If you’re considering getting a dog, whether it’s from a breeder or adoption, it’s important that you consider all the costs and create a budget to be sure you can provide it with everything it needs.
Here’s a list of the expenses you can expect to incur during your first year of dog ownership. If you are a renter, you can also expect an increase of $25 – $75 in your rent. Before you get ahead of yourself, make sure you can legally own a dog depending on the rules layout out in your rental agreement or home owners association contract.
First Years Cost of Dog Ownership:
Cost Breakdown:
- Cost of puppy from a breeder: $500–$2,000
- Cost of dog from a shelter: $50–$200
- Initial supplies: $100–$200
- First vet exam, including vaccinations and worming: $100
- Second and third vaccinations and exam: $100–$150
- Spaying and neutering: $125–$200
- Microchipping and miscellaneous vet costs: $100–$200
- Local licensing: $20–$30
- A year’s worth of high-quality food and treats: $500–$1,000
- Grooming supplies, including flea and tick prevention: $100
- Kindergarten training class: $75–$100
- Cleaning supplies: $20–$40
It should be noted that this list covers only the basics. You might need to build a new fence, shore up an existing one, build a dog house, and the list goes on. This list also doesn’t include an emergency room visit should your puppy eat something they shouldn’t have. So before you get a new dog, make sure your budget can handle it.