Cost of Owning A Puppy

Adopting a puppy is a very exciting process. With all the excitement surrounding the process of finding an ideal furry companion, it’s easy to forget about the cost of owning a puppy. It may seem overwhelming at first, but everything included here will help prepare you and ensure the best life for your puppy.

Initial Fees
While owning a puppy, most costs will be recurring and life-long. However, the first-year may cost double that of what would normally be spent later in the dog’s life.
Here are some initial fees to consider:
The adoption fee can cost on average anywhere from $500 to $2000.
If you’re renting a home or apartment, consider the pet fee. Plan to spend $300 to $600 per year.
A dog license will cost around $20, but some counties allow for a lifetime fee ($200).
If the dog will be spayed or neutered, plan to spend $50-$400.
A microchipping procedure will cost around $50.

Veterinary Needs
Routine wellness exams are a must for any dog-owner. A basic wellness exam will cost around $40-$50. A puppy will need to have multiple visits (at 6, 9, 12, and 15 weeks) to take care of the required vaccines, as well as any optional procedures. Plan to pay around $150 for all the basic vaccines. Any extra screenings, such as heartworm screenings, can cost up to $50 each. Heartworm, tick, and flea prevention can cost up to $200 in total.
Apart from anticipated vet fees, it is important to include an emergency fund of around $2000-$4000 in the anticipated cost of owning a puppy. Alternatively, invest in pet insurance to cover any medical emergencies (starting at $30 per month).

Grooming
It’s easy to forget about grooming when considering the cost of owning a puppy. All dog breeds benefit from some form of brushing as it helps to spread their natural skin oils and prevents matting. The intensity of grooming differs depending on breed, but invest in a brush and puppy shampoo. This costs around $5 to $30.
In addition, some dogs need routine grooming (about once a month) done at home or professionally. A pair of dog clippers can cost around $20. Grooming services (bath, nail trim, brushing, and haircut) cost $30-$90.
If you don’t plan on regularly taking your dog to the groomers, it is necessary to invest in a pair of nail clippers or nail grinders. This will cost around $10-$20. If your dog’s nails aren’t trimmed regularly, the overgrowth will be painful for your dog.

Food
The average dog-owner will spend around $60 per month for dog food, and treats can be purchased for around $5-$10 per pack. Of course, each dog’s diet requirements differ, and it is important to invest in a high-quality dog food as this will ensure that your dog’s nutritional needs are satisfied. There are different formulas made specifically for different age groups, sizes, and breeds. A lot of potential problems can be prevented simply by ensuring your pup is getting the proper diet.
Additionally, there are some dogs that require specialty or prescription diets. For example, those with anal gland problems will often require a high-fiber diet. Prescription diets can cost up to $100 for a 30 pound bag.
Pet Accessories and Equipment
All dogs will need basic necessities such as a collar, leash, food bowl, water bowl, bed, blanket, and some toys. Additionally, a harness is a great tool, especially for dogs prone to pulling. Expect to pay from $50-$200 for all of this.
Crates ($20-$80) are optional, but crate training is a viable method of creating a safe space for puppies, especially those with separation anxiety. A crate with a divider will accommodate the puppy’s growth throughout its first year.
For car travel, a waterproof seat cover and safety harness or clip will help keep your dog from moving around and help protect them in the case of an accident. Together, these will be an additional $30-$40.
A dog that will spend a lot of its time outside alone will need a fence and outdoor kennel. The cost of this will depend on the size of the property and the type of fencing. It can cost, on average, $3000 to fence a regular yard. There are also cheaper wireless containment systems that cost $250 to $1500.

Services
Dog training classes are a great investment, especially for first-time dog owners. Proper socialization and training at the beginning set your pup off on the right track. Training will cost around $100-$350.
When you can’t bring your dog with you on vacation, the best place to leave them is at a dog boarding location. Dog boarding will cost $25-$50 per night. For a happy puppy, find one that provides doggy play-time and regular walks.
For those who work long hours, dog-walking services or doggy daycares are great programs and both cost around $25 per day.
Final Cost of Owning a Puppy
The yearly cost of owning a puppy can range anywhere around $2000 to $5000. This all depends on the quality of products and services and how much you want to pamper your pup.

If you’re still not sure if you’re ready for a puppy, take our below.
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