The Update

How Much Does it Cost to Have a Dog?

That ball of fur may be adorable, but having a dog doesn’t come cheap!

Here’s a rundown of what buying and owning a dog can cost.

Start-Up Costs

Buying a purebred will run you $500-$2K, but a dog from a shelter can cost as little as $50, or up to $200.

You’ll need some doggy gear, including a bed, a collar and leash, a feeding bowl and some toys. These will run you approximately $50.

Getting your dog trained can cost as little as $25 for a single class, or up to $300 for a full course of training and resource materials.

Getting your dog spayed or neutered can add $20-$300 to your initial costs. Licensing, vaccinations and a microchip will bring that total up by $110-$360.

Total one-time costs: $255-$3,060

Ongoing Costs

Now you’ll need to consider what it costs to care for your pet each month.

Dog Food

The cheapest dog food can cost less than a dollar a pound. But if going gourmet, expect to pay up to $1.60/lb.

The size of your dog also plays a role in the total food costs. A 3-pound pup will only need 1? cup of food a day, compared to the 4½ cups of food a 100-pound beast will consume.

Finally, consider your dog’s dietary requirements. A bag of food for dogs with sensitive stomachs is $2.60/lb.

Total monthly cost: $20-80

Preventative Health Care and Routine Well Visits

All dogs will need some medication to prevent common conditions. Most vets also advise dog owners to bring their pets in for a wellness checkup at least once a year.

Total monthly cost: $20-80

Grooming and Bathing

If you’ll be hiring someone to bathe and groom your doggy, these costs can add another $100 to your monthly dog costs.

Total monthly cost: $0-100

Doggy Day Care, Boarding, and Walking

Doggy day care averages $40/day, while overnight stays can cost $100 a night.

Professional dog-walking services can charge as much as $30 for every half-hour walk.

Total monthly cost: $0-600

After the initial costs, expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $960 a month in total dog costs.

That furry friend doesn’t come cheap! Make sure you can afford these new expenses before bringing your pet home.

Free Financial Coaching

Do you have a furbaby or plan to get one and want to learn about budgeting (and finance in general)? RGCU offers Free Financial Coaching for our members. Our certified coaches can help you build a budget for your - soon to be changing - lifestle.