It’s no secret that the cost of living has gone up in 2024—but what about the cost of being a dog parent? How much does a dog cost per year? At Rover, we dug into the data. The annual costs of caring for a dog can range from $1,000–$5,225 a year, while the typical monthly cost of owning a dog lies between $80-$440. This is an annual increase of $100 on average from 2023 to 2024.
The increase in dog costs is driven largely by rising prices of pet food, with some brands costing up to 80% more than last year. In fact, dog parents report* being most financially impacted by increasing costs of essentials: pet food (63%), treats and toys (48%), and vet visits (47%).
As the bond between pets and people strengthens and evolves, so does the way we care for them. The humanization of pets and growth of premium pet products has widened the price gap between low and high end items.
We’ve broken down the costs of dog parenthood into four categories: upfront costs when you first bring your dog or puppy home, annual essentials you’ll be buying every year, and optional extras that vary based on factors like your dog’s breed, age, and lifestyle.
Lastly, we look at some of the costs associated with senior pets and end of life care that you will want to consider.
Grooming your pets at home doesn’t just save money by avoiding a trip to the salon, it can also help you spot illnesses and infections before they become expensive medical emergencies. Regularly check your pets’ eyes, ears, teeth, and coat as a free and easy way to prevent problems later on.
Behind Dog Parenthood Prices: New Dog Expenses
New dog costs can add up quickly, especially the upfront expenses. According to our research*, the all-up total of bringing a new dog home typically ranges from $870 to $4,565 for the first year.
Annual costs for the new dog essentials, from dog food and toys to flea medicine, range from $1,000 on the low end to $5,225 on the high end. The optional extras cost most dog parents between $1,405 and $6,235 per year.
If this feels like a lot, take a look at the monthly breakdown where costs might feel more manageable: between $80-$440 per month, with the median being $260.
The excitement of bringing home a new dog can often be dimmed by the financial impact if new pet parents aren’t prepared. Dog adoptions are down in the United States this year. Many pet parents are concerned about the rising costs of pet care and agree the cost of pet-related items has increased more than their own groceries and personal care products. Pet parents are cutting back spending in other areas and are still concerned about affording the essentials, food, vet visits, supplements/medications, and toys and treats their pup needs.
But budgeting ahead can help alleviate financial anxiety and increase your confidence in being a supportive pet parent!
How much you spend depends on how much you want to splurge. While many of the items on our list are necessities, you can stagger your spending on the extras to help cushion your budget.
How Much Does a Dog Cost? Average Prices
| Item | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption fees | $0 | $600 |
| Spay or neuter surgery | $250 | $525 |
| Microchip + ID tags | $20 | $95 |
| Initial vet exam and vaccinations | $165 | $515 |
| Collar | $5 | $60 |
| Harness | $5 | $80 |
| Leash | $10 | $75 |
| Food and water bowls | $5 | $80 |
| Poop bags + holder | $10 | $90 |
| Crate | $25 | $475 |
| Bed | $10 | $470 |
| Grooming items: Brush and nail trimmer | $15 | $125 |
| Cleaning supplies such as stain and odor removers and wipes | $5 | $55 |
| Potty pads | $5 | $70 |
| Toys and chews | $5 | $220 |
| Treats | $2 | $125 |
| Basic veterinary care | $275 | $435 |
| Pet license | $20 | $125 |
| Food (wet and dry) | $45 | $345 |
| Total | $870 | $4,565 |
Adoption and breeder fees
When it comes to adding a dog to your family, you can expect costs can range between $0 and $600. You might find your perfect dog up for a free adoption in your community or you may choose to search through local shelters. One advantage to shelter adoptions is they often include many of the up-front costs in the initial adoption fee, including spay/neuter surgery, a microchip, the first round of vaccines, and more.
If you’re looking for a specific breed, expect costs to increase significantly. Breeder fees can cost anywhere from $500 to $4500, depending on the breed and sex of the dog. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to do your breed research before you commit! Certain breeds have specific needs and require a more experienced or committed pet parent than others.
Be sure to budget for a pet license ($5 to $210 depending on where you live) and a microchip, which may cost between $22 to $97. To save money here, look for free or reduced cost microchip events in your community.
Vet visits and vaccinations
No matter where you find your dog, the first thing you’ll want to do is get them checked by a vet when you bring them home. One of the most noticeable increases in costs from last year are in this category. According to Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, one reason for this increase is due to a large range of costs based on what your dog might need. “Outside of the initial exam, which has its own fee, the number of vaccines can vary from dog to dog. Some may need two vaccinations, while others might need five.”
