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.

8 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.

4. Basic Supplies

Basic supplies are another common cost of owning a dog. Here are some of the basic supplies you can expect to factor into the cost of a dog:

Food and Treats

Your dog will need food and you should try to pick a high-quality dog food. It might be overwhelming to choose the right dog food so don’t be afraid to ask your vet for advice. They will take your dog’s breed, size, and activity level into consideration to get the right food for your dog’s lifestyle.

Food costs can be dependent on how active your dog is and their size, but generally, these costs can be about $300-$700+ a year. If you need or want to feed them a specialty or raw diet, these costs will be much higher.

Toys

Dog toys are essential for your dog’s physical and mental exercise. Average costs will range on how much you want to spend, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $50-$150+ a year. If you have a dog that plays hard and has a habit of destroying toys, you may spend even more. If this is your dog, look for toys designed for tough chewers.

Bedding

Every dog should have a comfy place to sleep and a dog bed can provide that spot. There are a lot of options available for choosing a dog bed. They may cost as little as $30 or as much as $200 or more, often depending on size and quality.

If you’re willing to spend a little more upfront, get a good-quality bed. A higher-quality bed that’s easy to clean can last longer and can keep dog bed costs lower in the long run. You can also look for calming dog bed features, like warming or cooling inserts, memory foam bases, and more, to help your dog relax.

Leashes and Collars

Every dog needs at least one leash and dog collar or dog harness. Typically, dog owners spend around $30-$50+ a year, but this will depend on the quality of the supplies and the size of your dog. Dogs that exercise heavily during runs may wear these supplies out more quickly than a dog who requires less vigorous exercise.

5. Grooming

Proper grooming is important for any dog but grooming costs will depend on the type of dog coat on your dog. For the most part, dogs with short and smooth coats require some basic brushing, ear care, and nail care. Dogs that shed a lot or who have a very dense or coarse coat or a long coat will need a lot more attention and care.

These are all things that determine the grooming level of a puppy. Also, low shedding does not always mean low maintenance. For example, Poodles may not shed, but they still require daily brushing and regular grooming to keep their coats tangle and mat-free. Plan to spend anywhere from $50-$500+ a year on grooming tools or grooming appointments.

6. Obedience Classes or Training Resources

Most dogs only need puppy training classes or obedience school in the first year of their life, but training should be a lifelong process. You may also have a dog that needs a little extra help from an experienced dog trainer. Between training resources like books, online classes, or working with a trainer, you can expect to spend at least $25 to $300 or more for training needs.

7. Pet Sitters, Boarding, or Dog Walking

If you travel a lot or have a hectic work schedule, you may need some extra help in caring for your dog. A dog walker is a great person to have so your dog gets adequate exercise if you work long hours.

Typically, dog walkers are paid about $20+ for one walk. Depending on how often your dog will need to walk, you may spend up to $400 a month for a dog walker or more if they are offering extra care services for your dog.

If you plan to go on vacation without your dog, you will need arrangements for their care. Even if you have a friend or a family member who wants to care for your dog, you still should compensate them for their time.

If you need to look for a pet sitter or a dog boarding option, be aware that it costs more to hire a pet sitter than to look for a boarding facility. If you leave your dog there once or twice a year, you may be spending up to $400 or more.

If traveling with your dog is an option, you can expect fees added to your travel expenses. However, these fees can vary based on location, travel method, and accommodations. Be sure to do your research thoroughly if you plan to travel with your dog.

8. Emergencies and Unexpected Costs

There’s no guarantee in life so you need to be prepared for the unexpected. You should account for any emergencies your dog may experience, potential chronic illnesses, or natural disasters. An emergency vet visit can start at around $500 and go beyond even $5,000.

If your dog needs any type of advanced surgery, it can cost up to $5,000 or even more. To be best prepared for these unexpected expenses, you should be putting some extra money in savings so you aren’t completely caught off guard and have something to fall back on.

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.