- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Adding a new puppy to your family means plenty of cute cuddles and silly antics. But it also brings extra expenses for your household. From adoption and breeder fees to vet exams and vaccinations, puppyhood can start to add up. So, what should you expect so you’re not caught off guard? How much is a puppy going to cost?
According to our research, pet parents can expect to pay between $1,520-$6,415 in the first year of bringing a new dog home.
In this article, we’ll go over typical first-year dog expenses, including vet fees, supplies, and pet care. We’ll also review how these costs change depending on where you get your puppy and their breed. Here’s what to know.
Cost of Puppy: Buying vs. Adopting
When purchasing a puppy, pet parents can expect to pay either an adoption fee or breeder fee. On average, adoption costs range from $30 to $455, while breeder fees are between $755 to $4,750. You can expect additional fees if your puppy comes from out of state.
Puppies at shelters and rescues typically cost less—just enough to keep the organization running. Breeding dogs is more expensive. Most ethical breeders are small businesses, and they have to pay for health testing, quality care, and early socialization for the puppies, all of which raise prices.
Your puppy’s breed will also determine their cost. If the breed is in high demand, you can expect to pay a higher price—and maybe face stiff competition. Other breeds need special health and genetic testing, which can make their puppies more expensive.
Here’s a quick look at the costs of common breeds versus more expensive designer breeds.
| Breed of Puppy | Adoption Fee | Breeder Costs |
| Common breed (Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd) | $30-$300 | $800-$2,000 |
| Rare breed (Norwegian Lundehund, Azawakh, Finnish Spitz, and Cane Corso) | $200-$500 | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Toy breed (Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and Shih Tzu) | $150-$400 | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Designer breed (Goldendoodle, Cockapoo, and French Bulldog) | $300-$800 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
What costs are included in adoption or purchase fees?
A puppy’s adoption fee at rescues and shelters usually reflects some of what the organization has had to pay for the care of your young pup. That includes things like the initial wellness exam, core vaccinations, deworming, spaying and neutering, and microchipping.
Breeders will sometimes cover a few of those costs, but more often they leave this care to the pet parent to arrange.
If these inclusions aren’t a part of your puppy’s adoption process, here’s what you can expect to pay.
- Initial vet exams: $90-$170
- Core vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus, rabies, DHPP, etc.): $195-$235
- Deworming/prevention: $20-$310
- Spay or neuter surgery: $125-$600
- Microchipping: $15-$65
Veterinary Costs for Your Puppy
Along with initial health and vaccination costs, your puppy will also need routine care throughout their first year. Here’s what that might look like:
- Routine vet visits and checkups: $145-$240
- Wellness bloodwork/heartworm testing: $105-$210
- Flea and tick prevention: $265-$310
- Non-core vaccines: $195-$470
- Emergency vet visits: $280-$1,750
- Pet insurance: $630-$4,595
Costs for a puppy’s first year of health care vary a lot depending on your situation. Where you live will affect how much you’ll typically pay for a vet visit, with bigger and more populated cities generally costing more.
Similarly, your location and lifestyle will determine whether or not your puppy needs additional vaccinations. Puppies who go to doggy daycare, for example, usually need Bordetella shots to protect them from kennel cough. And if you live in areas where ticks are prevalent, your puppy might benefit from the Lyme disease vaccination as well.
Pet insurance can help defray some medical costs, but what you pay for your monthly premium will depend on factors like your pup’s breed, location, and the kind of coverage you’ve selected.
SerhiiBobyk bia iStock
Supply Costs for Your Puppy
Puppies need a lot of supplies. From one-time buys like a crate and playpen to recurring costs like food and treats, here’s what to expect to spend on your puppy’s things in the first year.
Wondering which end of the range you can expect to be on? In general, larger breeds need larger supplies, which tend to be more expensive. Smaller breeds get smaller things, saving on material costs.
Essential gear: $220+ up front
When budgeting for essential puppy supplies, plan to spend $220-$1,160 up front and about $255-$715 throughout the year.
Before you even bring your new puppy home, you’ll want to have some essential supplies. A puppy bed, blanket, crate, and food and water bowls will help you create a cozy space for your puppy. A pen or gate can protect your home, and walking gear like a leash, collar, and harness will help keep your pup safe outdoors.
Food: $555+ annually
In the beginning, expect to pay $65-$430 for food and treats. Annually, food can cost anywhere between $555-$4,645, with an additional $240-460 for treats and chews.
How much you spend on food will depend on the size of your puppy and what type of food you choose. Dry tends to be the most budget-friendly, followed by more expensive wet and fresh options.
Then, as your puppy would like to remind you, there are the treats. High-value snacks will aid in your training journey, while edible chews give your pup an appropriate outlet, especially during the teething and chewing stage.
