Ready to add a pooch to your family? You should consider more than just the purchase price when buying a puppy. Owning a dog is a 10- to 15-year financial commitment, Compare the Market reminds us.

Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. She covers pets, real estate, tech, and everything in between. You can follow her on Twitter @Meerakat Kelly ...