The Price of Dog Ownership from PetCurious

It's easy to get excited about the fun moments before becoming a dog owner—couch snuggles, morning walks, and those irresistible wagging tails. They’re a “man’s best friend” for a reason! But dog ownership also comes with a commitment that goes deeper than most people realize. Pet care requires time, energy, effort, and of course, money.

Owning a dog is an ongoing investment that continues far beyond adoption. So, if you’re thinking about becoming a dog parent, it’s important to truly know (and seriously consider) what you’re signing up for, both financially and emotionally. Let’s unpack it.

A quick breakdown: The cost of dog ownership

Category	Cost
Adoption Fees	$50 - $300
Buying from Breeder	$500+
Dog Bed	$20 - $100
Food and Water Bowls	$10 - $50
Collar and Leash	$20 - $50
Toys, Chews, and Treats	$20 - $100
Initial Vaccinations	$75 - $100
Spaying/Neutering	$150 - $300
Microchipping	$25 - $60
Standard Dog Food (per month)	$20 - $60
Prescription/Grain-Free Food (per month)	$80+
Dog Treats and Chews (per month)	$10 - $30
Annual Check-Ups and Vaccinations	$100 - $300
Surgeries and Treatments	Hundreds to Thousands
Pet Insurance (per month)	$20 - $50
Professional Grooming (per visit)	$30 - $90
Personal Grooming Supplies (per year)	$50 - $100
Basic Obedience Training/Classes	$100 - $300
Doggy Daycare/Dog Walkers (per day)	$20 - $40

How much do dogs cost? Adopting vs buying

Getting a dog comes with an upfront cost, weather you choose to buy or adopt.

Adoptions fees range from $50 to $300, depending on the organization, the dog’s age, health, and breed. Buying a dog from a breeder can cost you anywhere from $500 (and even much more than that), especially if you’re looking for a purebred, designer, or a very specific type of dog.

1. The initial and essential expenses of a new dog

Once you’ve welcomed your dog into your home, they will need the basic living supplies.These include:

Dog bed: $20-$100
Food and water bowls: $10-$50
Collar and leash: $20-$50
Toys, chews, and treats: $20-$100

Depending on where you aquire your dog, you may need to arrange their initial medical or essential services (especially if they’re a puppy), such as:

Initial vaccinations: $75-$100 (for 3 rounds of shots)
Spaying/neutering: $150-$300
Microchipping: $25-$60

Check out our Dog Adoption Cost Calculator for an accurate estimation on how much you can expect!

2. Ongoing costs: Feeding and nutrition

Feeding your dog will be a continuous expense, which varies significantly based on their breed, size, age, dietary needs, and more.

The Price of Dog Ownership from PetCurious - Dog Blog | PetCurious

Dog food

Standard dog food will cost you around $20-$60 per month. Prescription or grain-free food (for special dietary needs) can increase monthly costs to $80 or more.

Dog treats and chews

Expect to spend $10 to $30 on treats and chews. Dogs treats are essential for their training and mental stimulation. Some treats also promote dental care and have added vitamins for nutrition. They also offer a way to reward your dog in some situations. And just like people, they need their snacks from time to time!

3. Health care costs for dogs: Veterinary medicine and emergency cases

Regular veterinary care visits are important to keep your dog healthy. Annual check-ups and vaccinations cost $100-300.

As much as no one wants health problems, dogs can experience unexpected issues too. Emergency vet visits, surgeries, and treatments for dogs can range from hundreds to several thousand dollars.

Pet insurance can provide you some financial relief for unexpected bills. Monthly premiums range from $20-$50.

4. Grooming and maintenance costs

Professional dog grooming sessions usually cost $30-90 per visit, and is dependent on a number of factors such as:

Breed type
Coat/hair length and texture
Dog size
Matting and tangling
Specialty cuts
Frequency of grooming needed (typically 4-8 weeks)
Additional services (e.g., nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth brushing)

You will also need personal grooming supplies at home such as brushes, nail clippers, and shampoos. This can cost around $50-$100 per year.

5. Training and socialization costs

Basic obedience training/classes cost from $100 and $300. Costs can increase for advanced sessions and the duration of training. Doggy daycare or dog walkers can cost you $20-40 per day.

Having a dog trained professionally is completely optional. You can do this yourself, and you don’t need to be a professional to train your dog either. However, it will require a lot of effort, patience, and time on your part.

6. Unexpected and unpredictable costs

No matter how well and comprehensively you plan, unexpected costs can arise. This can be in the form of a chewed-up furniture, a dog bite, or any dog-related situation. Having a financial backup will be extremely helpful during these times.

*Projected values are only estimates/average costs

Is Being A Dog Owner Worth It?

As you can see, owning a dog is a lifetime cost. On average, you should budget between $1,000 to $2,000 per year for your dog's care, excluding any major medical expenses. Over the course of your dog’s life, this can add up to a substantial investment.

For many pet owners, the joy of having a dog far outweighs the financial responsibilities. However, it’s important to remember that dogs are living beings who deserve the same level of care and attention as humans. Carefully consider all these factors before bringing a dog into your life.

Looking to find the perfect pet? Your pet parent journey starts here at PetCurious! Whether you're searching for a furry friend to adopt or simply exploring breeds, we're here to make the process easy and transparent! Join our community now and bring happiness home. For any questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us at support@petcurious.com.