Toys: $20+ up front
Buying a few toys up front will cost around $20-$100. Pet parents tend to spend an additional $5-$50 on toys within the first year.
Having some good puppy toys on hand will help you welcome your new friend home. Heartbeat toys, for example, can accustom them to being away from their mother and littermates. And frozen toys and chew toys are soothing for teething.
Try different types of toys to home in their play preferences—are they a tug or puzzle enthusiast? You’ll soon find out!
Grooming supplies: $300+ annually
In the first year of bringing a pup home, expect to spend between $300 and $645 on grooming supplies.
Getting your puppy used to handling early on will make bathing and grooming much easier down the road. When budgeting for a new puppy, make sure to account for items like puppy shampoo, brushes, nail clippers, toothbrush and toothpaste, and poop bags.
Cleaning: $45+ up front
When planning ahead, budget between $45-$125 for household cleaning supplies.
Don’t forget about what you’ll need to clean your house, either. Things can get pretty messy while your puppy is going through potty training. Puppies are also notorious for having upset tummies and always seem to aim for your plush carpet.
Photology1971 via iStock
Pet Care Costs
You’ll likely spend more on pet care costs when your dog is a puppy than when they’re an adult. Puppies can’t be alone as long as adult dogs can, so you might need the services of a dog walker, sitter, or daycare. You’ll also typically see the majority of your dog’s training costs in their first year.
Dog walking: $20-$40 per visit
How much you spend on a dog walker in your first year will depend on your and your puppy’s needs. On average, dog walkers cost between $20-$40 per 30-minute visit. If you know this is a service you’ll need on a weekly basis, expect to pay between $1,040-$2,080 on the lower end (one day a week) and $3,120-$6,240 on the higher end (three days a week).
Dog training: $30 per week to $300 per course
Every puppy can benefit from professional training. Doing a series of group puppy classes or meeting weekly with an online trainer are excellent ways for your puppy to gain basic skills. If your puppy is already showing signs of an underlying behavioral problem—like separation anxiety, aggression, resource guarding, or reactivity—you’ll want to work one-on-one with a certified trainer.
Dog training costs depend heavily on your specific needs. Here’s what you might pay:
- Online training: $30/week
- Group classes: $300 per 4-6 classes
- Private training: $150+ per hour
Professional grooming: $300+ annually
On average, pet parents spend around $300-$975 on professional grooming in the first year with their pup.
If your puppy has a coat that will require professional upkeep throughout their life, you’ll want to get them accustomed to a pet groomer as soon as possible. Generally, experts recommend taking your pup to the groomer once they’ve received all of their core vaccinations, usually around 12-16 weeks old.
Daycare and boarding: $40+ a night
Doggy daycares can be excellent resources for social puppies with lots of energy and busy pet parents who need a break. Pet parents generally spend about $35-$55 per day for daycare, paying an additional $5-$10 for puppies since they need a little extra TLC. If you know your puppy will attend doggy daycare at least once a week, plan to budget at least $2,080-$3,120 per year.
Similarly, boarding a puppy costs a little more—$5 to $10 extra—than the average cost of $40-$50 a night for an adult dog. If you plan to board your puppy at least two weeks out of the year, expect to pay around $430-$770.
Budgeting Tips
Yes, getting a puppy can cost a pretty penny, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few budgeting tips to help cut costs as a new pup parent.
Get savvy with supplies
It can be tempting to spend all our money on the latest toys and pet products, especially when pups look up at us with their big puppy eyes—they deserve the world! And you can still give them everything they need (and more), but at a lower price. Here’s how:
- Before making a purchase, shop around. Compare prices at different pet stores and online retailers.
- Buy items in bulk. Stock up on food, treats, poop bags, and other supplies that will need to be replaced quickly to ensure you’re not making impulse buys when you run out. There’s also usually a discount when you buy in bulk.
- Look for discounts and sales. Pet stores often give out discounts to new shoppers. Some even offer memberships where you earn rewards.
- Consider used or borrowed items. Check local online groups or thrift stores for things like gently used beds, blankets, and towels. For bigger ticket items, like a crate or travel carrier, see if you can borrow them from friends or family members.
- Craft your own toys. Make snuffle mats and balls and other toys from old items you already have at home, like worn t-shirts and socks.
- Make your own treats. Use dog-safe food that you already have in your pantry or fridge to whip up tasty homemade treats for your pup.
Be prepared
One of the best ways to save money in the long run is to think ahead. Prioritize preventative care, like brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, to avoid expensive medical problems in the future. Stay up to date on your puppy’s vet visits, vaccinations, and preventatives.
Consider also setting your pup on a pet insurance plan as soon as you bring them home. Enrolling your puppy early will ensure they’re covered for accidents or illnesses that pop up. Not to mention that it brings peace of mind—that’s one less thing you have on your plate as you navigate the wacky but wonderful world of puppyhood.
