Cost of Owning a Dog: Calculator and Extra Expanses

As dog owners, we know that adopting a furry friend is a commitment that will last for years. Dogs expect you to give them much of your time, love, and affection. On a more practical side, you must meet their daily dietary needs, provide them with entertainment opportunities, and pay for healthcare visits. 

If you are considering adopting a dog, it is wise to learn more about the financial responsibilities having a dog implies. We will review the most common expenses of owning a dog and offer you a dog cost calculator tool to help you easily calculate the approximate annual cost of owning a dog.

Dog Cost Calculator

So, what are the "dog costs"? To estimate accurately the average cost of owning a dog per year, you should consider several factors, like your dog’s breed, health status and lifestyle. A dog cost calculator can come in handy to calculate your potential expenses. 

Woofz offers you the cost of owning a dog calculator, which allows you to select the spheres of investment and estimate the approximate total cost of having a dog.

Basic Costs of Dog Ownership

This section will cover the most basic expenses any owner should expect when choosing to have a dog. Though the first year of ownership tends to be the most expensive, you should be ready to invest regularly in some categories of products and services. These include food, toys, medical procedures and grooming costs.

Dog Food Costs

The cost of owning a dog depends on their daily nutrition needs. Here, we should consider such factors as a dog’s size and your dog's food preferences. Naturally, larger dogs require more calories daily, so they will be more expensive to feed. Smaller dogs need less food.

Another cost-determining factor is the dog food brand you choose. You can opt for high, middle or lower-tier brands. However, more expensive brands typically contain better ingredients and nutrients to ensure a dog’s health.

Dog Toys

The yearly cost of owning a dog includes toys and equipment to provide mental stimulation and physical exercise for your pet. Boredom and lack of activity often lead to disruptive or undesired behavior in dogs, so keeping them busy is in your best interest. Expect to purchase a range of toys and other supplies you will use during the training. It can also include special treats used to reward a dog.

Routine Health Care

Routine vet visits help protect your dog from common parasites, prevent numerous health issues, and ensure overall health. These include curing heartworm, tick and flea treatment, regular health check-ups, and vaccinations. You may also need to run specific tests on your pet to determine the cause of illness.

On average, the yearly cost of visiting a vet can vary between $180 and $250. Flea and tick control meds costs vary depending on the type of medicine used. The price of any surgical intervention is much higher, and it can reach $400 or more. 

Grooming Services

If you choose to use grooming services, be ready to pay $30-90 per session. The frequency of the visits will mainly depend on your dog’s breed and grooming needs. You can also opt for DIY grooming at home, but you must buy special scissors clippers and educate yourself on the subject.

Initial Investment in Dog Ownership

The average dog cost is much higher during the first 12 months. It happens because you need to establish your routine with a dog and purchase extra supplies you didn’t have before. Let’s dissect what these one-time expenses include.

Adoption Fee

When adopting a dog, the adoption fee is money you pay to a shelter or animal welfare group. This primary investment compensates for initial expenses related to vaccination, spaying or neutering and other necessities. The sum varies depending on the organization. However, a typical adoption fee can be around several hundred dollars.

Alternatively, some owners choose to buy a puppy of a particular breed. If you pick this option, consider the breeder from whom you purchase a pup. It is essential to support only reputable breeders who practice ethical breeding and provide puppies with proper medical care. Depending on the breed, you can pay from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

House Equipment & Accessories

Before you bring your pet home, make sure you stock up on some necessary items. They are essential for making your home safe for a furry friend and future dog training. 

You may benefit from purchasing beforehand: 

• a leash and a collar and a harness
• a crate
• a dog’s bed
• food and water bowls
• toys

Spaying & Neutering

Unless you adopt a dog that has been spayed or neutered, this is another medical procedure that you should add to the total cost of owning a dog. Spaying and neutering are vital for preventing dogs from procreating and improving the situation with stray animals on the streets. As well as to prevent reproductive complications or illnesses. The price of the procedure depends on the dog’s sex and size, but as with any other surgical intervention, it will potentially cost you a few hundred dollars.

Additional Dog Expenses

Some dogs may require special professional assistance or have unusual dietary restrictions. In such a case, you have to be ready to pay extra for additional procedures, products and services. 

Here are some of the potential additional expenses related to owning a dog:

• Microchip or ID Tag: It can be a helpful tool for finding your dog if they get lost.

• Dog license: In most states, licensing your dog is obligatory. You should renew the license annually. Otherwise, you may receive a fine.

• Dog training: You may choose to educate yourself on becoming your dog’s trainer or hire a professional to help.

• Boarding: If you travel frequently, you won’t be able to leave your dog alone for extended periods. So, you should include the cost of boarding in the yearly cost of a dog.

• Prescription dog food: Dogs suffering from a particular health condition may need exceptional food. In such a case, you must invest in prescription food to meet your dog’s dietary requirements.

Medical Expenses for Dogs

When it comes to your dog’s health, prevention is critical. It will spare your dog from suffering and save you money. Routine vet care visits will cost you up to $50 monthly, while preventive medications will add an extra $10-30 to the budget. Finally, having regular vaccines helps prevent some severe and life-threatening conditions.

Here are some of the vaccines dogs should receive:

• Parvovirus 

• Rabies

• Distemper

Keep your dog getting these vaccines throughout its life. The average cost of each is $70-100. Depending on your residence, you may require additional rounds of vaccination.

Pet Insurance Considerations

Another factor contributing to the yearly cost of a dog is pet insurance. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether to get it. However, pet insurance is an excellent tool for covering expenses for medical emergencies. 

The insurance price varies from $20 to $50 depending on the provider and your dog’s age, breed, and health condition.

Training and Behavior Management

All dogs need to undergo basic obedience training. You can train your dog yourself or ask for professional guidance. Either way, you’ll have to pay for educational materials or bring your dog to a training session with a trainer or attend training classes (which are typically cheaper than a private training lesson).

Investing in dog training is essential to help prevent disruptive behaviors, keep it safe in dangerous situations and improve your human-dog bond through learning communication methods. If you are new to dog training, consider using the Woofz app, which offers a customised training plan to meet your dog’s needs.

Wrap Up

Adopting a dog is a serious commitment that influences different spheres of your life, including finances. To ensure your dog’s well-being, prepare thoroughly before bringing a pup home. Consider the basic and additional expenses of owning a dog before you decide to have one.