We love dogs. They’re our best friends. Even if your kid or partner might try to convince you otherwise, there’s no such thing as a free dog or puppy.
How much does it cost to buy a dog? A better question to ask might be how much a dog costs over its lifetime, which is usually more than the dog itself.
Yet, when you want one so much, the cost of ownership might be one of the last things you want to think about. All dogs come with initial and ongoing expenses. We’ve wrapped up some of the typical and unexpected costs here to help you make a decision that’s right for your budget.
Americans Love Dogs
Dogs are the most prevalent type of pet we invite to live with us. According to an American Pet Products Association survey report, 69 million U.S. households had at least one dog in 2020. Cats followed at 45.3 million homes by comparison.
Adopt From a Rescue Shelter or Buy From a Breeder?
The cost of adopting a dog from a pet rescue organization typically costs a lot less than buying from a breeder. Buying from a breeder can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000, says One Green Planet.
Depending on a specific breed’s tendencies to have certain illnesses, they can cost even more than that, according to BarkBox.
Pet Rescue and Shelter Adoptions
Adoption fees for dogs and puppies from shelters are usually a bargain. Fees sometimes vary according to a shelter’s current supply and demand and other factors. In many cases, the adoption fee may include vaccines, spaying/neutering and an initial supply of other items.
Many shelters host adoption events throughout the year where pets can sometimes be adopted at reduced or no fee. Standard adoption fees for dogs and puppies at the Animal Humane Society in Minnesota, for example, range from $118 to $667. The fee includes initial medical care and a host of necessary supplies to get you started.
You can search the national database of adoption organizations in your area at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The Cost Of Owning A Dog
There are one-time costs such as adoption fees, initial vaccinations and pet crates when you get a dog. There are many other costs associated with long-term care, some of which depend on the type of dog and your circumstances.
For example, you may want to invest in a fence for your yard to contain your dog. If you live in an apartment, you might just need a walking harness and a leash.
How Much Does a Dog Cost per Year?
Exact figures about a dog’s annual cost can be as difficult to pinpoint as determining how many dog breeds there are out there.
You should plan to budget at least $395 for the first year of a puppy’s life and $326 for the following each year to follow, says petfinder.com.
In a 2020-21 survey conducted APPA, pet owners respondents reported paying these basic expenses on their dogs during the previous 12 months:
- Surgical vet visits: $458
- Routine veterinarian visits: $242
- Food: $287
- Edible treats: $81
- Kennel boarding: $228
- Pet vitamins: $81
- Grooming products: $47 (does not include professional grooming)
- Dog toys: $56
The Size May Affect Overall Cost
The cost to own and care for a small dog is often less than caring for a very large dog when you consider things like food usage, medicine and vitamin usage, crate and bed size and leashes and collars, to name a few.
Pampering Pups Can Cost More
Some dog owners spend as much or more on their dogs as others do on their kids. Depending on how much you want to pamper your pup, you can buy an expensive pooch wardrobe, specially prepared food, pet furniture, strollers, boutique toys and time at doggy daycares and grooming parlors.
It’s best to agree if that’s in your plans and budget before you and your partner commit to getting a dog.
Costs You May (Not) Want To Think About, But Should
Unfortunate life events happen to our beloved dogs and us. These events can be difficult to consider when you’re excited about adding a new puppy or dog to your home.
Emergency and Illness Expenses
Dogs get sick. As they age, they become more susceptible to ailments and disease. Even a healthy young dog needs regular medical screening visits and vaccinations.
Emergency veterinarian expenses can quickly add up to thousands of dollars in veterinarian expenses, tests, surgeries and medications.
According to The Spruce Pets, a single trip to a specialized emergency veterinarian can cost $500 to $5,000 and up. An ICU stay can run from $200 to $500 per day. Advanced surgical procedures can cost thousands.
Pet Insurance for Accidents
You’re probably aware that you can purchase pet health insurance that covers routine care. Did you know that you can purchase accident-only coverage for your pet? In 2020, such a policy averaged $218 per year, III reports. That typically covers lacerations, vehicle accidents, poisoning and other accidents. Accident and illness premiums, including help with cancer, had an average cost of $594 in 2020.
End of Life Expenses
Dog years pass fast. Too fast for dog owners. Deciding what to do with your dog’s remains can be a complicated and emotional decision but a financial decision you’ll need to make.
Burying a pet in your backyard may not be practical or legal. Check with your local or state government for regulations.
Options that you’ll have to pay for include:
- Remains disposal from a vet office or your home
- Cremation (some options cost more than others)
- Burial in a pet cemetery
- Memorial services, grave markers
Costs for each can widely vary, depending on the size of your dog, where you live and which option you choose. Some organizations provide disposal services that cost less than what a veterinarian office might charge. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona, for example, offers euthanasia only and euthanasia with cremation packages ranging from $65 to $190.
Pre-Need Planning
According to the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories, pre-need planning for your dog’s inevitable demise is also an option. Pre-planning can help minimize emotional spending when the time comes for you to make that final decision.
Damage to Your Home
Dogs do what they do, including chew. Just ask nearly anyone you know who has a dog. Some dogs can cause expensive damage to your home and belongings, including:
- Carpet stains and clawing tears
- Shoe and furniture damage
- Wall and door damage
- Interior vehicle staining and gnaw marks
Dog Bite Liability
The idea that your dog or puppy might bite someone might seem like a far-fetched idea when you’re looking into the soulful eyes of that fur child you want. Yet, in 2020, there were 16,991 insurance claims for dog bites, resulting in $853.7 million in claims, reports the Insurance Information Institute.
Renters and homeowners insurance typically covers dog bite claims up to a certain amount and under certain circumstances. The III recommends checking your policies for specifics.
Budgeting Tips
You can have a dog and mind your budget. It’s good to know what you’re potentially getting into in terms of dollars ahead of your commitment.
There are ways to save money. Petfinder.com recommends these money-saving tips:
- Consider adopting an adult dog
- Inquire about what’s included in your dog’s adoption fee
- Try grooming your dog yourself
- There are apps you can use to self-train your dog
- Look for second-hand dog supplies
- Search online for special pet food offers
- Consider purchasing pet health insurance
Budget Before You Purchase A Dog
Use our budgeting tool to determine if you’re financially ready own a dog. Additionally, Arizona Central Credit Union offers a You-Name-It Personal Loan as part of its many banking services. You can apply for a personal loan for anything you want, including unexpected pet care expenses. Contact us today to learn more about a personal loan and other services.