Here’s how vet visits typically break down in the first year:
- The first vet visit, which covers vaccinations, can cost anywhere from $167-$515. You may also find low cost pet vaccination programs near you.
- Spay or neutering can cost anywhere from $250-$525. You’ll want to budget for this within the first year, if your pet isn’t spayed or neutered yet. However, if you adopt, the adoption fee may cover this surgery. Tip: You may be able to find low cost spay/neuter clinics near you.
- Additional vet visits for younger dogs may include a wellness exam and parasite prevention. These can average between $275-$435 for new pet parents.
Your dog may require more regular visits to the vet, depending on their age and any health issues they may have. Be sure you’re prepared for other medical expenses your dog may need. Pet insurance can worth it, as a helpful aid in paying for some of these expenses.
New dog supplies
When you bring a new dog home, you’ll need to budget for essential puppy supplies to keep them comfortable and cared for. Many of these items vary in cost depending on the size of your dog, the type of supply, where you buy, and whether you buy in bulk.
- Collar/harness ($10-$140)
- Leash ($5-$75)
- Poop bags ($10-$90)
- Food and water bowls ($5-$80)
- Crate ($25-$475)
- Bed ($10-$470)
- Toys ($5-$220)
- Treats ($2-$125)
Toys and treats are also an important part of getting your dog to create positive associations with their new home and bond with you. Keep in mind that super active breeds might need interactive toys, which can be more expensive. Additionally, if your canine is a breed with a strong jaw, you may need to invest in sturdier chew toys.
You’ll also want to stock up on hygiene supplies to keep your home and your dog smelling great. If you plan to house-train your dog inside, puppy training pads can cost anywhere from $5-$70. If you adopt an adult dog, you may not need the potty pads but should plan to stock up on grooming tools. Dog shampoo, brushes, and nail trimmers can cost anywhere from $15-$125, while stain and odor removers for your carpet and furniture may cost $5-$55. Keep in mind that what you spend on grooming supplies will depend on the breed of your dog and their grooming needs.
These initial expenses will also vary based on your preferences and lifestyle as a pet parent. If you have other dogs, you may already have many of the supplies on our list. Still, before adding a new dog to your home, we recommend doing as much breed-based research as possible to ensure you know exactly what your pup will need. To help with costs, we’ve found one in 10 pet parents in the US seek resources from shelters and other organizations.
Did you know you can buy your pets’ medications online? Depending on where you order from, it’s also often cheaper than getting meds directly from your vet. Search for reputable online pet pharmacies, compare costs to find the best price, and make a quick call to your vet to make sure they can authorize fulfillment.
What Is the Monthly Cost of Raising a Dog?
Once you have your new dog home and settled with the basic supplies, it’s a good idea to plan for the annual costs. Our research shows the average dog parent may spend anywhere from $80-$440 per month on their dog. Annually, a dog could cost their humans anywhere from $1,000 to $5,225 per year. This is a 55% increase since 2023.
Increased cost is no surprise, given the rise of cost for food, toys, treats, and vet care. Nearly a third of pet parents in the US have reduced their spending in other areas to ensure they can afford to care for their pets. Food costs and vet bills together are the items dog parents worry about most.
How Much Does a Dog Cost Per Year?
| Item | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $560 | $4,115 |
| Flea and tick prevention | $225 | $265 |
| Poop bags | $65 | $85 |
| Treats and chews | $20 | $380 |
| Toys | $5 | $125 |
| Annual check up | $105 | $130 |
| Annual Pet License Renewal | $20 | $125 |
| Total | $1,000 | $5,225 |
These expenses vary depending on your dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle. For example:
- Food costs range from $560 to $4,115 this year. The exact amount you spend depends on the brand of food, how much your dog eats, and whether you buy dry, wet, fresh, or raw food. Prescription foods can be even more expensive.
- Routine vet visits are a must and typically cost between $105 and $130. Puppies need to see a vet more often in the first year to ensure they are growing healthily.
- Flea and tick prevention, which averages from $225-$265 per year, is also a critical health cost to keep in mind. Your dog’s weight determines the price for these treatments.
After the first month or two, you’ll probably have used up your initial purchase of treats, toys, and poop bags. Most pet parents would consider these on-going essentials!
Depending on your dog’s likes and dislikes, it may be worth considering how these items fit into your annual budget:
- Treats, which can be a big help in training your dog, cost the typical pet parent anywhere from $20-$380 per year.
