Few things are as rewarding as bringing a dog into your family. They bring us companionship, unconditional love, a reason to stay active and much more much. Like your other children, however, dogs bring inherent expenses and it’s important to understand the financial commitments so you can budget for the known costs.
While the cost of dog ownership can vary significantly depending on factors such as the dog’s breed, size, age, and lifestyle, there are various expenses associated with owning a dog you can anticipate, helping you make an informed decision about how and what dog you add to your family.
“Prospective dog owners should prepare for both initial and ongoing monthly expenses when budgeting for dog ownership. Plan for an initial budget of approximately $400 to over $4,000, depending on whether you adopt or purchase a dog from breeder,” says Dr. Bethany Hsia, a veterinarian and co-founder of CodaPet, a startup that supports a network of veterinarians providing at-home end-of-life pet care services.
“On a recurring monthly basis, a pet parent can expect costs of about $100 to over $400, factoring in food, basic veterinary care, grooming, training, insurance and potential pet sitting/boarding services,” says Dr. Hsia.
While we recommend pet insurance, as the cost of veterinary services is high and getting higher, at the very least you should, “set aside an emergency fund specifically for unexpected veterinary expenses that could arise due to accidents or illnesses,” says Dr. Hsia.
Initial Costs for Dog Owners
Adoption and breeder fees can vary greatly depending on the breed and the path you take. Adoption fees at shelters can range from $50 to $500, while purebred puppies from reputable breeders can cost anywhere from $1,500 to over $10,000.
Spaying and neutering costs typically ranging from $100 to $500, depending on your location and the sex of your dog. If you adopt a dog, many of these expenses may have been paid by the original owner or are covered by the shelter or rescue organization.
Additional starting costs include:
- Initial veterinary check-up and vaccinations. Plan on spending $200 to $400 for the first vet visit, which will include a checkup and essential vaccinations like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and bordetella. Microchipping your dog is a vital safety measure and typically costs $50 to $75. Again, if you are adopting, some of those expenses may be covered.
- Basic supplies. A dog bed, water and food bowls, toys, a leash and collar, and a crate or kennel are $150 to $550. Basic supplies such as a dog bed can range from $30 to $150, water bowls run $10 to $30, toys cost $10 to $50, a leash and collar can range from $20 to $40, and a crate will cost $50 to $250.
Monthly Costs of Owning a Dog
Average monthly costs can be tough to estimate. They certainly include a veterinarian, food, and preventative medications, training. Depending on you, however, there can be a lot more on the monthly tab. Consider:
- Veterinary care. Routine veterinary care (regular check-ups, vaccinations) average about $200 to $400 annually or approximately $17 to $33 monthly. Unexpected health issues can dramatically increase this cost. Consider pet insurance for your dog, which can help offset these costs. Costs will vary depending on your dog’s breed, age, and overall health.
- Choosing high-quality food appropriate for your dog’s breed, age, and activity level is essential. Expect to spend anywhere from $30 to $100 per month on dog food, depending on the size and breed of your dog.
- Preventative medications. Heartworm prevention medication and flea and tick control are essential to keep your dog healthy. These medications typically cost $50-$100 per month.
- Investing in obedience training can lead to a happier and more well-adjusted dog. Group classes typically cost $50 to $100 per session, while private training can cost between $100 to $200 for a series of training sessions, with ongoing training or behavior consultations potentially adding another monthly expense of around $20 to $100.
- Costs depend on the breed; basic grooming services can range from $30 to $90 every four to eight weeks, totaling about $15 to $45 monthly.
- Pet insurance. Pet insurance premiums typically range from $20 to over $100 per month depending on coverage levels and the dog’s age and breed. The sooner you insure your dog, the better.
- Pet sitters or boarding. If you travel frequently or live alone without family in the area, pet sitting services can cost around $25 to $50 per day, while boarding facilities may charge between $30 to $100 per night.
Life With Dogs Happens
While it’s impossible to pinpoint the precise monthly and annual costs of owning a dog, according to an often-cited study of 1,200 pets owners and 100 veterinarians by Synchrony, the yearly cost of dog ownership is between $1,270 and $2,803 with lifetime cost of caring for a dog between $20,000 to $55,000.
Life happens, and our pets are a part of our lives. Unexpected illnesses or injuries can quickly lead to hefty vet bills.
While the financial responsibility is significant, the rewards of dog ownership are immeasurable. The companionship and joy a dog bring can enrich your life in countless ways. You can’t put a price on unconditional love.
