How Much Does a Dog Cost?

My spouse and I are huge fans of our two German Shepherds, Dex and Tacoma. They bring immense joy (and a fair bit of drool) into our lives. However, I’ll be honest – keeping them content, healthy, and engaged requires a decent financial commitment. You see, we wouldn’t want them to orchestrate a #GSD rebellion in our home.

I’ve taken the time to break down the typical expenses dog owners encounter, enabling you to gauge your financial readiness for embracing the role of a dog parent. Additionally, I’ve gathered some money-saving tips for all you future furry friend owners out there.

3 Areas of Cost

It’s clear that Americans have a deep affection for their furry companions. On average, dog owners spend approximately $750 annually on their beloved pets, translating to around $63 per month.

Now, let’s delve into what exactly that $750 covers. The costs of owning a dog can be categorized into three main areas: initial essentials, recurring expenditures, and optional extras. Let’s examine each segment closely.

Essential Initial Costs

Welcoming a dog into your life comes with initial expenses, often front-loaded (though many of these costs relate to the rear). Here’s an overview of the initial investments you should anticipate when getting a dog:

Adoption Fees	$0–350
Pet Store/Breeder	$500–3,000
Initial Vet Exam and Vaccinations	$100–350
Spay or Neuter Surgery	$50–200
Heartworm Test	$0–35
Collar or Harness	$6–50
Leash	$10–50
Food Bowls	$10–50
Crate and Bed	$25–250
Waste Pickup Bags	$0–10
Potty Training Pads	$10–20
Stain and Odor Removers	$5–20
Food	$25–75
Toys	$5–80
Treats	$5–115
Pet License (If Needed)	$8–30
Apartment Pet Deposit (If Needed)	$200+
Total Initial Dog Costs	$259–4,535

Among these costs, the first vet appointment tends to be the most substantial, covering a wellness examination, basic vaccinations, and spaying or neutering surgery (if applicable). And if you’re like me, adopting a dog that’s seen better days, be prepared to invest more in restoring Fido’s wagging tail.

For a new dog starter pack, the essentials encompass food, food and water bowls, a leash and collar, and potentially a crate or bed. Naturally, treating your pup to some enjoyable toys and treats to help them settle into their new home is part of being a responsible dog parent.

Depending on your location, obtaining a pet license might be necessary to ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations. Many apartment complexes also mandate a pet deposit and a monthly fee, so factor these into your budget. And if your furry friend isn’t house-trained yet, stock up on pee pads and stain removers to tackle inevitable mishaps.

Recurring Expenditures

Beyond the initial investments, ongoing monthly and yearly costs continue to play a role in dog ownership. The following are the common recurring expenses:

Food	$25–75 a month$300–900 a year
Flea/Tick/Heartworm Prevention	$40–200 a year
Waste Pickup Bags	$0–100 a year
Treats and Toys	$50–250 a year
Emergency Vet Visits	$300–1,000+
Apartment Pet Fees (If Needed)	$20+ a month$240+ a year
Total Annual Expenses	$690–$2,690

Naturally, monthly expenses vary based on your dog’s size and needs. Larger breeds like Great Danes consume more food than teacup Chihuahuas. Certain breeds are also prone to more health issues, like my French bulldogs with their distinctive physiques and flat faces. Furthermore, if you lack a yard, you’ll likely spend more time and money managing after-dog duties.

If you’re a proud owner of a chew-happy pup, having an ample supply of chew toys and bones can keep them occupied and your belongings safe from their exploratory teeth. Also, it might be wise to factor in potential expenses for replacing items like shoes, eyeglasses (trust me, it happened), cushions, and anything else your furry friend fancies as a chew toy.

Optional Additions

Then comes the realm of optional expenses, depending on your dog’s needs and your lifestyle. Some of these might include:

Microchip	$25–60
Dental Cleaning	$170–350
Wellness Vet Exams	$50–250
Boarding or Sitting	$18–120 per day
Dog Walking	$20–30 per walk
Grooming	$50–100 per appointment
Shampoo and Brush	$15–40
Nail Clippers	$10–50
Travel Carrier	$20–75
Training	$250+

Perhaps you envision matching bandanas for you and your pup, or maybe you’re keen on shielding their paws from scorching pavement during summer strolls. You could even be considering an elite doggie daycare experience akin to a Montessori preschool. While all these are wonderful, ensure they align with your financial capacity.

In our case, my spouse and I enjoy pampering Dex and Tacoma with dog walkers or daycare while we’re at work. We opt for monthly mobile grooming sessions to maintain their pristine appearance, and naturally, their specialized (and slightly pricey) food to manage their 27 allergies.

Whether you’re investing in agility training to nurture a champion or indulging in monthly dog toy subscription boxes, it’s crucial to assess the financial aspect before diving in.

Tips to Save on Dog Costs

Clearly, the cost of dog ownership adds up faster than my German Shepherds can uncover peanut butter from a Kong toy. However, there are strategies to trim expenses while still lavishing your canine companion with the affection they deserve.

Adopt a Shelter Dog: While I understand the allure of specific breeds, it’s important to remember that shelter dogs also deserve loving homes. Adopting a previously cherished dog can spare you substantial upfront costs. Even if you have a particular breed in mind, consider visiting local shelters or exploring online options. You might find yourself falling in love with an adorable mutt, sparing you the high maintenance expenses often associated with purebred dogs.

Purchase Pre-Owned Dog Items: Crates, balls, leashes, toys – these needn’t be purchased brand new. Your dog won’t mind if that frisbee already has a few bite marks. Scout thrift stores, peruse Facebook Marketplace, or inquire if friends have dog items they’re willing to part with. A thorough cleaning renders these items just as good as new, providing your furry friend with playthings at a fraction of the cost.

DIY Grooming: Grooming appointments for dogs can be a pricey affair, especially if your pooch requires regular upkeep. Invest in some grooming essentials like shampoo and quality grooming scissors. With the aid of instructional videos on platforms like YouTube, channel your inner Edward Scissorhands and master the art of dog grooming. Pro tip: Initiating your dog into the grooming process early increases the likelihood of them cooperating during grooming sessions (and treats help!).

Evaluate Pet Insurance: Here’s a controversial take: Pet insurance doesn’t always deliver the value it promises. High deductibles may need to be met before coverage kicks in, and your specific procedure or medication might not be covered. If you’re committed to pet insurance, conduct thorough research and due diligence, bracing for ongoing expenses.

📸 @dex_tacoma_gsd

For most individuals, forgoing insurance in favor of building an emergency fund is a better choice. Think of it as a savings account for your dog – safer than stashing cash in the backyard. By consistently setting aside a small sum each month, you’ll be well-equipped to handle unforeseen dog-related expenses without overcommitting to insurance premiums.

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