How much is that doggie in the window?
In 1789, King Frederick of Prussia first said that “dog is man’s best friend” with good reason. According to the 2019–2020 American Pet Products Association National Survey, 63.4 million U.S. households own a dog.
Many variables affect the cost of dog ownership, including breed, type of food, and medical treatments — even where you live is a factor. Larger breeds have shorter life expectancies, and they consume large amounts of food daily. They need bigger crates and beds and collars. They might even require a new yard fence.
While you won’t need to pay for four years of college for your dog to earn a degree in Barkology, much like a baby, you’re going to want to brace yourself. That first year of ownership can be “ruff.” However, you probably won’t incur all of these costs. For instance, if you have a dog walker, you probably won’t have daycare fees, or maybe your yard is already fenced. As you can see by the ranges, there are ways to lower costs. Still, you’re going to need to budget for your new best friend.
The cost of the actual dog will vary depending on the breed and seller. Even shelter and rescue dogs can cost $500 today. To take a bite out of the first-year expenses — and to help ensure the successful forever homes — some organizations set adoption fees that cover certain costs at a greatly discounted rate (marked with an asterisk below)! If you’re adopting a rescue dog, ask what the adoption fee includes.
Keep in mind, as your dog ages, you may incur additional medical/surgical expenses and might need to purchase training pads, and stain and odor remover, again.
Dogs are expensive and they bark, but they are terrific companions. They provide exercise incentive, stress relief, a common family focus, and more unconditional love and loyalty than you can imagine. The value for all that: Priceless.
“All his life he tried to be a good person. Many times, however, he failed. For after all, he was only human.
He wasn’t a dog.”
1. In Pennsylvania, your dog will need both a local license and a county license. Counties offer annual or lifetime licenses and discount both options if your dog is spayed or neutered.
2. Replace the brush every four months. Disinfect your dog’s toothbrush in a solution of half vinegar and half water after every use. Air dry.
Many variables affect the cost of dog ownership, including breed, type of food, and medical treatments — even where you live is a factor. Larger breeds have shorter life expectancies, and they consume large amounts of food daily. They need bigger crates and beds and collars. They might even require a new yard fence.
While you won’t need to pay for four years of college for your dog to earn a degree in Barkology, much like a baby, you’re going to want to brace yourself. That first year of ownership can be “ruff.” However, you probably won’t incur all of these costs. For instance, if you have a dog walker, you probably won’t have daycare fees, or maybe your yard is already fenced. As you can see by the ranges, there are ways to lower costs. Still, you’re going to need to budget for your new best friend.
The cost of the actual dog will vary depending on the breed and seller. Even shelter and rescue dogs can cost $500 today. To take a bite out of the first-year expenses — and to help ensure the successful forever homes — some organizations set adoption fees that cover certain costs at a greatly discounted rate (marked with an asterisk below)! If you’re adopting a rescue dog, ask what the adoption fee includes.
| First-Year Expenses Range | Range for Subsequent Years | |||
| Dog Purchase/Adoption Fee | $0 | $5,000+ | — | — |
| Wellness Visit* | $50 | $100 | $50 | $100 |
| Vaccines* | $100 | $350 | $80 | $250 |
| Deworming* | $20 | $50 | $20 | $50 |
| Heartworm Tests* | $15 | $35 | $15 | $35 |
| Heartworm Prevention* | $24 | $120 | $24 | $120 |
| Flea/Tick Prevention* | $40 | $200 | $40 | $200 |
| Spaying or Neutering* | $150 | $300 | — | — |
| Microchipping* | $40 | $60 | — | — |
| Licenses1 | $12 | $60 | $12 | $15 |
| ID Tag | $12 | $17 | — | — |
| Collar | $6 | $50 | — | — |
| Leash | $11 | $40 | — | — |
| Harness | $10 | $60 | — | — |
| Muzzle | $0 | $30 | — | — |
| Larger Collar, Leash, Harness, Muzzle (for your growing pup) | $27 | $180 | — | — |
| Training Pads | $50 | $75 | — | — |
| Stain/Odor Remover | $60 | $90 | — | — |
| Crate | $25 | $250 | — | — |
| Yard Fence (1/4-acre yard) | $3,600 | $4,800 | — | — |
| Food/Water Bowls | $10 | $50 | — | — |
| Food | $320 | $800 | $320 | $800 |
| Bed (replaced every 2 years) | $25 | $150 | $13 | $75 |
| Treats/Dental Chews | $50 | $300 | $50 | $300 |
| Toothbrushes/Toothpaste2 | $31 | $87 | $31 | $87 |
| Dental Cleaning (every 2 years) | $200 | $700 | $100 | $350 |
| Poo Bags | $12 | $24 | $12 | $24 |
| Grooming (every 6 weeks) | $320 | $800 | $320 | $800 |
| Toys | $10 | $200 | $10 | $200 |
| Pet Insurance | $300 | $864 | $300 | $864 |
| Kenneling/Boarding (14 days/year) | $0 | $602 | $0 | $602 |
| Dog Walker Fees (5 days/week for 46 weeks) | $0 | $5,750 | $0 | $5,750 |
| Doggie Daycare (5 days/week for 46 weeks) | $0 | $8,050 | $0 | $8,050 |
| Hotel Upcharge for Pet-Friendly Room (14 nights/year) |
$140 | $200 | $140 | $200 |
| $5,670 | $25,444 | $1,532 | $18,872 | |
Keep in mind, as your dog ages, you may incur additional medical/surgical expenses and might need to purchase training pads, and stain and odor remover, again.
Dogs are expensive and they bark, but they are terrific companions. They provide exercise incentive, stress relief, a common family focus, and more unconditional love and loyalty than you can imagine. The value for all that: Priceless.
“All his life he tried to be a good person. Many times, however, he failed. For after all, he was only human.
He wasn’t a dog.”
- Charles M. Schultz, creator of Snoopy
1. In Pennsylvania, your dog will need both a local license and a county license. Counties offer annual or lifetime licenses and discount both options if your dog is spayed or neutered.
2. Replace the brush every four months. Disinfect your dog’s toothbrush in a solution of half vinegar and half water after every use. Air dry.