If you’re looking to get a dog, you should know that dogs are pretty expensive. The price of the purebred dog is high, and other expenses you’ll have while taking care of them are no joke either. We’ve collected the most important numbers to show you what you can expect.
So, let’s start.
How Much Does a Dog Cost?
To buy a purebred dog, you’ll have to pay between $500 and $2.000. It can cost more depending on the breed and the demand.
You can expect to spend around $10,000 if your dog lives for ten years, but it can be much more depending on your dog’s lifespan.
(ASPCA, 2021, CNBC, 2020)
Top Statistics on the Dog Ownership Costs
We’ve collected the latest statistics to show you how expensive owning a dog gets and how much you’ll pay for individual expenses. Let’s start.
To buy a purebred Tibetan Mastiff puppy, you have to pay $7,000+.
(TheHill, 2021)
This makes the Tibetan Mastiff the most expensive breed you can buy. The most expensive one was sold for almost $2 million. But, they’re slowly losing popularity and are abandoned in China.
Adopting from a shelter costs $50-$300 and includes vaccines and other first-year expenses.
Annual spending for one dog is roughly $1,201.
(Ameritrade, 2020)
It includes food, grooming supplies, and many other things dogs need.
This is the approximate number and depends on your individual spending ability. For example, a study has shown that 40% of owners spend less than $50 monthly, while 3% spend more than $200.
The first year with your dog will cost you around $3,221.
(ASPCA, 2021)
It’s the most expensive year of dog ownership. You’ll have to buy everything new for your dog, from chewing toys to a quality dog bed. There are also other expenses you have to consider:
- First vaccination with vet consults — $300
- Neutering/spaying — $300
- Microchipping costs — $20
The American owners spend around $442 on dog food per year.
(Statista, 2020)
Food is the most expensive part of pet ownership. Especially if you buy premium food. But, there are many options for affordable and quality food, so check that out.
Trained service dogs cost between $25,000–$50,000.
(Service Dog Certification, 2020)
They’re costly because of their complex training. And after you buy them, they require further training, which also costs money. But researchers have found that they give their owners a better quality of life when compared to regular companion dogs, so they’re well worth it.
Dog training costs $120–$600 for a course.
(Airtasker, 2021)
This only includes basic introduction training. If you want special training, you’ll have to pay extra.
The most expensive training is for service dogs, which can cost up to $50,000!
Dog registration and license for neutered/spayed dogs is $8.50.
(City of New York, 2021)
The price depends on each state and will most often cost more if the dog isn’t neutered/spayed.
If you want an exclusive license, AKC registrations cost between $37.99–$82.99.
Owners pay $228 for kennel boarding annually.
(APPA)
The numbers depend on how often you need boarding services and what kennel you choose.
On average, yearly veterinary costs are $241
(Statista, 2020, Emergency Vets USA, 2020, PetMD, 2019)
They can cost much more depending on your needs but are much cheaper with insurance.
Here are some of the expenses you might have during the years:
- Regular vet visits — $45 to $55
- Emergency vet visits with your sick dog can cost you $1,000+
- X-ray costs — $150-250
- Ultrasound costs — $300-600
- Dental cleaning costs — $500–$1,000
- C-section costs— $500–$2000 (has additional expenses)
Conclusion
We all know having a dog is a big responsibility, but our stats show it will also cost you a lot of money. There are many expenses, so you should keep this in mind before getting a dog. If you find that you have the money and time for a dog, you’ll see that all will be worth it.
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