- Toys purchases, which can vary based on quality and quantity, usually land between $5-$125 per year.
Poop bags cost about $65-$85 a year for most dog parents. Your dog’s size and your personal preference on factors such as scent, eco-friendliness, or quality also affect these costs.
Discount stores aren’t just for people—you can pick up new, name brand pet gear like beds, bowls, and toys for up to 60% less at retailers like Ross and TJMaxx.
Which Additional Dog Expenses Add Up Quickly?
While these expenses may not come up for every pet parent, it’s important to keep potential costs in mind. These include doggy daycare or boarding, grooming costs, and even unexpected health-related emergencies or expenses. The average range for additional dog costs land between $1,405-$6,235 total.
Health costs: Emergency visits and dental hygiene
Hopefully you’ll never need to make a trip to the emergency vet, but if you do, the typical visit can cost up to almost $3,000. Teeth cleaning is another expense not every pet parent opts for, but if you decide to schedule a cleaning be prepared to pay anywhere from $630-$1,145, especially if your dog needs any teeth pulled.
Dog enrichment: boarding, training, and day care
Depending on your lifestyle and schedule, you may decide to book pet care for your dog. Dog boarding averages $40-$50 per night and dog walking averages $20 per walk but varies based on where you live and the dates you select.
Dog training is another common additional expense and costs an average of $55-$215 per session. Many people do at-home training themselves to save money and bond with their dog. If you want more structure, but still want an affordable option, virtual dog training is available.
Grooming costs
If you have a breed with a coat that requires regular maintenance, like a poodle or Havanese, this is one cost you’ll want to keep in mind: grooming. A typical dog grooming appointment costs between $50-$125, and depending on your dog’s breed, you’ll need to factor upkeep into your budget.
Pet insurance and deposits
Pet insurance, which may help lower your veterinary expenses, is an optional aspect of pet parenthood. While many dog parents don’t have pet insurance, those that do typically pay between $100-$1,200 annually. Another alternative to pet insurance is a savings account but, according to our research, of the 45% of dog parents who have pet insurance, 93% agree it’s worth the added cost.
Lastly, if you rent your home, you’ll likely need to put down an additional pet deposit before bringing your dog home. This expense usually adds up to about $150-$500 for the average renter, as a one-time pet deposit. Many buildings also charge an ongoing pet rent.
Additional Dog Expenses Worth Budgeting For
| Item | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency vet bills | $0 | $2,985 |
| Dental cleaning | $630 | $1,145 |
| Wellness vet bills | $275 | $435 |
| Dog boarding | $50 | $50 |
| Dog sitting | $40 | $40 |
| Drop in visits | $20 | $20 |
| Dog walking | $20 | $20 |
| Daycare | $40 | $40 |
| Training | $55 | $215 |
| Professional Grooming | $55 | $195 |
| Grooming supplies | $80 | $365 |
| Apartment pet deposit | $150 | $500 |
| Pet insurance | $10 | $100 |
| Misc | $60 | $490 |
| Total | $1,405 | $6,235 |
You don’t have to be an extreme couponer to save big on pet essentials. Try out money-saving apps like Fetch, sites like LivingSocial, deal aggregators like CouponCabin.com, and pet store rewards programs like Petco’s Vital Care, which offer everything from discounts and cash-back options to rewards points and deals on local pet services.
The Cost of Dog Parenthood: End of Life Considerations
As pet parents, it sometimes feels impossible to think about what our beloved dog’s end of life might look like, but it’s important to budget for, if only so you don’t have to face financial uncertainty during an overwhelmingly emotional time. Typical costs for end-of-life care can range from $805 to $3,240.
Many senior dogs require extra supplies, from mobility aids to joint supplements. Life-extending medications may also factor into your budget during your dog’s golden years.
When it is time to say goodbye, costs will vary depending on your dog’s circumstances and your own preferences. In-home euthanasia, while more costly, can offer a quiet, peaceful experience many pet parents may prefer.
How Much Is End of Life Care for Dogs?
| Item | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Extra supplies like potty pads, ramps and other mobility tools | $30 | $220 |
| Senior pet medication | $190 | $350 |
| Euthanasia | $165 | $380 |
| Cremation | $80 | $245 |
| Private Cremation | $190 | $505 |
| Special, RX or Senior foods | $45 | $50 |
| Vet visits | $105 | $1,490 |
| Total | $805 | $3,240 |
Wish your dog would live forever? You’re not alone. Two-thirds (68%) of pet parents would consider life-extending medications for their dog, despite the potential added costs. In fact, 30% would be willing to pay any amount if it meant their dog would live for just one extra year.
