Thinking about adding a furry friend to your family? Owning a dog is one of life’s greatest adventures, but unfortunately, it comes with its fair share of expenses. That’s why it’s so important to do some research first and ask yourself a key question: How much does a dog cost?

From initial adoption fees to ongoing costs like food, grooming, and vet visits, it’s crucial to know what you’re signing up for before bringing home a pup.

Let’s dive into the details of what to expect when budgeting for your new four-legged friend.

The General Cost of Owning a Dog

The cost of a new dog can really vary. You may find a local pet shelter doing a free adoption event and pay nothing to bring your new fur baby home. Some adoption fees can run several hundred dollars. For pure-bred dogs, you may pay several thousand dollars.

The annual cost of owning a dog also varies, but Rover estimates most people will pay somewhere between $1,000 and $5,000 per year for their canine companions. Of course, this depends on the dog’s size, breed, and needs—but it also means that some dogs, assuming a 10-year lifespan, could incur lifetime costs as high as $50,000.

This is why getting a dog is no small decision; it requires financial responsibility and a plan to tackle these costs when they arise.

Let’s further break down some of the biggest factors in determining how much a dog costs.

Veterinary Care

Veterinary care is a non-negotiable part of having a dog. Not only do dogs need routine wellness screenings, but they also need dental care, flea and tick prevention, and vaccinations. They also need prompt medical attention for any sudden issues. Staying on top of this helps prevent chronic health problems from arising, which could, in turn, save you money later on.

Here’s a quick breakdown of ballpark veterinary care costs:

Service	Average Cost
Routine Check-Up	$50-$250
Vaccinations	$20-$60
Dental Cleaning	$130-$750
Emergency Vet Visit	$150-$3,000

Spay/Neuter

Spaying or neutering your dog is an important part of pet ownership. This procedure not only helps prevent unwanted puppy litters, but also has a positive impact on your dog’s overall health. Neutering male dogs can help with behavioral issues like marking and aggression, while also eliminating the risk of testicular cancer. Likewise, spaying a female dog can greatly reduce the risk of uterine, ovarian, and breast cancer.

Some shelter dogs are already spayed or neutered, so this may not be an expense you need to take on. Some shelters even offer a discounted adoption fee for pets that have already been fixed.

How much does it cost to spay or neuter a dog? Let’s break it down:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost Range
Spay/Neuter Surgery	$150-$250
Supplies (Pain Meds, Elizabethan Collar)	$25-$50

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance can be a lifesaver if your dog suffers a medical emergency or requires expensive ongoing care. Illnesses, injuries, and accidents can all happen suddenly, leaving you scrambling to pay for treatment that can cost thousands.

This is where pet insurance may be worth considering. Your monthly pet insurance premium can vary, like most other pet expenses. However, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association found that the average dog owner was paying $56.30 a month, or $675.61 a year, for a comprehensive accident and illness policy in 2023. And, according to Rover, most people consider this a good investment: 93% of dog owners with pet insurance feel it’s worth the cost.

Here’s a quick breakdown of pet insurance considerations:

Coverage Type	What It Includes
Accident Coverage	Injuries from accidents like broken bones
Illness Coverage	Chronic illnesses, therapeutic diets, vet visits
Comprehensive	Both accidents and illnesses

Food

Obviously, your canine companion needs to eat. Dog food comes in wet, dry, and therapeutic and prescription formulas that range in price. Larger dog breeds will also require more food than smaller ones.

In 2020, Statista reported that dog owners spent an average $442 that year on dog food. Lower-quality food may cost somewhere in the range of $30-$80 per month, while higher-quality or prescription food can cost several hundred dollars per month. It’s important to factor dog food costs into your monthly budget as a necessary expense so you’re always prepared to cover it.

Grooming

Regular grooming is part of keeping dogs healthy and happy. It includes routine care like bathing, haircuts (if needed), nail trimming, ear cleaning, and brushing. The price for grooming services can span a wide range, but typically falls somewhere between $30 and $90 depending on your location and the size of your dog.

You can save some money by taking a DIY approach. You’ll have to shell out a small initial investment for basic supplies like brushes, nail clippers, and pet-friendly shampoo, but once you have what you need, this can cut down on the regular expense of visiting a professional groomer.

Toys, Treats, and Accessories

Toys, treats, and accessories may sound superfluous, but they’re essential dog ownership costs. They not only help give your furry friend an enriching and entertaining life, but you’ll also need things like water bowls, leashes, and crates for their basic care and keeping.

Exactly how much you’ll spend on these things is up to you. Toys can range in price from under $5 for smaller, plush toys up to $40 or more for large, durable, chew-resistant toys. You’ll want to have an assortment of toys on hand to suit your dog’s different moods and energy levels, so budget accordingly.

Treats are another must-have, especially to reward your dog during training. Like regular dog food, the size of the bag and the quality of the ingredients will influence the price. You could pay a couple of bucks for a small bag of treats or several hundred dollars for a bulk box of high-quality ones.

Finally, you’ll need to get some accessories. Food and water bowls ($5-$30), a collar ($10-$20), a crate ($20-$400), a dog bed ($10-$300), and a leash ($15-$40) are some of the more basic supplies you’ll need for your new dog.

5 Budgeting Tips for a New Dog or Puppy

Bringing a new dog into the family is exciting, but it’s important to be realistic about managing the costs. That way, everybody’s happy—including your dog. But, luckily, there are some smart ways you can stay on top of these costs and even save some money:

1. Build an Emergency Fund: If you don’t already have an emergency fund, start building one now. An unplanned vet bill can hit hard, easily ballooning into thousands of dollars and a world of financial stress. If you don’t have a safety net to fall back on, you could end up turning to high-interest debt.
2. Adopt, Don’t Shop: Pure-bred dogs from a breeder tend to be much more expensive than those in a shelter or foster home. While you may pay several hundred dollars in adoption fees at an animal shelter, a pure-bred can cost several thousand dollars.
3. Buy Secondhand: Consider purchasing gently used basic supplies like crates and water bowls. As long as they’re in clean and safe condition, this can help reduce your initial costs.
4. Make Your Own Dog Treats: Healthy, affordable dog treat recipes abound on the internet. Instead of shelling out for some expensive dog treats, do a quick Google search to see if you could DIY a batch yourself.
5. Keep Up With Preventative Care: Just like going to the doctor can save you money on long-term healthcare, regular vet visits and preventative care will help prevent chronic illnesses for your dog. This can save you a lot of money years down the road.

FAQs about the costs of dog ownership

How much do dogs cost per month?

After the initial expense of bringing a new dog home (adoption fees, supplies, check-ups, etc.), Rover estimates the monthly cost to own a dog ranges from around $83 to $416. This will depend on your dog’s size, breed, and needs.

How much does a dog cost per year?

According to Rover, the average cost to own a dog per year is somewhere between $1,000 and $5,000.

How much does it cost to put a dog down?

While it’s not something any pet owner likes to think about, the reality is that euthanasia may be a consideration at some point in your dog’s life. According to CareCredit, the cost to put a dog down ranges from around $80 at a veterinary clinic to $375 for a home visit.

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