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Thinking about making a furry new addition to your home? Thousands of dogs (and even some cats) await forever homes around Georgia.

But owning a dog involves more than just tying it in the yard and feeding it.

Simon Watson / Special (ENLARGE)

Adding a furry friend to your family will require more than a few essentials, such as a leash, dog bowl and plenty of time.

"Why even get a dog if you don't want it to be a part of your family?" asked Susan McCullough, author of "Starting Out Right With Your New Dog" (Innova, $12.95). "If you just want to keep it outside, then maybe you should rethink if you even want a dog."

Those who are ready to own a dog should know that it's a long-term commitment, she said. Dogs usually live 10 to 15 years — some can make it to 20 years. And like any serious commitment, dogs aren't cheap.

Before taking the plunge, consider a few basics about owning a dog.

Bringing home baby

Many new dog owners overlook the essentials that go with pet care. Before Fido gets home, he needs the following to ensure a smooth transition:

• A crate: They're useful tools for housebreaking and containing a potentially destructive dog while you're away. If used correctly, many dogs learn to like their crates and consider them a safe haven. Unfortunately, a crate needs to match the size of the dog, so get a small crate for a puppy, then a larger one when it grows. If the crate is too large, the puppy could relieve itself in one end and lie in the other. Prices vary by size and quality, but a simple crate, such as the Petmate Deluxe Vari Kennels at Petco, starts around $40 for a small to about $200 for an extra-large.

• Food: A medium-size bag of Purina Puppy Chow costs about $10 at Petsmart, but most vets recommend a better grade of food, which usually contains more meat and fewer additives, preservatives and fillers like grains. Super premium foods are usually found at smaller pet stores, like the 15-pound bag of Solid Gold Hund-n-Flocken for $21.99 at Highland Pet Supply (404-892-5900) in Atlanta.

• A collar, leash and tag: Most people know they need a collar and leash, but a tag is even more important. Fewer than 10 percent of the animals that show up at animal shelters have a tag that could get them home. Put your contact number on the tag, and leave the tag on at all times. You can get a tag quickly at Petsmart, which has a machine that will engrave it as you watch. Prices start around $6.50. But an implanted microchip ($30 to $40 at most vets) is better because it can't get lost.

Collars and leashes range from basic models, available for less than $10 at almost any pet store, to posh numbers like the Burberry check model that costs about $200 for the collar — and another $200 for the leash.

Better with age

While puppies are always cute, Sugar Hill vet West Hamryka encourages people to consider adopting an older dog.

"That's what I always get, " said Hamryka, past president of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association. "The house training is often done, there's less chewing, plus you know what the size and personality are going to be. I see very few problems from people who adopt adult dogs. I have far more people who have problems with puppies."

Stephanie Shain, the director of outreach for the Humane Society of the United States, said another advantage of rescued dogs is they are almost always spayed or neutered and have their shots.

"That can save a lot of money because just a spay or neuter can easily cost more than $200," she said. Most rescue groups charge less than that for dogs that have also received most preventive shots.

Medical care

• Monthly heartworm medication: Heartworm disease, a fatal condition caused by parasitic worms that invade a dog's heart, is epidemic in Georgia. It can be prevented with a monthly pill available at the vet's office. The drug costs about $25 to $75 a year, depending on the size of the dog. Curing heartworm disease can cost $400 or more, and it is extremely hard on dogs.

• Rabies and other shots: A rabies shot is required by law. Budget at least $50 for the shot, including the veterinary office visit. Other shots, like those to prevent parvo, distemper and kennel cough, are recommended, although they're not always necessary each year.

• Monthly flea and tick treatment: Prices typically range from $120 to $160 a year for prescription treatments, depending on the size of the dog. Over-the-counter treatments are cheaper, like the Zodiac Flea and Tick Collar for large dogs at Wal-Mart for about $6, but are less effective.

• Teeth cleaning: This is usually done every few years after the age of 3 to 5 years, depending on the dog. Prices generally start at $100.

License

Check with your county to see if it charges a licensing fee. In the metro area, the fee ranges from $3 to $25.

Other expenses to consider

• House-training products: If you're getting a puppy, you might want some puppy training pads. And Nature's Miracle solution neutralizes the smell of pet accidents in your home. It's available at local pet stores.

• Grooming products: You'll need a brush, comb, small scissors and nail clippers, unless you always want to pay someone to handle grooming. Different coats require different brushes or combs, so seek advice from a professional groomer to select the proper tools. Items typically range from $8 to $20 each.

Dropping your pooch off at the local groomers will set you back at least $30, depending on the service and the condition of the dog's coat.

• Exercise pen: Usually called ex pens, these are great tools for containing your dog inside or outside the home, especially when it's a puppy. Expect to pay $40 to $75. It's also a good idea to invest in baby gates to limit your dog's access around the house.

• Seat belts: Just like humans, dogs need to be buckled up in the car. So pick up something like the PetBuckle Travel Harness, which attaches to a car's seat belt. It's available at major pet retailers.

• Cleaners: Face it, no one wants to cuddle with a smelly dog. Eye and ear cleaners, special shampoos, breath fresheners and other specialty products address doggie needs.

EXPENSES ADD UP

Each year, the average dog owner spends about:

• $241 on food

• $211 on vet bills

• $202 on kennel boarding

• $68 on treats

Source: A 2004 survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association