That we are living in an era of extreme fame leverage, where the very famous often double up as the very rich, is not in question. Today, the rich can enjoy their money and flaunt every second of it on the internet. And we are yet to experience anything that chalks up influence better than money and an eager audience on the interwebs. And in a rather predictable move, ambitious wage-earners have been desperately clutching at the demonstrated ways of the bourgeoisie. Unsurprisingly therefore, pets, dogs especially, have become an emblem of a high social standing. The rarer the breed the more elitist and aspirational the owner, a sentiment echoed by Dr Derrick Chibeu of Sercombe Veterinary Surgeons.
When I arrive at the reception at Dr Chibeu’s place of work, a 500g tin of powdered milk for puppies priced at Sh5,000 takes me by utter surprise. And before I can recover, right next is a 10kg bag of dog food with an outrageous, according to me, price tag of Sh8,000. Unthinkably, this is only a fraction of the cost of keeping a dog as I would later learn. Dr Chibeu then emerges from the operating room in the veterinary clinic in Karen, Nairobi. His scrubs, covered in fly-away dog fur, are a testament to his busy morning.
Feeding
According to Dr Chibeu, commercial dog foods do a better job in meeting all of the nutritional needs for you dog. These however come at a higher cost in comparison to home-cooked meals. A 10kg bag he says will set you back anywhere between Sh6,000 and Sh8,000 depending on the brand that you choose.
You might wonder how long your Sh8,000 will feed your dog. Herein lies the shocker. An average dog weighing 20kg, feeding on 500g daily, would be sustained by a 10kg bag for only about three weeks, translating into about Sh2,600 weekly on just food for your dog. Should this be a little out of budget for you, properly home-cooked meals will suffice, but only if they are well complemented by dog supplements, since they tend to fall short of the required nutrient value.
Veterinary care
To vaccinate a puppy, Dr Chibeu explains that the owner will part with anything between Sh2,000 to Sh15,000 depending on the choice of veterinary clinic. The vaccination process will usually occur between week six to week 16 of the puppy’s life.
Assuming your dog rarely gets into trouble, a health check at the veterinary clinic will cost you roughly Sh3,500 to Sh6,000. Should you settle on a ferocious breed such as a German Shepherd or a bull terrier, emergency runs to your veterinarian will spike the costs of owning a dog for you.
“A 40kg German Shepherd lies unconscious on the operating table, its ear nearly ripped out from a neighborhood brawl,” Dr Chibeu interjects. That emergency will cost the owner Sh15,000. And it will not be last of his emergencies this year.
Breeding
Spaying or neutering your dog (an act of responsible animal population control), will also come in as a necessary act to help with managing your breeding. An adult dog weighing about 40kg will cost you about Sh36,000 at the Sercombe Veterinary Surgeons. On the contrary, might you need breeding supervision, where your dog mates with a specific breed to produce a desirable or pure-bred off-spring, you will need to cough up upwards of Sh1,500.
Dog-sitting
Your dog may also come in the way of your jet-setting lifestyle. Regardless of where or how long you might be away on a trip, your dog will need to be properly taken care of. And here is where boarding kennels come in. For anything between Sh500 and Sh1,600 per day, your dog will have a secure and comfortable place to call home while you are away. Dr Chibeu explains that the boarding costs vary from one kennel to another, depending on the quality of care, the weight and breed of your dog as well as the number of dogs housed at the boarding facility. The fewer the dogs a facility manages at a go, the higher the boarding fees.
Popular dog breeds
Dr Chibeu explains that the popularity of any breed tends to change from time to time. This is dependent on factors such as supply and demand as well as what the masses consider fashionable. For instance, white furry terriers have become rather likeable among the Kenyan population, making their prices go up. A terrier with a proven pedigree may go for as much as Sh100,000. Other desirable dog breeds, their prices notwithstanding, include German Shepherds (Sh40,000 to Sh100,000), Golden Retrievers (Sh60,000 to Sh120,000), Labradors (Sh120,000 to Sh150,000) and Bourbels (Sh100,000 to Sh200,000). It is important to note that a dog’s price increases if its pedigree (purity of breed) is well documented and can be proven.
Before you get a dog
Dr Chibeu explains that there are a number of things that one should consider before getting a dog. First, figure out why you need a dog. Deciding whether you are looking for a working dog or a pet do is a critical step towards selecting a suitable breed. Working dogs provide services such as security, retrieving, sniffing for contraband, guiding and caring for the sick or disabled. Pert dogs on the other hand, are kept only for companionship.
For security, he notes that breeds such as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Boerboels are often preferred. Terriers, Golden Retrievers and Labradors tend to be kept for companionship purposes. Usually, smaller dogs are considered more personal and easier to maintain within living spaces. It is also important to understand the type of activity and energy that you might expect from your dog. Certain breeds are considered laidback while others tend to have a more active persona.
Additionally, your location and residential space should dictate the breed of dog that you settle on. Some dogs enjoy a social environment while other breeds tend to be more reserved, preferring a calm and serene home. Similarly, the size of your living area will guide you on the right breed to settle on. For instance, according to Dr Chibeu, it would be unfair to house a 60kg German Shepherd in a small apartment within a busy estate.
Your schedule should also be a determining factor. Some dogs require a lot of socialisation, while others are happy to be left on their own for periods of time. This explains why certain dogs will exhibit behaviour such as ripping and tearing away at couches when left alone at home while the owner is away at work. Understanding your daily activity will help you choose a dog that fits in well with your lifestyle. Responsible dog keeping is not for the faint of heart, and especially not for the faint of wallet. The costs that come with properly managing a dog in your home will largely depend on the breed that you settle on.
Housing
While you might think that your dog will spend the entirety of its time within your house, it is important to set up a kennel for your dog, before its arrival. The size of the kennel should depend on the size of the dog you intend to acquire. To set up a kennel, you will need to identify a suitable spot in your yard. You can then use available material such as wood, iron sheets and a chain-link fence for the perimeter, to create shelter for your dog, or opt to buy a readily assembled kennel from a local carpenter.
Market opportunities
Your love for dogs can also be turned into a fully-fledged business. Opportunities to milk your passion can come in the form of dog training, breeding or even boarding kennels. Training and breeding, though much more capital intensive than boarding kennels, tend to have higher financial return. To start on breeding, equip yourself with information on different dog breeds and their profitability. The East African Kennel Club is a resourceful reference for any beginner breeder or trainer, as they have qualified professionals in the areas of breeding and training dogs. Boarding kennels are also a profitable opportunity for dog enthusiasts. As a dog lover, you can charge an agreed upon amount to look after a dog when the owner is unavailable. You can can market your dogs on social media and through referrals.