Wondering about the cost of owning a dog in 2020? Whether you’re one of the many who’ve adopted a pandemic pet or you’ve been planning on bringing home a dog for ages, it’s helpful to know: how much does a dog cost?
The answer changes based on factors like where you live, whether you adopt or get your dog from a breeder, and your lifestyle. With all that in mind, the initial cost of getting a dog in 2020 can range from $610 to $2,350 up front, including everything from adoption fees and spay/neuter surgery, to toys, treats, and more. The annual cost of owning a dog can range, on average, from $650 to $2,115 a year—with the most budget-minded pet parents spending less than $1,000 per year. However, a recent survey* of dog owners conducted by Rover found that nearly half of pet parents spend far more than the average, with 47% claiming to spend about $3,400 on their dogs every year. Despite this, 32% say they only budget $100 or less monthly for their dog’s expenses.
What goes into these monthly and annual expenses? While some costs like food and basic veterinary care are a must, there are options at many price points to accommodate all kinds of budgets. We dug into the data to uncover what pet parents are buying, what’s essential, and what’s just the dog treat on top of the sundae, so to speak.