Many new pet parents fall in love with the idea of bringing a furry friend home but aren’t sure where to start. Today, I’ve put together a comprehensive checklist for prospective Shiba Inu owners, covering what you’ll need to prepare before your new companion arrives, as well as some important mental preparations. Think of this as your ultimate newbie guide! I hope it helps, and I welcome any additional tips from experienced owners. Below is a checklist with estimated price ranges for your reference.
| Category | Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Purchase | Adoption or breeder puppy | $500 – $3,000 |
| Setup Essentials | Crate | $100 – $500 |
| Crate mat / liner | $10 – $80 | |
| Dog bed | $20 – $80 | |
| Potty / training pads | $30 – $80 | |
| Leash & harness | $50 – $400 | |
| Food & Feeding | Dry dog food (monthly) | $50 – $100 |
| Food storage bin + scoop | $20 – $80 | |
| Food & water bowls | $10 – $150 | |
| Travel bowls / bottle | $10 – $40 | |
| Grooming & Hygiene | Brush | $10 – $30 |
| Nail clippers | $10 – $30 | |
| Bathing supplies | $30 – $150 | |
| Waste bags + dispenser | $10 – $50 | |
| Toys & Enrichment | Chew toys / plush / puzzle toys | $50 – $200+ |
| Health & Safety | Basic first-aid kit | $20 – $80 |
| Optional Items | Dog clothes | $20 – $300+ |
Getting Your Shiba Inu
First things first—you’ll need a Shiba Inu! Adoption is always a wonderful option, and we strongly advocate for “adopt, don’t shop.” If you’re able to adopt, you could save a significant amount of money. Otherwise, a young Shiba Inu puppy can typically cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000, depending on the current market and the puppy’s quality or breeder standards.
Essential Supplies
Next, you’ll need to get some essential supplies ready for your new family member.
1. Crate (Approx. $100 – $500)
A crate is absolutely essential for several reasons.
Firstly, young puppies are still developing physically. Constantly walking and running on slippery surfaces like tile floors can be detrimental to their bone development. Hip dysplasia is a common polygenic hereditary disease in dogs, and its occurrence and progression are also influenced by environmental factors and nutrition. While certain breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Alaskan Malamutes, and German Shepherds are more commonly affected, it’s still important to provide proper guidance for your puppy’s behavior during their early years.
Secondly, if you work full-time or there’s no one at home to supervise your puppy, a crate provides a safe and secure space for them.
2. Crate Mat (Approx. $10 – $80)
The gaps in a crate’s bottom can be too wide for a young puppy’s paws, so a comfortable crate mat is a must-have.
3. Dog Bed (Approx. $20 – $80)
Give your Shiba a cozy little world of their own. They can play outside the crate when you’re home and then retreat to their bed for sleep, staying warm in winter and cool in summer.
4. Dog Potty & Pee Pads (Approx. $30 – $80)
Teaching your dog good potty habits will bring you peace of mind and keep your home clean. No more accidents all over the house!
5. Leash + Harness (Approx. $50 – $400)
Dogs need walks, and it’s crucial to always use a leash. Just a reminder: always keep your dog on a leash, no matter where or when you’re out. As for choosing between a harness or a collar, it really depends on your dog’s preference and what they find most comfortable.
Food & Feeding
Now that we’ve covered the “gear,” let’s talk about food.
1. Main Food (Kibble) (Approx. $50 – $100 per month)
This is a daily necessity and a major ongoing expense. A Shiba Inu typically consumes about $50-$100 worth of kibble each month.
Treats
Treats are optional, but most dog owners end up using them for training and rewards.
2. Food Storage Container + Scoop (Approx. $20 – $80)
For those who buy large bags of kibble, a food storage container is essential. A scoop with measurement markings will also help you regulate your dog’s diet, ensuring they eat at regular times and in appropriate portions – not too little, not too much. Of course, the exact amount per meal will vary for each dog.
3. Food Bowl + Water Dispenser (Approx. $10 – $150)
Today, dog bowls are no longer just simple containers. Modern tech has added significant value, offering features like measured dispensing, automatic feeding, circulating fresh water systems, and more. This is why prices can vary widely. If you’re short on time or often forget feeding times, investing in some smart tech products might be a good idea.
4. Travel Bowls & Water Bottle
If you plan to take your dog with you on outings or even just for longer walks, a portable bowl and water bottle are very handy. This isn’t a strict essential, but it’s highly recommended depending on your lifestyle.
Cleaning & Grooming
We’ve covered food and essential supplies, now let’s discuss cleaning. This area is quite personal; if you enjoy it and want to try grooming your dog yourself, you can buy the necessary tools. If you’re short on time, we recommend leaving it to the professionals. You can just sit back and watch!
1. Brush (Approx. $10 – $30)
Shiba Inus shed, so regular brushing is definitely beneficial for their coat and skin. Beyond just grooming, it also promotes blood circulation and is a great way to bond with your dog.
2. Nail Clippers (Approx. $10 – $30)
We suggest trimming your dog’s nails about once a month. However, if you’re not confident or comfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to leave it to the professionals at the pet groomer. It’s perfectly reasonable to ask them to trim nails during a bath.
3. Bathing Supplies (Approx. $30 – $150)
These aren’t strictly necessary. If you can’t manage bathing your dog at home, don’t buy them – just take your dog to a professional groomer.
4. Poop Bags + Dispenser (Approx. $10 – $50)
Cleaning up after your dog is part of responsible pet ownership. Always carry waste bags when walking your dog.
Emotional & Additional Items
We’ve covered the basics of living, eating, and going out. Now let’s talk about some emotional and additional items. These aren’t strictly essential but are entirely up to your personal preference and situation.
Toys (Approx. $50 – $200+)
I won’t break down toys into too many categories here. The cost can vary greatly depending on how much you love to spoil your dog – it could easily exceed a few hundred dollars. But let’s talk about the main types:
- Chew toys help with teething and prevent destructive chewing.
- Plush toys provide comfort.
- Interactive and puzzle toys help keep your dog mentally stimulated.
First-Aid Kit (Approx. $20 – $80)
It’s a good idea to keep a basic first-aid kit at home with common supplies like ear drops, internal and external dewormers, eye drops, styptic powder, glucose, iodine, cotton swabs, etc. This way, you’ll be prepared for minor emergencies.
Clothes
Finally, something many pet parents love: clothes for their Shiba! The cost here is truly hard to estimate; it all depends on your mood and how much you want to spend. You might budget $100-$300, but with current trends, that might just be a drop in the bucket!
That’s all for my sharing. Feel free to add your insights and corrections!
