organization that you adopt from. Generally, adoption fees range from $200 to $400. Certain animal shelters or rescue organizations may offer reduced prices for older dogs and dogs with special needs or during specific events, like National Adopt a Pet Day. These fees often cover the cost of spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and basic health checks. There are organizations that also provide services like microchipping or free veterinary exams.

Breeder

• $500–$2,000

If you decide to purchase your Basset Hound from a breeder, the cost can vary depending on several factors, but you can expect to spend $500–$2,000. Many things can influence the cost, such as the breeder’s reputation, pedigree, and any certifications or awards that the dog or their parents may have received. It’s important to do your research and choose a breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs and the breed’s standards.

Initial Setup and Supplies

• $100–$300

The initial setup and supplies for a Basset Hound can cost around $100–$300, depending on the quality and quantity of items that you purchase. Items that you will need include a collar and leash, food and water bowls, a bed or a crate, toys, food, and grooming supplies. You may also want to consider investing in a pet insurance policy, which can help cover unexpected veterinary costs.

List of Basset Hound Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Basset Hound Cost Per Month?

• $100–$400 per month

The cost of owning a Basset Hound can vary depending on location, your pet’s age, the owner’s lifestyle, and other factors. Things that you can expect to spend money on each month include food, veterinary care, grooming, supplies, and pet insurance. Overall, you should expect to pay $100–$400 each month, with costs being highest when the dog is a puppy or a senior, as they will usually need more care.

Health Care

• $50–$250 per month

Your Basset Hound’s monthly healthcare costs can vary depending on their health status and location. However, you should expect to spend $50–$250 monthly on your dog’s healthcare. Things that you will need to pay for include routine veterinary care, checkups, vaccinations, and parasite-prevention medication. Regular teeth cleanings are also a good idea, and some dogs may need medicines for various health conditions, including allergies, arthritis, or skin problems. Pet insurance will increase your monthly bills, but it can help you cover large expenses if a serious accident or health condition occurs.

Food

• $20–$60 per month

The cost of commercial dog food can range from $20 to $60 per month, depending on the brand and quality of the food. Basset Hounds require a high-quality diet of protein and nutrients to maintain their health and prevent obesity. Choose a dog food with real meat like chicken or turkey listed as the first ingredient, and avoid brands that use artificial colors or preservatives.

Grooming

• $20–$200 per month

The cost of grooming your Basset Hound can vary depending on the services that you purchase, but you should expect to spend $20–$200 per month grooming your pet. Such services include bathing, as these dogs need regular baths to keep their coat clean and healthy. Basset Hounds’ floppy ears are prone to infections because they can store moisture and dirt, so cleaning them is necessary, and you will have to trim their nails regularly, especially if you hear them clicking on the floor as they walk, to prevent injury and discomfort. Performing these tasks yourself can save money, but professional groomers have the skill to do it quickly and efficiently with minimal discomfort for your pet.

Medications and Vet Visits

• $50–$200 per month

The cost of medications and vet visits can vary, but you can expect to spend $50–$200 per month. These expenses include preventative care like vaccinations and heartworm prevention. Your dog will also need regular checkups, especially if they have a medical issue, and they may need medication if they have a health condition, allergies, or arthritis. Pet insurance can help cover a few of these costs, but expect them to increase as your pet ages.

Pet Insurance

• $30–$100 per month

Pet insurance for your Basset Hound will usually cost $30–$100, depending on your specific coverage and the insurance company that you use. Basic plans typically include accidents and illnesses, while comprehensive coverage will add benefits like wellness care, dental care, and alternative therapies. Most companies will let you choose your deductible, which is the amount that you must pay before the insurance kicks in. A higher deductible will help lower your monthly costs.

Environment Maintenance

• $10–$15 per month

As long as your dog is well-behaved, you shouldn’t need much monthly environmental maintenance. Their beds will occasionally wear out, as will their toys, and you will need to replenish poop bags if you go for frequent walks. Basset Hounds also shed quite a bit during the shedding season, so you will need to get the fur off your carpets and furniture, but this cost shouldn’t be any higher than $10–$15 per month. However, if your pet suffers from separation anxiety or poor training, they might start damaging the furniture, breaking their house training, or even digging holes, raising your monthly costs.

Entertainment

• $20–$50 per month

A monthly dog toy subscription box can be a fun and convenient way to provide your Basset Hound with new toys every few weeks. These subscription boxes typically include various toys, treats, and other goodies for your dog and can range in price from around $20 to $50 or more per month, depending on the specific subscription and the box’s contents. Popular dog toy subscription boxes include BarkBox, Chewy Goody Box, and PupBox. While a subscription box can add to your monthly expenses, it can also help keep your Basset Hound entertained and stimulated, which can benefit their overall health and well-being.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Basset Hound

• $100–$400 per month

The total monthly cost of owning a Basset Hound can vary depending on several factors, including food, grooming, healthcare, and pet insurance. On average, the monthly cost of food for a Basset Hound can range from $20 to $60. Grooming costs can range from $20 to $200 per month, while monthly healthcare costs may range from $50 to $250. Pet insurance can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 per month, depending on the coverage selected. Other costs, such as toys, training, and subscription boxes, can add to the monthly expenses. Overall, the total monthly cost of owning a Basset Hound can be around $100–$400 or more, depending on the specific needs and care of the dog.

Additional Costs to Factor In

Various other costs associated with owning a Basset Hound can occur outside of regular monthly expenses. These include pet sitters or boarding fees when you’re going on vacation, ranging from around $30 to $75 per day or more, depending on the location and level of care provided. Emergency treatments for illness or injury can also be costly and might range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Possible household damage caused by your pet may also require repair or replacement costs. Behavioral training, such as obedience or agility classes, may be necessary and can range from around $50 to $200 per session.

Owning a Basset Hound on a Budget

One of the best ways to reduce the cost of owning a Basset Hound is to purchase your pet supplies and food in bulk or take advantage of sales and discounts throughout the year, especially near big holidays. Prioritizing your pet care expenses can also help prevent you from spending money on non-essential items. Finally, pet owners can save money on pet sitters or boarding fees by asking friends or family members for help or by finding a trusted local pet sitter who charges reasonable rates.

Saving Money on Basset Hound Care

Regular visits to the vet can help you catch health issues early, reducing the chances that your pet will need expensive emergency treatments later. Learning how to groom your pet can also help you cut costs, and it isn’t that difficult once you get the hang of it. In many cases, a local groomer can even provide tips and tricks especially for your dog to make the process easier.

Conclusion

Owning a Basset Hound can be a rewarding experience, but it does come with various expenses that pet owners should consider. From one-time costs like adoption or breeder fees to ongoing expenses like food, healthcare, and grooming, the total cost of owning a Basset Hound can add up quickly. We recommend saving up at least $500 before you start looking to adopt or purchase a Basset Hound and setting up a monthly budget of $100–$400 to keep them healthy and happy. Buying in bulk, taking advantage of sales, and learning how to groom can help you cut costs, and pet insurance will help protect you from big expenses.

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Featured Image Credit: Billion Photos, Shutterstock