How much does a dog normally cost?

Puppy owners can all agree that they are adorable but also a lot of work. But many people are unaware of how much a puppy actually costs. Because the cost of adopting a puppy or purchasing one from a breeder is not the only consideration A dog’s first year of life involves additional veterinary care, training, and purchasing the equipment your new family member will require to feel right at home.

It’s crucial to prepare for the additional costs associated with getting a new puppy so you can provide for your furry friend. Additionally, if you plan ahead, there are a few ways to keep more money in your wallet.

How Much Does a Dog Cost: Expenses for a New Dog or Puppy

Of course, basic costs are just that, basic, and as the chart below illustrates, even those can vary greatly.

Dog Cost Estimates
Expense	First Year	Each Year Following
Adoption Fee*	Sponsored ($0)–350	N/A
Food	$120–500	$120–550
Food/Water Bowls	$10–50	N/A
Treats and Chew Toys	$50–300	$50–300
Collar(s)	$6–50	$0–50
Leash(es)	$10–50	$0–50
Doggy Bed + Crate	$25–250	$0–250
Toys	$10–200	$0–200
Vaccines & Routine Care	$100–350	$80–250
Heartworm Tests	$0–35	$0–35
Heartworm Prevention	$24–120	$36–132
Flea/Tick Prevention	$40–200	$40–200
TOTAL	$395–2,455	$326–1,967

* A variety of additional expenses, such as spaying/neutering and different veterinary examinations, are typically covered by adoption fees. Find more details here.

How Much Do Dogs & Puppies Cost: The Extras

Beyond the basics, some additional puppy costs may pop up. If you can save up some money, it might help with the extras and the unanticipated expenses like those listed below, some of which are enjoyable splurges and others which require urgent medical attention.

Emergency Veterinary Care: How much does a puppy cost to care for? It will assuredly vary. If you’re opening your heart to a senior dog or a pup with special needs, you may want to budget for a few extra visits with your veterinarian. Even otherwise healthy dogs may still develop health issues or need treatment for unexpected illnesses that could run you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $1,000+. Pet insurance is one way to defray the veterinary cost of a dog. Plans are paid for monthly, and there are a number of reasonable options to consider. You can also set aside a small amount each month, if your budget allows, and save it for a rainy day.

Professional Grooming: Serious grooming could cost up to $1,200 a year for a long and luxurious coated companion, but a basic wash, nail trim and teeth-cleaning will run you considerably less. And some shorter-coated dogs don’t need cuts at all, and are just fine to get by with regular brushings at home.

Training: If your new pet needs help with socialization or behavior, you may need to look into training. $250 a year should cover several beginner classes, but the range of costs will vary, depending on where you go and how many classes you take. Many pet specialty retailers offer low-cost training, too. Additionally, some shelters will provide training classes free or at a reduced cost, and private trainers may also offer a discount for adopted dogs.

Boarding and Travel Fees: Enjoy hitting the road and want to take your pet? Many places welcome your furry travel companion, but there might be premiums or deposits depending on your itinerary. If you will be leaving your dog at home, it could cost $15–50 per day for pet sitting or boarding.

Toys, Treats, Collars and Other Accessories: Costs for pet accessories can sneak up on you, with prices that vary depending on tastes and budget. In general, a sensible nylon collar and leash set for a new puppy is about $10. Training harnesses average $25. Additionally, toys and treats are more reasonable for small dogs (in some cases, under $10 for a box), but giant breeds can run you a bit more (around $10 a piece for each treat). Bedding costs can vary as well, depending on the size of your dog and the materials used.

List of 8 Breeds and Their Average Dog Prices

$50 – 300+

The cost of your supplies will depend on a few different factors. The most important one, whether you already have items on hand that you can use with your new dog, has already been discussed.

If not, you will need to purchase a lot of items. While some of it can be avoided or worked around, the essentials must still be completed and are still expensive.

The quality of the items you purchase is one of the biggest factors that affects this category. For instance, you can easily spend hundreds of dollars on a top-of-the-line, indestructible dog bed, but you can purchase a regular dog bed for $20 or less.

Additionally, bear in mind that some of these materials can help you save money in other areas. Giving your dog something worthwhile to chew on can prevent them from ruining your couch or your collection of shoes, for instance, even if you don’t want to spend money on chew toys.

FAQ

How much is a dog in 2022?

Although smaller dogs typically live shorter lives than large dogs, many dogs live an average of 12 years. According to this, pet ownership expenses will range from $18,000 to $60,000 in 2022.

How much does 1 dog cost monthly?

Budgeting for a dog by the month, which is estimated to cost $42, may be simpler. 66 for small dogs, $55. 75 for medium pups, and $86. 69 for large ones. * These figures account for dog-related costs for the entire year, such as: Food – You should choose a complete and balanced dog food appropriate for your dog’s age and level of activity.