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 for how much a dog costs in Canada. Research shows the annual costs of a dog can range from $965–$4,020. Dog parents reported* the biggest financial impacts being the increasing cost of essentials: pet food (58%), treats and toys (55%), and vet visits (49%).
The typical monthly cost of owning a dog in 2024 is between $80-$340, an increase of $70 on average from last year. This change is driven largely by increases in the cost of food, with some brands costing up to 100% more than last year.
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 pup home, annual essentials you’ll be buying every year, optional extras that vary based on factors like your dog’s breed, age, and lifestyle, and lastly the costs unique to senior dogs and end of life care.
Grooming your pets at home doesn’t just save money by avoiding going to a 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.
How Much Will a New Dog Cost You in 2024?
In 2024, the upfront costs to bring a new pup home were 44% higher than 2023. According to our research*, the all-up total cost for bringing home a new dog can range from $2,465 to $4,770 in the first year. If this feels like a lot, take a look at the monthly breakdown where costs probably feel more manageable: between $80-$340 per month, with the median being $210.
For on-going costs of dog food and toys to flea medicine, you can expect to spend a range from $965 on the low end to $4,020 on the high end. The optional extras cost most dog parents between $1,525 and $6,680 per year. And if you have a senior dog or a pup in end of life care, you could spend anywhere from $1,145 to $4,350 on their unique needs.
The excitement of bringing home a new pup can often be dimmed by the financial impact if new pet parents aren’t prepared. 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 pups need.
Still, dog adoptions are on the rise in Canada, which means the companionship of a good dog is worth the extra expense. By budgeting ahead, you can 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 in Canada?
Item | From | To |
---|---|---|
Spay or neuter surgery | $755 | $1,080 |
Microchip + ID tags | $30 | $130 |
Initial vet exam and vaccinations | $225 | $690 |
Collar | $10 | $35 |
Harness | $15 | $100 |
Leash | $10 | $75 |
Food and water bowls | $5 | $70 |
Poop bags + holder | $5 | $30 |
Crate | $55 | $290 |
Bed | $20 | $175 |
Grooming items: Brush and nail trimmer | $20 | $110 |
Cleaning supplies such as stain and odor removers and wipes | $10 | $55 |
Potty pads | $10 | $65 |
Toys and chews | $5 | $55 |
Treats | $5 | $90 |
Basic veterinary care | $370 | $580 |
Pet license | $30 | $65 |
Food (wet and dry) | $45 | $235 |
Total | $2,465 | $4,770 |
Adoption, health checks, and pet licenses
Adoption fees vary, but can balloon into the thousands if you choose to buy a puppy from a breeder instead. Regardless of where your pup comes from, if they aren’t yet spayed or neutered, that surgery can cost anywhere from $755 to $1,080. However, if you adopt your dog, the adoption fee may cover a spay or neuter.
Vet visits and vaccinations are especially important for puppies, and typically cost around $225-$690. Your pup 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 be a helpful aid in paying for some of these expenses and typically costs between $10 to $75 per month. And don’t forget a pet license and microchip, which cost $30-$65 and $30-$130 respectively.
Cost of new dog supplies
When you bring a new dog home, you’ll need to budget for essential supplies to keep them comfortable and cared for. Many of these items vary in cost depending on your pup’s size, the type of supply, where you buy, and whether you buy in bulk.
- Collar/harness ($25-$135)
- Leash ($10-$75)
- Poop bags ($5-$30)
- Food and water bowls ($5-$70)
- Crate ($20-$175)
- Bed ($10-$470)
- Toys ($5-$55)
- Treats ($5-$90)
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 pup 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 pup smelling great. If you plan to house-train your pup inside, puppy training pads can cost anywhere from $10-$65. 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 $20-$110, while stain and odor removers for your carpet and furniture may cost $10-$55. Keep in mind that what you spend on grooming supplies will depend on the breed of your pup 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 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.
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.
