Having someone who's always excited and happy to see you walk in the door is one of the greatest joys you can be given in life. In the year since my wife and I brought home our dog, Winona, there hasn't been a single time she hasn't been happy when we've come home.

In one year, she's become one of our best friends and an irreplaceable part of our family. We wouldn't trade her for the world, even though she would most likely trade us for a small piece of bacon...

While my wife and I love our dog dearly, there's no denying that owning a dog can be expensive. Before bringing home a new puppy to join your family, it's important to remember that the first year is normally the most costly. Once all of the beginning shots and vet visits are done, your dog will generally let up on your wallet after 9 months to 1 year.

If you or your family lives in Iowa and you're planning on bringing home a new best friend, I have some good news for you! Iowa is one of the most affordable states to own a dog!

Least Expensive States to Own a Dog

In the United States, new dog owners pay an average of $1,750 per year, according to CNBC. It doesn't cost anything to fall in love with your pet but to provide food, entertainment, and vet visits can start to wear down on your debit card.

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The good news for Iowa is that it's one of the least expensive states to own a dog. You can see where Iowa compares to the rest of the country by checking out the map from CNBC.

Iowans spend an average of 1,570 per year, which is the 15th most affordable state. The difference between Iowa and Idaho, which is the most affordable state is about $300. In the grand scheme of things, it's not that far off from the most affordable state.

How and What Can You Save Money On?

Depending on your financial situation, there are clear and obvious things a pet owner can cut down on or cut out completely to help them save money. Your dog doesn't need the queen sized matress dog bed at the pet store, they don't need 10 different varieties of treats, they don't need new outfits for every holiday, or a new collar for every month.

If you're willing to make homemade toys, buy food in bulk, make your own dog safe treats, groom your dog yourself, or buy things second hand, you can cut down on dog spending. If your dog wears a collar...they don't care if its used, what color it is, or what the design looks like...only pet owners care about things like that. These little things can go a LONG way to helping you save.

Don't Try to Save or Skimp On Price

You can easily cut down SOME of the spending on your pet but there are other situations you really shouldn't be trying to cut corners. You should try to get the best food you can afford for your dog or at the very least, a high quality food. This doesn't mean you need to buy an $80 bag of dog food but you should research the best food for you dog that you can afford.

You can't skip on vet visits for certain shots. Every dog in Iowa needs to be vaccinated for rabies if they are 6 months or older. Some other core vaccines for dogs are canine distemper, canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus type 2, bordetella, etc. These shots will help keep your dog healthy and can help give them a chance at a much longer life, which they deserve to have.

99% of dog owners should have them spayed or neutered. Unless you're a breeder, who sells specific dogs, for a specific purpose, you should get your dog fixed. This also can limit certain cancers, prevent unwanted pregnancies, and behavioral problems. Once again, this gives them a chance at a longer and healthier life.

Thankfully, if you live in Iowa, owning a pet doesn't have to be a financial disaster. Generally speaking, it's one of the most affordable states in the country. That doesn't mean it's cheap...but it doesn't have to be the end of your bank account.