Before you get a pet dog it is a good idea to form a budget so you can be sure you can afford ownership. Dogs are not cheap pets to own, in addition to food and regular supplies there is always a concern about emergency vet care. Considering all expenses is important before getting a dog.

To suggest an actual number is difficult, prices change, you could be in England using the pound, or in Australia using the dollar, or in the USA using a completely different dollar, additionally prices in one area of the country could be very different from that in another area. As such some common expenses may be mentioned and you will want to compare to prices in your area.

Purchase Price – This will vary greatly with some dogs being free, and others being thousands of dollars. Keep in mind the free dog may require expensive medical care. In general the best price will be from an animal shelter where pets are vaccinated, wormed, vet checked, and offered for adoption at a reasonable price; because most animal shelters are non-profit. You should never pay a cent for a dog that is not vaccinated and so forth.

Vaccinations & Worming – Puppies will need more vaccinations than older dogs. Adult dogs may need vaccinations every year, or every two years. Dogs should be wormed yearly, especially outdoor dogs. Flea control is another issue in some areas, flea medication from the veterinarian is more expensive, but also safer, than over the counter flea medication.

Food – Big dogs eat more food, puppy food is more expensive than dog food. How much food your dog will eat will depend on many factors, including the quality of the food and how much exercise our dog gets. Food will be a major part of the on-going expenses for owning a dog, treats too!

Basic Supplies – Bowls, leash, collar, brushes, dog crate, dog bed, nail trimmers (optional), dog care books.

Toys – Different breeds of dogs have different needs for toys, puppies of course also need teething toys, smart dogs need more mentally stimulating toys, terriers love to chew toys and will often have to have their toys replaced. Retrievers love to carry toys around.

Grooming – Some dogs require regular trips to the groomers (or you can groom them yourself) for hair cuts. These are the non-shedding dogs that have coats that are always growing. If neglected their hair can form painful mats. Dogs that require hair cuts often visit the groomer every 8 weeks.

Training - All dogs should attend some sort of basic training. If you adopt the dog from a shelter you might get a coupon for a discount on training. Training not only teaches the dog to sit and stay, but also teaches it basic socialization and manners. At least basic training should be considered as a needed expense when you get a dog. Some more intelligent dogs thrive on continued levels of training, or even agility classes.

Licensing and Tags – In some areas a dog license is required. These are often renewed every year, and are less expensive for dogs that are sterilized.  Often times it is cheaper to license a spayed or neutered dog.  Even where licensing is not required, dogs should wear tags or identification.

Sterilization – A one time expense for spaying or neutering, this is optional but will have many health benefits, and behavioral advantages. If this expense is something you want to avoid you can adopt a dog that is already fixed.

Emergency Expenses – Some people by pet insurance to cover emergency expenses, others simply put money aside just in case of an emergency. Dogs who live outside, or are not fixed (particularly females that are breeding) will be at risk for more emergency expenses.  Some dog owners opt to get pet insurance for emergency care.

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Summary

A dog is a lifetime commitment, and a financial commitment. If you cannot afford basic care, supplies, and have money for emergencies, perhaps this is not the right time to get a dog. Keep in mind some unusual incidental expenses too, such as a pet deposit if you rent your home.