Price of Dog Parenthood: Annual Cost Expectations
Once you have your new pup home and settled with the basic supplies, it’s a good idea to plan for the annual costs. We found the average dog parent may spend anywhere from $965 to $4,020 per year on their dog—that averages to $80-$335 per month. This is a 55% increase since 2023. This is no surprise, given the increases in the cost of food, toys, treats, and vet care. Pet parents can expect to spend more to bring home a new pup this year than in 2023 as costs continue to increase. In fact, nearly a third of pet parents in Canada 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 | $300 | $2,815 |
Flea and tick prevention | $200 | $345 |
Poop bags | $60 | $90 |
Treats and chews | $20 | $540 |
Toys | $5 | $55 |
Annual check up | $140 | $175 |
Total | $965 | $4,020 |
These expenses vary depending on your dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle. For example:
- Food costs range from $540 to $2,815 this year. The exact amount you spend depends on the brand of food, how much your pup eats, and whether you buy dry or canned food. Prescription foods can be even more expensive.
- Routine vet visits are a must and typically cost between $140 and $175. 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 $200-$345 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. In fact, 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-$540 per year.
- Toys purchases, which can vary based on quality and quantity, usually land between $5-$55 per year.
- Poop bags cost about $60-$90 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 Winners and Marshalls.
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 these additional dog expenses land between $1,525-$6,680 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 $4,000. 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 $845-$1,535, 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 pup. Dog boarding averages $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 $40-$160 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 $80-$150, and depending on your dog’s breed, you’ll need to factor upkeep into your budget.
Pet insurance
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-$900 annually. According to our research*, 44% of dog parents have pet insurance, 86% of whom agree it’s worth the added cost.
Additional Dog Expenses Worth Budgeting For
Item | From | To |
---|---|---|
Emergency vet bills | $0 | $4,000 |
Dental cleaning | $845 | $1,535 |
Wellness vet bills | $370 | $580 |
Dog boarding | $50 | $50 |
Dog sitting | $50 | $50 |
Drop in visits | $20 | $20 |
Dog walking | $20 | $20 |
Daycare | $40 | $40 |
Training | $40 | $160 |
Grooming | $80 | $150 |
Pet insurance | $10 | $75 |
Total | $1,525 | $6,680 |
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 RetailMeNot, and pet store rewards programs like PetSmart Tretas, 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 a dog’s end of life care can range from $1,145 to $4,350.
Many senior pups 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 Does End of Life Care Cost for a Dog?
Item | From | To |
---|---|---|
Extra supplies like potty pads, ramps and other mobility tools | $65 | $225 |
Senior pet medication | $255 | $470 |
Euthanasia | $220 | $510 |
Cremation | $105 | $330 |
Private Cremation | $255 | $680 |
Special, RX or Senior foods | $105 | $135 |
Vet visits | $140 | $2,000 |
Total | $1,145 | $4,350 |
Wish your dog would live forever? You’re not alone. The majority (60%) of pet parents would consider life extending medications for their dog, despite the potential added costs. In fact, 21% 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 most expensive: the tiny yet feisty Chihuahua and ever popular Golden Retriever. These breeds top 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 funny and playful French Bulldog (or Frenchie), the smart and loyal German Shepherd, and the affectionate Labradoodle. You’ll also find the ever popular Labrador Retriever, the mischievous Shih Tzu, and last—but certainly not least—mixed breed dogs in the $50-$99 range.
The least expensive popular dog breeds? It’s the goofy Goldendoodle and fabulously feisty Yorkshire Terrier, costing most pet parents just $0-$49 per month.
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. Progressive Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) has some great tips for finding affordable veterinary care in your area.
Additional Resources
Socializing Your Rescue Dog
Bringing a new dog home can be like introducing a kid to a new park. You’ll need to teach them how to play nice, aka be polite to your family and other pets. Read our guide to socializing your rescue dog.
How to Bond with Your Dog
A little love can go a long way to nurturing a calm, confident dog. Make your home your dog’s new safe space by building positive associations when you bring them home. Here are tips and tricks to foster a stronger bond with your new pup.
Five Basics for New Puppy Parents
Patience is a virtue when it comes to puppy parenting. Besides getting all your doggy gear ready, you’ll also want to put together a training plan. Read up on our top tips for new puppy parents.
*Methodology: A Rover survey of 500 pet parents conducted in February 2024, via Pollfish.
Sources: Calgary.ca, Nicole Ellis (CPDT-KA), Rebecca Greenstein, B.Sc., D.V.M., and Andrea Woroch of The Pet People, Petsmart, Pet Valu, Rover, Toronto.ca
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