Welcome to the club of 62 million American households that own at least one dog! Pet ownership is a serious responsibility and financial commitment. Understanding what it involves can help you make an informed choice. However, saving money is not necessarily a matter of buying a smaller pup like the Teacup Chihuahua, thinking that it means fewer expenses. Sometimes, the opposite is true, making doing your homework essential.
The Chihuahua ranks 32nd of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) most popular breeds. Their small size and cute face make them an excellent choice for someone who wants a portable pet. Even though they’re small, they have big personalities that belie their size.
Bringing Home a New Teacup Chihuahua: One-Time Costs
Perhaps the largest one-time cost is acquisition. The first year is typically the most expensive because you must outfit your pup, get their first vaccinations, and spay or neuter your pet. No matter how you get your puppy, make sure the animal is at least 8 weeks old. They need this time with their mother and littermates for proper development. It will make them a better pet overall.
Free
A free pet may sound nice in theory, but it can have many disadvantages, particularly with Teacup Chihuahuas. Neither the AKC nor the Chihuahua Club of America recognize or condone this designation. The term generally denotes a pup under 5 pounds. A puppy of this size is often the runt of the litter. You may get a free pet, but it may come with a sizable financial downside in the long run.
Adoption
Adoption is an excellent way to go. While some dogs will be cheaper than this, Teacup Chihuahuas are often in demand, so adoption fees could be pricier. However, you can rest assured a vet has examined your pup and updated their vaccinations and deworming. Many pets are microchipped and desexed, making them a decent choice for budget-minded individuals. These organizations typically charge a fee, which is nominal compared to the costs of the included services. It also gives a deserving pet a chance at a forever home.
Senior dogs or those with special needs are often less expensive upfront. However, understanding the long-term costs is imperative.
Breeder
You probably won’t get a show-quality Teacup Chihuahua from a reputable breeder because of the parent club’s stance on teacup dogs. The organization emphasizes that these puppies aren’t worth more because of their size. Premium prices only go hand in hand with championship lines. We strongly urge you to request to see the pup’s mother and littermates before you buy.
Initial Setup and Supplies
Here is the fun part of getting a new pet—buying all their stuff! If you’re a new dog owner, get ready to be overwhelmed. The industry has exploded in recent years with the humanization of the market. You won’t have any problems finding the things you need. It’s the choices that will blow you away. Many of these items aren’t permanent. You can replace them as necessary as you get to know your new pet.
List of Teacup Chihuahua Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $10–$50 |
| Spay/Neuter | $200–$500 |
| Microchip | $20–$50 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $500 |
| Bed or Cage | $10–$200 |
| Nail Clipper | $10 |
| Brush | $5–$15 |
| Toys | $30 |
| Carrier | $15–$200 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $5–35 |
How Much Does a Teacup Chihuahua Cost Per Month?
Much variability exists with this figure, particularly with healthcare for a Teacup Chihuahua. Often, these dogs have chronic health issues that can add to your monthly expenses. However, it’s essential not to skimp. These items can profoundly affect your dog’s quality of life. It’s worth noting that prevention is invariably less expensive and stressful for you and your pooch.
Food
Good nutrition is the foundation of health. You should feed your Teacup Chihuahua appropriately for the pup’s size and life stage. Some manufacturers, like Royal Canin, produce tailored diets for specific breeds, including the Chihuahua. You should feed your adult dog twice daily to keep their blood sugar stable. You can give your dog dry food, wet food, or both. Many pet owners prefer the convenience of kibble.
Medications and Vet Visits
Your dog needs an annual exam at the minimum. It can run between $50 to $250. It’s an excellent time to update vaccinations and conduct the recommended tests. They include a fecal exam and heartworm test to start your dog on a preventive. We also recommend using flea and tick prevention, even if your Teacup Chihuahua is a strictly indoor pet.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is a worthwhile investment. Many companies are generous in their coverage of accidents and medical conditions. Some offer wellness add-ons to help with the monthly expenses. Many are reimbursement, which allows you to choose your vet and get nationwide coverage. You can pick a plan to fit your budget with varying deductibles and caps.
The Teacup Chihuahua may be a special case, particularly if the animal has any pre-existing conditions. Most companies have restrictions. Therefore, we recommend reading the fine print.
Environment Maintenance
Potty training isn’t the best part of pet ownership, but it’s still necessary. Some people keep their small dogs indoors during the winter months, opting to use pee pads instead of going outside to do their business. The choice is up to you, with similar costs across the board. Cleaning up after accidents inside your home is imperative to prevent recurrences.
| Waste bags | $10/month |
| Potty pads | $25/month |
| Deodorizing spray or granules | $10/month |
Entertainment
We were conservative with this figure because there are so many variables. An owner of a small dog might be more inclined to dress their pet up for Halloween. Some people like to buy presents for their animal companions on Valentine’s Day or Christmas. The pet industry has you covered. The chances are you’ll find anything you want to get for your Teacup Chihuahua, but there is also a wide range of prices, so the cost can go as high or low as you want.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Teacup Chihuahua
Our estimated monthly costs come out to $2,040 to $3,780 annually. Some expenses, like vet costs and pet insurance, vary by location. We erred on the side of caution to give preventives year-round. Undoubtedly, your vet may recommend the same thing. That’s where pet insurance can help offset some costs to make ownership more affordable.
Additional Costs to Factor In
We discussed the value of pet insurance. It comes into the spotlight if you must get emergency treatments for your pet. For example, you can expect to pay up to $200 just to walk in the door. Emergency surgery can run $5,000 or more, depending on the cause. If you can’t travel with your pet, it may cost $25 daily to board your dog. A pet sitter may cost considerably more.
You may never need to use any of these services. Nevertheless, about 33% of pet owners will face an unexpected financial expense. Options exist for assistance, such as CareCredit for pet owners.
Owning a Teacup Chihuahua on a Budget
We recommend adopting your dog from a rescue organization or animal shelter. You’ll save money right out of the gate with some major costs covered by the fee. You should consider the question of pet ownership carefully. If you aren’t sure, look into fostering a pet. It’ll provide the satisfaction of having a Teacup Chihuahua in your home with less of a strain on your budget.
Saving Money on Teacup Chihuahua Care
We are fans of subscriptions. The more subscription services you set up, the greater your discount. They can save you time and money versus going to the store every time you run out of something. You won’t have to remember to go shopping! Adjust the schedule as you learn your pup’s habits. You can change the time you receive stables like food and treats. Make sure to add some wiggle room for out-of-stock items.
Also, remember to shop the sales. Even if you don’t need a certain item yet, purchasing while items are on sale means you already have extra at home and saved some money in the long run.
Conclusion
Owning a Teacup Chihuahua is a financial commitment that ignores the animal’s petite size. Healthcare is one expense that may exceed our estimate for this particular pet. It’s a risk with small dogs that began life as runts. That makes attentive care even more imperative. That includes annual exams and preventives.
People selectively bred the Chihuahua to be a companion animal. These dogs need human interaction for their mental well-being. Money is one thing, but it’s also essential to know the time you must devote to a pet. However, you’ll find your efforts are worth it for the joy a Teacup Chihuahua will bring to your life.
Featured Image Credit: Evgeniia Shikhaleva, Shutterstock
