Bringing home your very own furbaby is a dream come true, but what might not be included in that dream is the price tag. While your pup is adorable, vet visits, grooming, dog food, toys and other everyday costs can add up quickly.
Caring for a dog is a long-term financial commitment. It’s almost like owning a smaller, really cute new car that constantly needs gas or a trip to the mechanic. According to Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance expert with NerdWallet, a dog can cost thousands of dollars a year.
Typical Costs of Owning a Dog
Using NerdWallet, along with recent data from Rover and Capital One, the average cost of dog ownership per year can vary.
Food: $58 to $268 per month, or $1,111 to $2,870 per year
Pet sitter: About $21.80 to $55.45 per day, or $152.60 to $388.15 for one week a year
Toys and treats: About $100 or more
Grooming: Around $50 to $75 or more per visit, or $300 to $450 or more per year
Health insurance: Between $190 and $1,414 per year
Average annual cost: About $2,932
Excluding adoption fees, initial veterinary visits and training, Palmer estimates that the average annual cost of owning a dog is about $2,932. If your dog lives to age 12, that adds up to roughly $35,184 over their lifetime, and that’s before accounting for major medical expenses or other unexpected costs.
How Pet Insurance Affects the Budget
Palmer said the biggest cost is often pet insurance, which can vary from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars annually. The main factors affecting this part of your dog budget are how often they need veterinary care and whether you’re prepared for a potentially large, unexpected expense. Less-expensive pet insurance plans may cover accident-related care only, while more comprehensive plans can include coverage for accidents, illnesses and wellness visits.
If you’re considering insurance, understand that policies and prices vary widely before you sign up. Wellness visits are usually not covered, so read the fine print of any pet insurance policy you’re considering.
Ways to Lower Dog-Care Costs
If you’re looking to save a few bucks, Palmer recommends cutting back on how often you hire a pet sitter. Traveling less or taking your dog with you when possible can remove that expense altogether. When travel can’t be avoided, try finding a local sitter or comparing prices on different pet-sitting apps and services.
Don’t wait until the last minute to compare pet-sitting options, since planning ahead can help you find a lower price.
NerdWallet also suggests learning basic pet-care skills, making your own pet toys and grooming your dog at home to help lower costs. Joining loyalty programs and buying recurring items, such as food, in bulk may also help you save money.
If you’re looking to adopt a dog, Palmer said you should set aside a savings account dedicated to pet costs with at least the first two years of projected expenses covered, which is just under $6,000. This helps avoid “sticker shock” and cushions some of the costs.
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