Bringing home a new dog is an emotional milestone, but if you’re considering a free puppy from a neighbor or a cheap pet store find, the math rarely works in your favor.

In the world of personal finance, we often talk about the total cost of ownership for a car or a home. A dog is no different — except this asset requires a decade or more of food, medical care, and specialized services that can easily reach five figures.

The zero-dollar illusion

When a friend or a local ad offers a dog for free, they are essentially handing you a financial liability. Most free dogs haven’t seen a vet recently. You’ll likely start your journey with a $100 bill…

Read the full article at MONEYTALKSNEWS.COM