You may have made the decision to get a dog, but have you crunched the numbers? The cost of owning a dog requires upfront funds to get started and additional cash to manage ongoing expenses. Many pet parents will create a monthly pet budget to ensure that they can give their new furry friend exactly what they need to live their best life. Here's a primer to get you started in the planning process, bringing you a few steps closer to pet adoption day.

Getting Set Up: How Much Does It Cost to Own a Dog?

The first few weeks of being a pet parent are really exciting, but they can also be really expensive. The cost of owning a dog will vary based on your choices, but regardless, you should plan to set aside funds to cover initial expenses long before you bring your new dog home.

Adoption/Breeder Fees

Depending on the method you use, you will most likely pay something to acquire your new pet. You can easily research this amount ahead of time by asking your local adoption programs or dog breeders what they charge for their dogs. Although rates vary across the globe, it's not uncommon for adoptions from animal rescues to range from $50 to $150, according to U.S. News & World Report. And expect a purebred dog purchase to be in the hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on breed, sex and age of the animal.

Spay/Neuter Cost

You may also consider having your female dog spayed or your male dog neutered. Some adoption programs or breeders will include a voucher for this service (or have it taken care of before picking up the pet), so it's included in your initial pet purchase fee. If not, expect to pay your veterinarian between $150 to $300 for this service, according to Petfinder.

First Vet Visit

After adopting your dog, you'll want to introduce them to your preferred vet for their first visit. It's recommended that you get them caught up on distemper and rabies vaccines ($20-$30), have a microchip placed (average $50), test for heartworms ($15-$35), start flea/tick prevention ($50-$200) and undergo a general overall checkup ($50-$100) to identify any health concerns that may need attention. These costs may vary from clinic to clinic, but be sure to call your vet ahead of time for a new dog wellness exam estimate.

Initial Pet Supplies

Before you bring your pet home, you'll need a few things to make them feel cozy, including a dog bed, kennel for training, leash, collar, food and water bowls, toys, an ID tag and treats. The kennel will likely be your largest expense, ranging from $25 to a few hundred, depending on size, material and style. The larger and fancier kennel you choose, the more it will cost. The other items could add up to a few hundred dollars, depending on what you select. To make the purchases more economical, shop the pet section at your favorite discount retailer or compare prices at online vendors rather than visiting boutique pet stores.