Start-up costs
Buying a purebred will run you $500-$2K, but a dog from a shelter can cost as little as $50, or up to $200.
You’ll need some doggy gear, including a bed, a collar and leash, a feeding bowl and some toys. These will run you approximately $50.
Getting your dog trained can cost as little as $25 for a single class, or up to $300 for a full course of training and resource materials.
Getting your dog spayed or neutered can add $20-$300 to your initial costs. Licensing, vaccinations and a microchip will bring that total up by $110-$360.
Total one-time costs: $255-$3,060
Ongoing costs
Now you’ll need to consider what it costs to care for your pet each month.
Dog food
The cheapest dog food can cost less than a dollar a pound. But if going gourmet, expect to pay up to $1.60/lb.
The size of your dog also plays a role in the total food costs. A 3-pound pup will only need 1⅓ cups of food a day, compared to the 4½ cups of food a 100-pound beast will consume.
Finally, consider your dog’s dietary requirements. A bag of food for dogs with sensitive stomachs is $2.60/lb.
Total monthly cost: $20-80
Preventative health care and routine visits
All dogs will need some medication to prevent common conditions. Most vets also advise dog owners to bring their pets in for a wellness checkup at least once a year.
Total monthly cost: $20-80
Grooming and bathing
If you’ll be hiring someone to bathe and groom your doggy, these costs can add another $100 to your monthly dog costs.
Total monthly cost: $0-100
Doggy daycare, boarding, and walking
Doggy daycare averages $40/day, while overnight stays can cost $100 a night.
Professional dog-walking services can charge as much as $30 for every half-hour walk.
Total monthly cost: $0-600
After the initial costs, expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $960 a month in total dog costs.
That furry friend doesn’t come cheap! Make sure you can afford these new expenses before bringing your pet home.
Your Turn: How do you pay for your doggy expenses? Tell us about it in the comments.
