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Wondering about the cost of owning a dog? Whether you’ve been wanting a canine sidekick for years or only recently started thinking about a furry family addition, one of the biggest factors to consider is cost. In this handy guide, we’ll break down the dog ownership costs you’ll need to budget for, with options for every wallet size.
So what is the average annual cost of dog ownership? And why? According to the consumer goods research wizards, the average yearly cost of dog ownership in 2020 was $1200. That equates to around $100 a month you’ll need to set aside for your pooch. However, this could be higher or lower depending on your breed choice, location, your dog’s age, and a whole host of other factors too.
Plus, this figure doesn’t include the initial costs of getting your pooch in the first place. The start-up costs of getting a dog can range from $600 to the high thousands.
So where do these dollars go? Want to know what’s essential and what’s an extra treat? Let’s break down the common costs of dog ownership, so you can start to build your Fido-friendly budget plan.
The initial cost of getting a dog depends mainly on where you source them from, and their breeding.
Looking to give a fur-ever home for a shelter dog? Adoption fees typically range between $50 and $500, which is usually considerably less than buying a puppy.
Buying a puppy from a breeder can range from $600 to the high thousands, especially escalating in price if they are a popular purebred dog, like the fashionable French Bulldog. Mixed breed puppies are usually on the lower end of the scale. Both pure breeds and mixed breeds can make excellent pets, regardless of their lineage.
In general, the larger the breed, the more cost you’ll incur in the long run. A bigger dog means a bigger appetite, bigger toy destroying ability, and usually bigger vets bills too!
If you don’t plan to breed from your pup, it’s usually wise to spay or neuter them to avoid any accidents. This surgery can cost between $100 to $400, depending on your local veterinarian’s rates.
Top tip - often the adoption fee for a dog will cover their surgery!
Vaccinations are essential for all pups and grown dogs too, ensuring they can all play together happily without any preventable nasty illnesses. To get a puppy vaccinated typically costs around $70-$200
Usually around the $50 mark, microchipping is highly recommended for all dogs, to ensure they are registered and returned to you if they ever go astray.
To get set up for a canine companion, there’s a few pieces of kit you will definitely need. A collar or harness, leash, poop bags, food and water bowls, dental care equipment, and a bed. To make your dog feel really at home and to keep them stimulated and healthy, it’s always nice to include some toys and treats, a crate, a reusable puppy pad like the Potty Buddy, and some grooming supplies too.
The prices of these items can vary wildly depending on your lifestyle and your affordability - if you are a bargain hunter or into boutique shopping. For some of the above, there are plenty of second-hand supplies on sites like eBay to keep costs down, or if you’d like, treat yourself to handmade pieces from the likes of Etsy.
Once your new pal is settled in, there are ongoing essential costs to consider.
Food is of course essential for a happy, healthy doggo. The costs of food can range widely, but on average U.S. households spent around $440 a year in 2020.
Food is very personal for owners, so spending can really range anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per year or more, depending on the choice of brand and the size of your pooch’s appetite.
The cheaper options come in dry kibble form, while some dog parents opt for a fresh home delivery service, which can cost closer to the $5000 per year mark.
It’s always wise to bear in mind that quality dog food is important for maintaining a healthy dog, so if you can afford dog food with mostly recognizable, whole-food ingredients, or one recommended by your vet, you are on the right track.
On average, yearly vet visits cost around $240. This usually includes your routine checkups, vaccinations, boosters, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention, and dental checks.
Of course, accidents do happen, so always have a little fund set aside for emergency costs, whether to pay outright or to pay your insurance premium.
The average yearly spend on
treats, toys, poop bags, and the other little essentials is around $100. Of course, this can vary depending on the brands you choose and how often you want to splurge.
While these expenses may be optional or irrelevant for some owners, it’s useful to bear them in mind or know that they could arise as a surprise.
Insurance is of course optional but usually recommended by most owners, as you never quite know what your pooch can get themselves into. For peace of mind, most owners spent approximately $62 on pet insurance a month. Some might choose to simply open a savings account instead.
Whilst some dog owners might be content with the advice they can find online or with their vet, others might want to hire a professional trainer to help with behavioral issues. The average training spend was around $38 per session, but this could be higher for young puppies in need of regular classes.
Households in 2020 spent around $60 a year on those extra special “splurge” items for their pooch, with $59 spent on clothing and accessories too!
Work full time or planning a getaway? Then you might need to factor in the cost of a walker, some daycare, or prolonged boarding for your dog. The average cost was around $48 in 2020, but if you’re a frequent flyer this could skyrocket upwards.
If you want a fluff-free house or have a breed with a heavy coat in a hot climate - this is one cost you’ll want to keep in mind. The average yearly spend in 2020 was around $120, but a single grooming appointment can cost anywhere from $40-$70. Want to keep the cost down? Choose a short-haired breed!
If you rent your home, your landlord may require you to pay a ‘pet deposit’. This can be anywhere around the $200-$500 mark.
With this breakdown, you can work out what kind of dog works for you, plus where you’ll need to spend or save to create a great quality of life for your dog. They are going to be your best friend after all - so a few little treats here and there and a perfectly prepared Potty Buddy, made to help them stay cozy and hygienic, is the least they deserve.
Not that we are biased or anything...
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