You may have made the decision to get a dog, but have you crunched the numbers? The cost of owning a dog requires upfront funds to get started and additional cash to manage ongoing expenses. Many pet parents will create a monthly pet budget to ensure that they can give their new furry friend exactly what they need to live their best life. Here's a primer to get you started in the planning process, bringing you a few steps closer to pet adoption day.
The first few weeks of being a pet parent are really exciting, but they can also be really expensive. The cost of owning a dog will vary based on your choices, but regardless, you should plan to set aside funds to cover initial expenses long before you bring your new dog home.
Depending on the method you use, you will most likely pay something to acquire your new pet. You can easily research this amount ahead of time by asking your local adoption programs or dog breeders what they charge for their dogs. Although rates vary across the globe, it's not uncommon for adoptions from animal rescues to range from $50 to $150, according to U.S. News & World Report. And expect a purebred dog purchase to be in the hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on breed, sex and age of the animal.
You may also consider having your female dog spayed or your male dog neutered. Some adoption programs or breeders will include a voucher for this service (or have it taken care of before picking up the pet), so it's included in your initial pet purchase fee. If not, expect to pay your veterinarian between $150 to $300 for this service, according to Petfinder.
After adopting your dog, you'll want to introduce them to your preferred vet for their first visit. It's recommended that you get them caught up on distemper and rabies vaccines ($20-$30), have a microchip placed (average $50), test for heartworms ($15-$35), start flea/tick prevention ($50-$200) and undergo a general overall checkup ($50-$100) to identify any health concerns that may need attention. These costs may vary from clinic to clinic, but be sure to call your vet ahead of time for a new dog wellness exam estimate.
Before you bring your pet home, you'll need a few things to make them feel cozy, including a dog bed, kennel for training, leash, collar, food and water bowls, toys, an ID tag and treats. The kennel will likely be your largest expense, ranging from $25 to a few hundred, depending on size, material and style. The larger and fancier kennel you choose, the more it will cost. The other items could add up to a few hundred dollars, depending on what you select. To make the purchases more economical, shop the pet section at your favorite discount retailer or compare prices at online vendors rather than visiting boutique pet stores.
After you've welcomed your new dog home, you'll discover that supplies need to be replenished each month or so. Here's a list of items to consider as you tally the cost of owning a dog:
A good way to estimate your monthly cost is to acknowledge the price of each item and how long it lasts. For example, if your dog food costs $40 a bag and lasts eight weeks, based on the number of portions in the bag, you'll need to set aside $20 each month for the dog food budget. Some ongoing expenses won't need to be replaced monthly, such as a dog brush or dog nail trimmer. These may last a year or more and only need to be replaced as they wear out.
There are other things you may want to provide for your dog — or that you may need to have a healthy relationship with your pet. As you start to get to know one another, you may decide that dog obedience classes ($30-$80 per group class or $45-$120 per hour-long private session) or pet day care ($15-$25 per day) are needed.
Other optional expenses to consider include:
So, how much does it cost to own a dog? Chat with your local pet parent friends and get recommendations. Have them loop you in on the best vets and places to shop. The cost of owning a dog can add up, especially during the first few weeks together. Being prepared ahead of time with a pet budget and funds set aside for this new chapter will help the transition go smoothly, leaving you more time to focus on playful visits to the dog park and comfy evenings snuggled close. Here's to happy days ahead with your new pet!
Angela Tague is a pet mom and writer living in the Midwest. When she's not making a mess in the kitchen, exploring nature trails with her dog, or attending a yoga workshop, she's writing full-time for multiple lifestyle and technology brands. You can find her on Twitter and LinkedIn @AngelaTague.
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Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
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For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
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