Dog Budget Calculator
Adopting a dog is the start of a lifelong love story between you and your furry friend. But how much will they cost you?
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Before adopting, it's best to figure out how your dog will fit into your budget.
That way, you can ensure they'll have everything they need to live a long and healthy life.
With this calculator, you'll see:
- How much your dog will cost upfront
- How much your dog will cost annually
How much will my dog cost?
Here, we break down the essential upfront and recurring costs that you can anticipate.
Upfront costs[1]
- Adoption fee: $50 - $500 for a rescue, up to $4,000 from a breeder
- Vaccinations: $75 - $100
- Preventative care (flea/tick treatments, etc.): $40 - $200
- Spayed/neutered procedures: $35 - $400
- Microchip: $45
- Basic necessities (bed, collar, water bowl, leash, etc.): $200 - $400
- Pet deposit for rental: $200 - $500
Average upfront costs for a dog: $645 - $2,145
Annual recurring costs1
- Apartment pet "rent" (some landlords charge a small monthly fee in place of a one-time deposit): $25 - $100 per month[2]
- Food: $200 - $4,800
- Dog boarding when you travel (kennel, dog hotel, sitter): $35 per night
Average annual costs for a dog: $675 - $6,175
Additional Pet Expenses to Budget for
Most of these additional costs can be reduced by performing them at home (except for medical checkups). Think about the following expenses and add them to your budget when necessary.
- Dog training: Dog training can help socialize your dog and reduce behavior issues. However, experienced dog owners might train the dog themselves to bond with their furry friend.
- Grooming: You might groom your dog yourself or take it to a professional groomer. Long-hair breeds require more maintenance than short-hair breeds. Whichever you choose, be sure to practice daily brushing and regular nail-clipping.
- Yearly check-ups: Just like humans, dogs benefit from a yearly medical check-up. It's a good idea to commit to regular check-ups because it's cheaper to prevent an illness than to treat one.
- Teeth cleaning: For dogs, teeth cleaning can be a big deal. Many heart and kidney issues are a result of dental disease. Stick to a dental routine and stock up on helpful products like toothpaste and dental chews.
Is Pet Insurance worth it?
If you think you might struggle to pay for emergency vet services, it may be worth it to purchase pet insurance while your dog is healthy.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, monthly pet insurance for dogs costs an average of $47.[3]
Still not sure about insurance? Remember: you do have options. Insurance providers usually offer:
- Accident only: Covers lacerations, motor vehicle accident, poisoning, ligament tears, or ingestion of a foreign object.
Average monthly premium: $18.17
- Accident and Illness insurance: Covers accidents plus illnesses like cancer, digestive issues, infections, and more.
Average monthly premium: $49.51
Most and Least Expensive Dog Breeds
Some puppies are far more affordable than others. Here's a list of the most and least expensive dog breeds and how much they cost to adopt:
Least Expensive Dog Breeds to Adopt
| Dog Breed | Average adoption price |
|---|---|
| American Foxhound | $400 |
| Rat Terrier | $400 |
| Beagle | $450 |
| Dachshund | $450 |
| Miniature Pinscher | $500 |
| English Cocker Spaniel | $600 |
| Golden Retriever | $600 |
| Boxer | $650 | Pomeranian | $750 | Miniature Schnauzer | $800 |
Most Expensive Dog Breeds to Adopt
| Dog Breed | Average adoption price |
|---|---|
| Irish Wolfhound | $2,000 |
| Pharaoh Hound | $2,000 |
| Saluki | $2,500 |
| Chow Chow | $2,500 |
| Lowchen | $3,000 |
| Samoyed | $3,000 |
| Rottweiler | $3,500 |
| Akita | $4,000 | Tibetan Mastiff | $8,000 | English Bulldog | $9,000 |
Bottom Line
Whether you're a first-time dog owner or have lots of experience, it pays to be prepared. You'll want to factor in both upfront and recurring monthly costs to your budget.
Remember, it's smart to find the balance between cost-saving practices (like at-home training or grooming) and expenses that are pricey but worthwhile (like regular medical checkups).
The important thing is that your dog stays as healthy and happy as possible to live a long life with your family. Happy adopting!
References
- ^ "The Cost of Owning a Dog in 2020": Rover, 2020.
- ^ "Pet Rent vs. Pet Deposits and Fees": Zillow, 2020.
- ^ "Section #3: Average Premiums": NAPHIA, 2020.
Holly Zorbas is a assistant editor at CreditDonkey, a personal finance comparison and reviews website. Write to Holly Zorbas at holly.zorbas@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
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