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The price of a lifetime -

The cost of having a dog throughout their lifetime varies depending on their size and breed. For small dogs, the average starts at $16,440. This creeps up to around $30,000 for medium breeds, and can exceed $52,000 for larger ones. 

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Adoption -

So, let’s break down these costs. Starting with adopting your dog, a puppy costs an average of $455. However, you can rescue an older dog from a shelter for as little as $30. 

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Breeding -

The price of bringing your dog home will be far more expensive if you buy them from a breeder. Ranging from $775 to $4,750, the vast difference is based on the breed of the dog—and girls are usually more expensive. 

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First trip to the vet -

At your dog’s first vet appointment, they will need to have an exam, which typically costs between $90 and $170. They will also need some vaccinations, which, depending on your pet and vet, can cost between $195 and $470.

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Vaccinations -

After this initial trip, the vaccinations keep on coming. Puppies need regular boosters for the first six months, which can cost between $20 and $310. Adult dogs, however, will only need annual check-ups.

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Pet license -

To prove that you have done all of this, you will need to get a pet license. This also acts as an official registration for your pet, and is often required by local governments. Depending on where you live, it will cost between $25 and $125.

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Microchip -

This isn’t a legal requirement across the US, but rules vary from state to state, and Hawaii became the first one to make microchipping mandatory. Luckily, however, it only costs between $15 to $65, and is a great way to keep your pet safe. 

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Spaying and neutering -

If you decide to get your dog spayed or neutered, then be aware that prices increase depending on their weight. This accounts for why the cost varies so greatly from $135 to $600. 

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Medical bills -

After the initial costs, your dog will then require routine trips to the vet. These will include dental care, medical tests, vaccines, and medicine, which all together cost an average of $18 to $65 per month. 

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Emergency costs -

Emergency vet visits typically start at around $280, but can rise to $1,750, meaning the average dog owner spends a whopping $1,149 per year on medical expenses! So, make sure you have some extra funds put away.

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Pet insurance -

A good way to help navigate these costs is by having pet insurance. This cost has many variable factors, such as location, coverage level, and insurance provider. However, on average, it’s around $30 to $150 per month. 

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Food and treats -

The main variable in this category is weight, and depending on your dog's size, you can spend as little as $65 or as much as $430 a month on food. Another variable is the quality you buy—treats, for instance, range between $9 and $50 per month.

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Cleaning supplies -

One of the most unpleasant parts of being a dog owner is cleaning up after your pet—and it’s a costly task too. From poop bags ($6 to $12), to stain and odor removal ($5 to $25), the average monthly bill is between $45 and $125. 

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Dog grooming -

Your dog doesn’t just have to be clean, they have to be groomed too. Supplies include things like brushes ($10 to $60), shampoo and conditioner ($8 to $41), and pet hair dryers ($89 to $430), which can add up to around $22 a month. 

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Pet pampering -

If you want to go a step further, you can take your pet to a professional groomer for some pet pampering. For some breeds, this could be essential, so be prepared to pay between $300 and $975 per year. 

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Dog training -

This won’t be necessary for all pups, but could end up being an expensive cost to factor in. A group class can start at $20 per session, but it creeps up to $120 for private training, and as much as $1,250 for boot camp training! 

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Dog walker -

Dogs require lots of walks and attention, so if you're out at work all day, you may need to hire a dog walker or send your dog to doggy daycare, which could set you back between $41 and $230 a month. 

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Kennels -

If you need someone to look after your dog for longer than an afternoon, then there are a few options to look into. These range from kennels ($30–60 per night) to checking into a luxury pet hotel (starting at $75 per night).

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Pup airways -

If you fly with your dog, the price all depends on their size. If they are small enough to travel in the cabin with you, fees typically range from $35 to $200. However, if they need to go into the cargo hold, it can end up costing thousands. 

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Crate -

Moving on to supplies, the first thing that you will need will be a crate to take your dog home in. This can then be used anytime you take your pooch travelling with you, and depending on the size and quality, can cost anywhere between $60 and $390.

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Collar and accessories -

You can choose between a collar and a harness. You will then need a leash to attach to it, and depending on how personalized you want to get, a tag with your details and your dog's name. So, the total cost ranges between $45 to $125. 

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Food and water bowls -

This is a great example of how variable supplies can be based on your budget. If you want bowls that match your decor, you could pay up to $65. Alternatively, you could grab something from the back of the cupboard for free.

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Dog bed -

One of the best ways to avoid your furniture getting covered in hair is by getting your dog their very own bed. Some choose to pay as little as $15 (because they know their dog will sleep on their bed anyway), while some pay as much as $365.

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Pet toys -

The average spend on dog toys is between $20 to $100, but puppies tear most of them up. So, it really is advisable to avoid the pricey, premium products until they’ve grown up a bit.

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Unexpected extras -

Don’t forget to put some money aside for those unexpected extra costs that can occur. Things like repairs from your puppy chewing on items around the house can set you back an extra $22 to $78 a month.

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End of life care -

Saying goodbye to your dog is heartbreaking enough without it breaking the bank, too. So, it's good to make sure you are prepared for the typical costs for end-of-life care, which can range from $335 to $860.

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Monthly breakdown -

So, how much is it going to cost you to have a dog every month? Taking everything into account, dog parents with a regular, medium-sized breed can expect to spend between $120 and $435.

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Annual breakdown -

This means that every year you should budget between $1,520-$6,415 for a puppy, $1,260-$4,170 for an adult dog, and $2,555-$4,680 for a senior dog. But community vets, donations, and getting crafty can all help you reduce these costs. 

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Size and breed -

Finally, remember that smaller pups cost up to 230% less per year than larger ones. Different breeds also have different financial needs, so make sure you choose the right dog to suit your budget and lifestyle.

Sources: (Rover)

See also: The most expensive dog breeds in the world

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