What is the true cost of owning a dog after 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, and 15 years?
When you are looking to purchase a dog, you are typically so focused on the price of the dog that it is easy to forget there are ongoing costs associated with owning a pup. Below is a breakdown of what a typical pup will cost for owning year over year. Please realize the biggest variable will be veterinarian cost. Veterinarians in areas like cities or wealthier suburbs typically cost 75% more than veterinarians in the country. None of these costs include the initial adoption cost. This is why these costs vary quite a bit. The cost below does not include the cost of adopting your pup or any major medical issue. When you see how much it cost to own a dog, you will see the initial investment price isn’t as big as you would imagine.
Year One Cost:
Most Often Required Items:
- Dog Food- You can buy inexpensive food from Costco, but you will most likely pay for it as your dog gets older. We recommend high quality food like TLC Whole Life which runs around $73 for 30 lbs. Depending on your breed that can last 1 month or 3 months. The yearly price therefore runs $300- $875.
- Spay/Neuter- Most ethical breeders recommend spaying/neutering before 1 year of age. Cost of females spaying is more expensive than males just by a little and the cost varies on the size of the dog. One-time prices would be $300-$800.
- Flea/Tick- There are many options here but using something like K9 Advantix II runs $100-$200 for a year supply.
- Heartworm Preventative- Heartgard is the most common solution. The price dependent on the size of dog but runs $100-$140/year.
- Yearly Vaccinations- The price depends on what vaccinations are recommended in your area. Rabies, parvo/distemper combo shot are a must. Some areas need Leptospirosis and Lyme. Cost also depends on your area. Runs $200-$700/year.
- Leash- typically an inexpensive but necessary tool. $8-$30
- Grooming Items (Shampoo & Brushes)- If you get your dog professionally groomed you will not use these items regularly. But if not, you will probably need to spend around $25-$50/year on shampoo, buy around $25–$50 of brushes every year.
- Chew Toys- your dog will always need toys. We recommend indestructible toys as much as possible until your dog has proven they are not destructive or prone to swallow toys. Runs $25-$100/year.
- Treats- We recommend only giving treats for training or giving unwanted pills. We do not recommend giving treats just to show “you love your dog” or you will have a very fat dog soon. Pet Botanics Mini Training Treats makes a good training treat. $25-$50/year
Total Year One Cost of Requirements- $1108-$2995
Recommended Items
- Dog Crate- not necessary but recommended. An inside wire crate price is dependent on size of crate and runs $50-$150.
- Dog Cot- not necessary but many families choose a Kuranda Cot which is priced between $120-$200.
- Dog Bed- not necessary but many families spoil their dog with a dog bed. We always encourage something indestructible especially if you have a “mouthy breed”. A K9 Ballistic dog bed runs $120-$180 depending on size.
- Dog Vitamins- We recommend using NuVet Joint and NuVet Plus so much we require it for our Lifetime warranty. Not required but highly recommended. NuVet runs around $200/year and NuJoint is around $180/year. Total is $350-$400/year.
- Car Crate- not required but many families want their pup to be safe while traveling and the best way is a high-quality crate like a Dakota 283 runs $500-$700 and will last a lifetime.
- Dog Hair Dryer- A one-time purchase of a quality hair dryer like an AirForce Commander runs $200-$300.
Total Year One Cost of Recommendation- $1340-$1630
Total Year One Cost of Required & Recommendations- $2448-$4625
Yearly Ongoing Cost
- Dog Food- $300- $875.
- Flea/Tick- ~ $100-200
- Heartworm Preventative- $100-$140/year
- Yearly Vaccinations- $200-$700/year
- Dog Vitamins- $350-$400/year
- Grooming Items- $50-$100/year
- Chew Toys- $25-$100/year
- Treats- $20-$50/year
Total Yearly Cost without anything major medically: $1145-$2565
Yearly Breakdown Cost of Ownership
- Includes buying recommended items list in first year and does not include adoption price or major medical issues
