You probably know owning a dog costs money, but have you wondered what the general cost is? There are a lot of things to consider when owning a dog and it’s important to be aware of how much you may spend. So, how much does it cost to own a dog? Here’s what to consider:

How Much Does it Cost to Own a Dog?

There are more expenses of owning a dog beyond food, vet bills, and basic supplies. Many people don’t make budgeting for those costs a priority before getting a dog. This can lead to problems down the road if an unexpected cost comes up, so having a general idea can help you plan. Being able to provide for your dogs is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. If you’re ready to be a dog owner, you need to know what you’re getting into.

The general cost of owning a dog can be estimated anywhere from about $1,500 to $5,000 or more per year, but this can be even higher depending on your circumstances. Many factors go into annual costs, including your dog’s size, age, where you live, your lifestyle, and your dog’s specific needs.

Average Costs by Dog’s Size

The cost of owning a dog is often based on the size of the dog. Generally, large dogs cost the most while small dogs cost the least. Of course, this does vary based on health issues, location, lifestyle, and external factors like dog sitters or other caretakers.

3 Common Costs of Owning a Dog

Some costs of owning a dog won’t apply to every dog owner, but there are some common costs to be aware of when welcoming a new dog into your family.

1. Breeder Costs or Adoption Fees

You need to consider any breeder costs when choosing a new puppy. Any puppy comes with costly expenses. Depending on the breed and breeder, you may spend anywhere from $500 to $2000 or more. However, be sure to do thorough research and find a dog from a reputable and vetted breeder.

A reputable breeder will be credentialed by a dog breed club or a dog breed organization and will follow established healthy breeding practices. They’ll also know a great deal about the breed, be transparent about breeding, and have taken time to socialize the puppies. Choosing a reputable breeder may cost a bit more upfront but in the long run, it can save money as the dog is going to be much healthier.

Adopting a dog is a way to bring down some of this cost. Many shelters and dog rescue organizations will have promotions where the adoption fee is greatly reduced or even waived. They also often cover some of the upfront costs such as spraying or neutering and vaccinations.

If you do have your heart set on a specific breed but still want to adopt, look for that specific breed rescue organization. These organizations are experts in specific breeds and can help you find the dog you want who needs a safe and loving home.

2. Vaccines and Other Preventative Healthcare

A must-have for first-time dog owners is a good veterinarian. Your dog will need vaccines (or need updated ones as they grow) as well as preventive medications like heartworm and flea and tick medication. You should be prepared for a vet bill that can range from $100 to $300 or more. Puppies need to visit the vet every few weeks until they are about 16 weeks, so account for these visits and their cost.

3. Routine Veterinary Care

Keeping your dog healthy is important so you should be prepared for routine vet costs. Having a good grasp on these routine visits is a question to ask at your first veterinarian visit. Dogs typically have yearly wellness checkups, which can cost about $200 to $300.

If lab work is done, this can add about $100 to $300 or more to the bill. These tests are an important part of preventive health care so don’t just skip them. Be aware that vet costs tend to be higher if your dog has any health issues or as your dog ages. Dental care for dogs is also important.

Professional dental care may be recommended depending on your dog’s oral health. Cleanings may be recommended as often as once a year, which can range from about $300 to $700. However, if your dog has any gum disease, or teeth issues, they may need a more extensive level of treatment and care. If they need to be put under anesthesia for the cleaning, this will increase the cost.

This is a review of how much it costs to own a dog. Being prepared for the cost of bringing a new dog home is important and can help you navigate puppyhood a lot more easily and eliminate some unexpected stress.