Dogs are not cheap, even if you get a free one, there are constant expenses. Knowing what the costs of keeping a pet dog are, will help a person decide if they are ready to commit to ownership of a dog.

Note: This article is not going to give you an easy answer. The costs of keeping a dog can vary, you could be in Chile, Cambodia, or Canada, (or even in the USA where costs vary from state to state). The exact cost will depend on the size of the dog and breed (some breeds have higher expenses). This article will show you what things will cost you money, and you can do your own research according to the area you live in.

Cost of the Dog

People can acquire a dog for free, adopt one, or buy one. Free dogs, unless already vet checked, vaccinated, and dewormed, can cost more in the long run than adopting one from a shelter. Shelter dogs have already been checked by a veterinarian (so you know you are not getting one with a heart defect or other issue that may require an urgent expense), be wormed, and vaccinated. The shelter dog might need a vaccination booster, and will typically come with a health guarantee. In most areas adoption is less than $200.

Buying a dog, as from a pet store, back yard breeder, or reputable breeder, is the most expensive option. In some cases people pay far more than the dog is worth. A dog who is not vet checked, vaccinated, or come with health guarantees, is not worth anything. Back yard breeders often charge $300 - $800, for dogs that are only worth a few hundred dollars – being as these dogs are only worth the value of the vet check, and vaccinations, the same applies to pet store dogs (note: registration is not a sign of quality). Both the pet store, and most back yard breeders, are in it for profit, the dogs being sold for more than they are worth.

The reputable dog breeder will sell their dogs for about the same, or slightly more, than the pet store sells for, however they have invested a lot of time and quality in their dogs, and usually offer excellent guarantees. The reputable breeder has taken both parent dogs to shows to prove they are worth breeding, and has had them checked by a veterinarian for genetic concerns. Both the pet store, and reputable dog breeder, have pups for sale from $600 and up, depending on breed, availability, and area.

Food Costs

There is a huge range of dog foods. The lower quality dog foods tend to be cheapest, but because they contain so much filler (eg. Corn, by- products, wheat) the dog must eat more of the food than it would if fed a better quality food, so in the long run the owner spends more buying lower quality foods (and may have a dog that has more health problems later in life). It is worth noting some lower quality foods inflate their prices to make owners think their food is good, or because of their marketing plan.

Puppy food contains more nutrition, and is more expensive. The same dog food may be priced differently from store to store, with livestock feed stores often being priced below pet stores. Some dog food companies offer a “Buy 10 – get one Free” program.

Because small dogs eat less than larger dogs, and less active dogs need less food than active dogs, it is impossible to say the cost of dog food per month, however you should plan on buying one bag of dog food per month.

Veterinarian Costs

Dogs should be vaccinated every year, or every two years, depending on how high the dog population is in an area. Rabies shots are required by law in most areas (other than in the UK where rabies is not an issue).

Regular worming (every 6 months) is recommended. In some areas where fleas and ticks are problems the dog may require preventative measures against these parasites in flea and tick season. Note that many over-the-counter wormers do not kill all types of worms, and over-the-counter flea and tick medication has been linked to many pet deaths (never treat for fleas and ticks unless they are a problem). A simple phone call to a veterinarian will determine what the cost for regular vaccinations, worming, and vet checks, will be.

Keep in mind that dogs can live into their teens, and older dogs often have more health care needs.

©Brenda Nelson - Shih Tzu puppy

Grooming

Some dogs are known as being “non-shedding”. These dogs need to be brushed daily, and most owners opt to give them regular hair cuts to prevent painful mats from forming. These hair cuts are usually done more regularly in the hotter months, and can cost anywhere from $40 - $120 each time (every 6-8 weeks). Even if the dog does not get fully groomed and clipped, some people take their dog to the groomer just for regular nail trimming.

Dog Toys and Supplies Needed – Most are one time expenses

The following toys and supplies may be needed according to the dog.

Stainless steel bowls (or ceramic) – plastic bowls need to be replaced every 6 months as they can contain bacteria

Collar, and two leashes (always have one extra leash for emergencies – perhaps 2 different lengths)

Toys – balls, hard kong type toys, soft stuffed toys, rope toys, etc

Brushes, and other grooming supplies (shampoo/conditioner/nail trimmers)

A crate – kennel – for house training or confinement when owner is away or to take the dog to the vet/groomer, etc.

An outdoor dog run - or fenced yard

A dog house or shelter for when the dog is outside

A dog bed – optional

Identification (a tattoo, or microchip)

Other On Going Expenses

Treats – soft treats for training, and hard treats for general use

Dog license – as required by most cities – yearly renewal

Boarding Kennel Fees – Doggy Day Care – or Pet Sitting, as needed.

Emergencies

A dog owner must always plan for emergencies. Some people invest in pet insurance, but this might not cover everything. If a dog gets loose you may have to pay a fine for allowing it to run at large, and to recover it from the pound. If the dog eats something it should not, or gets hit by a car, or is showing signs of poor health, it should be taken to the veterinarian (failure to do so is criminal as neglect).

These emergencies should be planned for by saving some money every month in a special account for the dog. This emergency fund should be between $500 and $1000, higher if you plan on breeding the dog as caesarian sections can be quite expensive, as can the cost for feeding orphaned, or rejected puppies.

All in all a person should budget a few hundred dollars every month for owning a dog, if they spend less, great, but if they have an emergency and cannot afford to spend more – it is the dog that suffers most.

Further Reading

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Dog

How to Select the Right Dog for You

What to Expect when Bringing Home a New Dog or Pup