From topping up your doggy treat cupboard through to those all-important trips to the vet plus unexpected vet bills. There's a lot of things to consider, monthly costs, annual costs and lifetime costs, owning a dog is not always cheap.
So we’ve done some digging to find out how much it costs dog owners to keep your dog happy, healthy and safe…
Buying a Dog: £500 to £1000+
The amount you can expect to pay buying a dog can vary quite a lot on type of dog breed, but this figure is typical for many pedigree pups. Since the surge in dog ownership during COVID, the price of pedigree dogs in particular has risen dramatically. You can find out more about this - including how to spot a reputable breeder - in our guide on how to buy a puppy
Don’t forget about the possibility of rehoming! As well as giving a dog a second chance, rehoming can help you cut down on initial average dog costs.
Dog Equipment Costs
Here are all the items you’ll need to buy so you're ready when you bring your dog home...
Dog Bed: £50 Blankets: £20
A good quality, machine-washable bed will typically last at least two to three years. When the filling loses its oomph and when the blankets or covers become frayed, bobbled or torn, it’s time to replace them.
Dog Carrier: £50 Crate: £40 - £100 Depending on Size
Especially for small dogs, you can opt for a crate which also doubles as a transporter - so you only need to buy one unit. Constructed from wire or plastic, these items should last forever. A larger crate will be needed if you’re planning on crate training your dog. These can be quite expensive if you’ve got a particularly big dog, but are worth their weight in gold!
Food Bowls: £15
You’ll need one each for food and water. If you opt for stainless steel or aluminium instead of plastic, there’s less chance of the bowls becoming warped or cracked.
Collar: £10 - £20 ID Tag: £5
Opt for an adjustable collar so you can resize it as your dog grows. Basic engraved ID tags can be bought online for as little as £5.
Microchipping - Transfer of Keepership: Around £30
Microchipping your dog is a legal requirement over 8 weeks of age. A puppy can’t be sold before this age. If you buy a puppy from a breeder they should have already had them chipped. Just make sure they’ve done this before you think about bringing your dog home.
You’ll need to make sure your details are logged with the microchipping service provider (transfer of keepership). There’s usually an admin charge for this.
Lead and Outdoor Clothing: £20 Each
Depending on breed, you might need to graduate up to a longer lead once your pup gets bigger. The need for an outdoor jacket (and boots) also depends on breed type; it’s a necessity for short-haired breeds when exercising them in the colder months.
Toys: Around £50
This should be enough for a healthy stash of balls, chewies, puzzle toys, frisbees and other bits and pieces to keep your puppy's mind and body active. Rips, cracks, warping and sharp edges are all signs that a toy needs to be replaced.
Dog Walking: £10 - £20 Per Walk
Will family or work commitments prevent you from giving your dog the exercise they need each day. Dog walker fees can vary hugely, but these rates are typical throughout the UK. Dogs are usually walked in small groups, so your dog will need to be well socialised to be able to use these types of services.
Some dog walking services may even be able to provide full or part day care, so you could consider this, but the costs could become expensive if they're looked after regularly.
Dog Food: Average £370 Per Year
This is the average across all breeds and ages of dog. That said, the diet of a Chihuahua pup obviously looks very different to that of a fully-grown German Shepherd. Your vet will advise you on how much and what type of food you should be feeding your dog based on breed type, age and any specific medical requirements.
Grooming Costs: £200 - £500+ Per Year
Again, this ranges hugely and depends on breed type. For a Cocker Spaniel, many owners opt for regular professional grooming every 6-8 weeks as the easiest way of keeping the coat looking great. Other larger breeds and long coated breeds like the Standard Poodle or Papillon may need to see a professional grooming more regularly.
Some dogs (e.g. the Westie) need stripping a couple of times a year. This can cost around £65 every time. With short-haired breeds like Greyhounds and French Bulldogs, coat maintenance is easy and doesn’t need a professional. You can give these short-haired breeds a quick brush at home once a week to keep their coats looking clean and healthy.
Tip: Our dog breed guides give you the full lowdown on grooming and maintenance for a range of different dogs!
Routine Dog Medical Costs
These are the typical costs for essential vet treatmens for your dog...
Vaccinations: £110 - 150
This includes initial vaccinations and subsequent boosters. Subsequent annual boosters will be around £50. You can learn more about the importance of puppy vaccinations in our guide.
Neutering: £150 - £500
Neutering costs vary considerably depending on the sex and size of your dog, and your individual veterinary practice. Spaying a female dog is a more complex surgical procedure, so usually costs more than neutering a male dog.
Worming: £50
Adult dogs need worming every 3 months. This cost includes a single treatment, including vet consultation.
Flea and Tick Treatment: £60
Monthly flea/tick treatments throughout the year are really important. This cost includes a single treatment, including vet consultation.
Dog Insurance Costs: Varies Per Year
The cost of insurance varies a lot depending on your dog's breed, age, small, average or large dog and even the area you live. Insurance for dogs can have its benefits, think about it as a lifetime cost to help with health problems. You also need to consider the cost of dog insurance will go up every year.
Now all of the other items above have something in common. They’re pretty predictable. You know they are going to crop up - so you can budget accordingly! But not all expenses are predictable - and the big financial headache of dog ownership involves dealing with the unexpected. Let’s say your dog suffers a paw injury and needs to be patched up.
Did you know for instance, that once scans, tests, consultations and treatment are factored in, the cost of treating even a relatively simple broken bone can easily be upwards of £1500?
This is where pet insurance comes in. It can make it easier to access exactly the treatment your dog needs, right when they need it, and can reduce the chances of being hit with a huge vets bill.
Everypaw Dog Insurance
Everypaw's Dog Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your pup will be well looked after.
Prices were correct at the original point of publishing.