What is the true cost of owning a dog? There are financial costs and other costs to consider. Those who do not own dogs have costs as well.
Owning a dog is a serious financial commitment. Some dog breeds are more expensive to buy and others are more expensive to simply maintain. Dogs require regular veterinary care, food, grooming, and boarding. Consider all of these costs before making a purchase. The total annual cost to properly care for a dog often exceeds $1,000.
Count the cost. If you need to reduce expenses here’s an article for your consideration.
Most Families Need A Dog
We’ve had a dog in our family for many years. Dogs bring tremendous joy and also give us an opportunity to express love. Children learn valuable lessons when caring for their pet.
Most families need a dog. However, for many families owning a dog is an extra level of stress. Other families simply are not in a proper financial position to properly care for a dog.
In this post, I am going to use my twenty-plus years of being a dog owner to break down the true cost of owning a dog.
True Cost of Owning A Dog — Purchase Price
Certain breeds are super expensive. Properly trained hunting dogs can cost thousands of dollars. If you’re looking for an accessory more than a pet you can spend as much as you want.
Most of us can get a great family dog from the local pound or Humane Society.
We bought our first family dog from a friend of a friend. Buster cost us $50. Buster gave us tremendous joy, companionship, and protection for twelve years!
We adopted our next dog from a Rescue Shelter. Beaux was a bit more expensive. He cost us about a hundred bucks. He was vaccinated, chipped, and fixed.
The actual cost to adopt a dog from a rescue shelter or Humane Society will cost between $75 and $350 depending on the breed and the location of the shelter.
Buying the dog is just the beginning, though.
Cost of Owning A Dog — Food
We began purchasing inexpensive dog food for Buster. He was fine with it. I don’t remember him every complaining about the food.
As he became older he had issues keeping on weight. We switched to a more expensive brand of dog food to offset that issue.
Most inexpensive dog foods contain disgusting ingredients. I was unaware until I began reading the ingredients of both. After reading the disgusting ingredients we can never return.
That’s a choice that you will need to make. Inexpensive dog food is perfectly fine in many instances. Read the ingredient list and make your own call.
Our dog is relatively large at ninety pounds. Feeding Beaux is more costly than feeding a smaller dog.
One bag of dog food for Beaux is approximately $65. We used to get it from a local farm store. We’ve since shifted to Chewy out of convenience. It also makes budgeting simpler.
Cost of Owning A Dog — Grooming
Grooming is quite expensive for certain breeds. Not every dog can be tossed in a tub to be washed and rinsed. A few breeds need special attention.
There is a self-service dog grooming place by me. I pack the dog into my car with a couple of beach towels and a brush and get busy. Self-service costs around $10. It’s pretty sweet. Plus it’s open 24/7.
Professional grooming costs between $50 and $100+ per visit. This is typically a bath, blow dry, and thorough brushing. Additional services such as nail trims, teeth cleaning, and ear cleaning can cost more.
How often should dogs be groomed? Once every month or two is adequate. Long-haired dogs need closer attention.
Do a deep dive into these costs for each breed before you buy.
I am partial to labrador retrievers. Beaux gets bathed about every six weeks. but it’s more for us than him.
Cost of Owning a Dog — Vet Care
Dogs require regular visits to their doctor. An annual check-up will average between $50 and $100 depending on the dog and the area where you live.
Vaccinations are required.
Rabies vaccines are required in most states. Distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus are considered core vaccines in most locations. These vaccines, combined, cost between $75 and $100.
Most vets will recommend heartworm treatments, flea and tick treatments, and other non-core vaccines. The treatments can be purchased through Chewy. The heartworm and flea & tick treatments will cost about $200 per year. Non-core vaccines cost between $80 and $150 per year.
Uncle Sam Wants A Cut
Dogs must be licensed. Never underestimate the government’s ability to tax anything and everything in your life. The tax license is often minimal — about $10 or $15.
You will be required to provide proof of rabies vaccination to obtain the license.
Boarding Costs
This is where things get a bit more complicated. Leaving a dog behind can be emotionally draining and financially prohibitive.
Boarding a dog overnight costs between $30 and $50. If you have a weeklong vacation it will cost in excess of $200.
We have a close family member house sit for us. Beaux stays in his comfortable environment, the mail is checked daily, and the house remains safe.
We have friends who have dogs and both work outside of the home. They take their dogs to a doggy daycare a few days a week.
Unexpected Dog Expenses
Puppies are cute. They also can wreak havoc in a home. Buster chewed up a nice rug one night. He also nibbled at every baseboard corner. Beaux had his own set of issues as well.
Unexpected vet visits are common with pet owners. Dogs get sick and need attention. Vets don’t operate on charity.
It’s important to have some cash set aside for unexpected puppy problems.
Treats, Toys, and Accessories
Dogs require treats. Toys will keep them occupied. A dog cannot be walked without a leash and collar.
Non-Monetary Dog Costs
Dogs quickly become part of the family. Rover, for the most part, is not welcome at amusement parks or Airbnb. Finding the perfect person to care for your precious puppy isn’t always easy.
Sometimes dogs will be left alone for extended periods because of a family issue or emergency.
All of these situations create stress for families.
Think through your life. What are some possible events that could create chaos?
Cost of Not Owning A Dog
We easily spend $1,000 per year on Beaux and he is super low maintenance. He doesn’t get boarded and has never been to the groomer.
His dog food is a little on the bougie side but that’s about it.
He is worth every penny of that $1,000! There is a genuine time commitment and that is worth it too.
I cannot recommend a family dog enough. Please just count the cost and go into the entire process with your eyes wide open.
Best Dog Breed For a Family
Both Buster and Beaux were labrador retrievers. They are great family dogs. In this article the American Kennel Club ranks their top 10 family dogs. They too have the labrador retriever as their top pick.
Do Dogs Go To Heaven?
Obviously, yes.