Monthly Cost of Popular Dog Breeds
While every dog is unique, some breeds appear to cost their pet parents more or less on average than others. We took a look at the top ten most popular dog breeds and their average monthly costs, starting with the #1 trending breed: the Bernedoodle. This big, goofy breed tops the chart, costing most pet parents $150 or more per month.
Next up is the $50-$99 monthly category, which is full of both big and small breeds: the tiny yet feisty Chihuahua, the spunky Dachshund, the funny and playful French Bulldog (or Frenchie), and the smart, loyal German Shepherd. You’ll also find the affectionate Goldendoodle, the ever popular Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever, and last—but certainly not least—mixed breed dogs in the $50-$99 range.
The least expensive popular dog breed? It’s the long-haired lap dog, the Shih Tzu, costing most pet parents just $0-$49 per month.
Which Are the Most & Least Expensive Cities to Raise a Dog?
Cost of living doesn’t just impact home prices in your city. Even the cost of pet parenthood is impacted by your zip code. We’ve compiled a list** of the most expensive and least expensive cities for dog parents.
Most & Least Expensive Cities to Own a Dog in the US
| Rank | Most Expensive | Least Expensive |
|---|---|---|
| #1. | Santa Monica, CA | El Paso, TX |
| #2. | San Francisco, CA | Lexington, KY |
| #3. | Oakland, CA | Oklahoma City, OK |
| #4. | Bellevue, WA | Virginia Beach, VA |
| #5. | San Jose, CA | Dayton, OH |
| #6. | Seattle, WA | Columbia, SC |
| #7. | Pasadena, CA | Knoxville, TN |
| #8. | New York, NY | Kansas City, MO |
| #9. | Los Angeles, CA | Greenville, SC |
| #10. | Kirkland, WA | San Antonio, TX |
| #11. | Irvine, CA | Omaha, NE |
| #12 | Boston, MA | Jacksonville, FL |
| #13. | Long Beach, CA | Richmond, VA |
| #14. | Rockville, MD | Cincinnati, OH |
| #15. | Jersey City, NJ | Rochester, NY |
| #16. | Brooklyn, NY | Cleveland, OH |
| #17. | Renton, WA | Albuquerque, NM |
| #18. | Silver Spring, MD | Indianapolis, IN |
| #19. | San Diego, CA | Pittsburgh, PA |
| #20. | Somerville, MA | Madison, WI |
Many veterinary services, especially those needed for new or young pets (such as spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations) are offered for free, on a sliding scale, or at low-cost at some clinics. Find an accredited veterinary school through the American Veterinary Medical Association or use the ASPCA website locator tool to find these programs in your area.
Additional Resources
How to Adopt the Right Dog for You
Now you know you’ve got the dimes to spoil that dog, let’s take a look at what it takes to find your newest best friend. It’s more than just how they look. From being realistic about your lifestyle fit to choosing the right rescue shelter, our guide to adopting a dog has you covered.
How Much Does Doggy Daycare Cost?
Ready to budget for extra care for your pup? If you find yourself leaving your dog alone for long periods of time during the day, doggy daycare might be just the solution you need.
How to Find Low Cost Vaccinations Near You
To help reduce the initial cost of bringing home a new dog, we recommend looking for low cost options for vaccinations. Need to know where to start? Our guide to low cost vaccinations has you covered.
How Much Does Dog Training Cost?
A well-trained dog can actually save money in the long run, especially when it comes to not having to replace belongings lost to insatiable chewing. Proper dog training is worth the investment. Learn how much dog training costs so you can plan your budget in advance.
*Methodology: A Rover survey of 1,000 pet parents conducted in February 2024, via Pollfish.
**Rover determined the most expensive and affordable cities based on the cost of pet services on Rover and cost of pet training and grooming services across the country in Gingr’s network. To ensure statistical significance, the cities considered were among the top 100 US cities where services on Rover are provided by pet sitters and walkers.
Sources: Apartments.com, ASPCA, Chewy, City of Des Moines, Iowa (Animal Licensing), Gingr, GoodPup, Petco, Nicole Ellis (CPDT-KA), Rebecca Greenstein, B.Sc., D.V.M., and Andrea Woroch of The Pet People, Rover, Seattle Animal Shelter, Seattle Humane Society, West Seattle Animal Hospital, Zillow
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