It’s decided: a dog must come into the house! You’ve long considered which dog would be the best fit for you. All the pre-purchase questions, such as whether you’re allowed to keep a dog in the apartment, have been clarified. But what does owning a dog actually cost?

Initially, the most expensive part is acquiring the four-legged companion. However, the costs depend on where you get the dog. Opting for a puppy or an adult dog from a shelter, you’ll only pay an adoption fee ranging from $150 to $300, depending on age.

Acquisition: Dogs are not Bargains

If, on the other hand, you choose a purebred dog, you should expect to pay around $1,000 (the range is from $500 to well over $2,000) depending on the breed. It’s best to research beforehand the average cost of the specific breed. If you come across an offer significantly below the average price, be cautious.

Instead, take your time to find the right breeder and puppy for you. The chemistry between the two- and four-legged friend must match. Not the price.

Initial Equipment for the Arrival of the Dog

For the basic equipment, you can budget approximately $200 to $300 in total. Of course, the price depends on the type and quality of equipment you choose.

The initial equipment includes:

Tip: Used dog supplies in classified ads

While you shouldn’t unnecessarily skimp on quality (otherwise, the toys or beds won’t last long), some dog owners in classified ad portals offer very well-maintained or lightly used dog supplies. With a bit of luck, you can find some bargains. However, pay close attention to the condition of the supplies and, if possible, pick up the items in person. This way, you can inspect the leash, bed, or bowl right on the spot.

Ongoing Costs

The ongoing costs also depend on what you feed your dog and what other purchases you decide on. Nevertheless, there are some items that cause approximately consistent annual expenses.

Dog Food :

The costs vary depending on the feeding method (raw, wet, or dry food), the size of the dog, and the quality of the dog food. Additionally, consider rewards (treats). Monthly food costs cannot be generalized. Very affordable food for a small dog is available for $10 to $20 per month; however, opting for higher-quality food, fresh meat, and vegetables can quickly reach $100 to $150 per month.

It’s crucial to choose a healthy diet tailored to your dog’s needs. Always prioritize your dog’s health over the cheapest dog food. Saving on nutrition can lead to unexpected veterinary costs if the dog becomes ill due to food intolerance or over- or underfeeding.

Veterinary Costs :

Plan around $250 to $330 for annual vaccinations and deworming. However, a four-legged friend can also step on glass or fall ill. Hence, a certain financial cushion should always be available for emergencies. If the dog gets injured or needs surgery, you can quickly incur three to four-digit sums.

While there are more options like surgery insurance (starting at $10 to $20 per month) or installment payments, it’s essential to gather information before an emergency occurs. The Metlife Pet Insurance, for example, includes the following in their dog surgery insurance:

The special surgery module covers operations not typically included in standard insurance, such as heart surgeries, operations due to hip dysplasia (HD), prosthetics, and more. If you own short-nosed breeds like the French Bulldog or Pug, and your pet needs surgery due to brachycephalic syndrome, the Metlife Pet Insurance covers it with the special surgery module.

There’s also the dental supplement module, covering medically necessary dental corrections, dental prostheses, prophylactic teeth cleaning and polishing, and tartar removal. Use the tariff calculator to get a customized offer for you and your four-legged friend.

Insurance

In many states, liability insurance for dogs is already mandatory. But even in other regions, insurance is recommended. If your dog causes damage (even if it’s just a bitten tire), it can be expensive without insurance. Dog liability insurance costs around $40 to $70 per year, depending on the insurer and the coverage included.

Irregular Costs

The annual maintenance costs—without special expenses and for a healthy dog—amount to around $1,200. However, unplanned additional costs can arise. Does your dog need a special diet because of obesity? Do you unexpectedly have to go to the hospital and can’t leave the dog with acquaintances? Then a pet sitter or a pet boarding facility is needed. Even if you want to take your furry friend on vacation, additional costs arise.

And no matter how well-behaved the dog is, accidents can happen on the expensive carpet or the puppy may nibble on your furniture during teething. Here, it’s essential to plan for cleaning or repair costs.

Possible Additional Costs:

What Does a Dog Cost in the First Year?

There’s no universally applicable answer to the question of how much a dog costs. As mentioned above, the costs vary depending on the breed, the quality of accessories, food, and region. It’s better to always calculate a bit more to avoid shortages and to provide the best possible care in case of doubt.

To give you an idea of how much a dog can cost in the first year, here’s an overview of average total costs (price range from quite affordable to the upper price segment).

Average Total Costs in the First Year:

Please note that these are just rough estimates. On average, you should budget $100 to $200 per month for a dog. Especially for large dogs or restricted breeds, expect higher costs.