This post might contains affiliate links.
If you’ve just welcomed a furry friend into your family, you’re probably already thinking about all the ways you can spoil them and make sure they have everything they need. As much as we’d like to give our dogs everything they want, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you have the funds necessary for dog-related expenses.
| What | How much per month?* |
| Food | 50$ – 200$ |
| Treats | 5$ – 30$ |
| Preventive Medication (e.g. fleas and ticks…) | 5$ – 40$ |
| Poop bags | 10$ – 20$ |
| Toys | 5$ |
| Grooming | 30$ – 60$ |
| Yearly vet check-up (routine) | 20$ |
| Vet insurance | 50$ |
| TOTAL | 175$ – 450$ |
* Prices as of 2023, estimation
Prices also depend on the breed as well as the size of your dog
From food and treats to vet visits and training classes, there are many different costs associated with having a dog. Getting the right supplies and services can make your pup healthier and happier, which is why it’s important to plan ahead and budget accordingly. We’ll break down some of the items you should add in your monthly budget for a dog so that you can easily keep track of costs.
How Much Does It Cost To Own A Dog?
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, it’s important to be aware that dogs require a lot of effort and commitment as well as some budgeting. Here is an overview of the costs associated with owning a dog so you can make sure you’re financially ready for your new pup!
First-Time Dog Expenses
When you first bring home a dog, there are some upfront expenses that you’ll need to pay in order to get your pup settled. These can include:
Adoption fees/Buying (see further below): 0$ – 2,000$
Spray/neuter surgery: 200$ – 800$
Microchip: 40$ + exam visit
Vaccinations for puppies: 75$ – 100$
Collar and leash: 5$ – 50$
Food bowls: 10$ – 50$
Food: 40$ – 60$
Poop bags: 10$ – 20$
Crate and bed: 25$ – 250$
Grooming essentials (Brushes etc.): 5$ – 10$
Stain and odor remover: 10$
Toys: 50$
Flea and tick prevention: 40$ – 200$
Treats: 10$
Heartworm prevention: 25$ – 120$
Teeth care/dental chews: 10$
Total: 555$ – 3740$
Decide Between Adopting Or Buying
Adopting a dog: Adoption fees vary from place to place but typically range from $0-$500.
Buying a dog: Some breeds can be quite expensive. Depending on the breed, you might be looking at an average of $500-$2,000 and more for a puppy.
Considering the current situation in shelters, we highly recommend getting a dog from a shelter!
Identify Basic Expenses
Veterinary care: You’ll need to take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. Vet bills can vary but you should budget for around $700-$800 a year. We recommend saving up each month a certain sum each for this purpose. Your dog might have an accident or require urgent medical care and you want to be prepared for that financially. Another option is Pet insurance.
Pet insurance: Pet insurance helps cover costs if your pup gets sick or injured. Plans vary in coverage but expect to shell out around $50 a month for pet insurance.
Vaccination: Vaccines are a must to ensure your pup is healthy and protected from disease. Expect to pay between $70-$200 for the initial vaccinations and then around $150 per year for booster shots.
Preventative treatment: Preventing illness and parasites is key to keeping your dog healthy. This includes flea and tick treatments, heartworm prevention and other topical medications. Expect to pay about $150-$400 per year for these treatments.
Grooming: Depending on your dog’s breed and size, you might need to have their coat regularly groomed. This can cost anywhere from $30-$60 a visit.
Food and treats: You’ll need to buy food for your pup as well as treats for training and rewards. Expect to pay around $50-$100 a month for food and treats. Consider buying high-quality food. Just like humans, the major part of health depends on everyday choices. If you feed your dog if high-quality food, you contribute to his health…and minimize the vet visits and your heartbreak. It’s better to pay more for high-quality food that will keep your pup healthy and happy than paying vet bills 😉
ID tags, microchipping, and licensing: To ensure your pup stays safe if they get lost, it’s important to have them chipped and wear an ID tag with their name and your contact information on it. Microchipping costs around $45 and licensing fees vary from place to place but typically range from $15-$30.
Neutering/spaying: If you consider spaying or neutering your pup, it can cost anywhere from free (at some shelters) to over $300 depending on the vet clinic.
Dog crate: A pet crate is an important tool for house training and keeping your pup safe when you’re not around. Crates start at around $20-$100 but can be more expensive depending on the size.
Behavioral training: This is something that’s highly recommended to ensure your pup has good manners and obeys basic commands. Training classes range from $50-$200 depending on the level of instruction needed.
Toys: You’ll need to get some toys for your pup to keep them entertained! Chew toys, interactive games, and puzzle toys are all great options. Expect to pay anywhere from $5-$30 or more for some of the more advanced toys.
Doing your research and budgeting ahead can help you prepare for all the costs that come with owning a pup so you can enjoy all the love, cuddles, and fun that comes along with it!
The Monthly Budget For Your Dog
Before you jump into the exciting world of pet ownership, it’s important to consider if you can afford it. After all, taking care of your four-legged friend comes with its own set of costs that need to be factored into your budget.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend each month when it comes to taking care of Fido:
- Dog food – For a small dog, Food costs around $50-$200 per month depending on the quality and quantity you buy. Larger dogs will require more food, pushing the cost up.
- Veterinary visits – This includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and other necessary treatments for your pup. It’s important to factor in a monthly amount for vet bills into your budget as it can add up quickly if unexpected medical issues arise. A ballpark figure would be around $50 per month.
- Grooming – Regular grooming is essential for keeping your dog healthy and looking their best! Depending on the breed, you can expect to spend anywhere from $30-$60 per visit. If you’re tight on cash, there are DIY options available too.
- Toys & Treats – Being a pup parent also means spoiling your furry friend with lots of toys and treats. This cost can range anywhere from $5-$40 per month, depending on how much you indulge them!
It’s important to factor in these costs when deciding if a pet is right for you. Take your time to research the breed that best fits your lifestyle and budget. With some careful money management, you can make sure your pup is happy and healthy for many years to come!