From Kibble to Vet Visits: The Cost of Owning a Dog in 2024
Owning a dog is incredibly fulfilling, but it’s no secret that caring for our furry friends can be expensive. If you’re considering getting a dog or are wondering how to budget for your existing pup, it’s crucial to consider the variety of expenses you’ll likely encounter. Read the breakdown of expenses below to learn about the cost of owning a dog in 2024.
Initial Expenses
While getting a new dog brings excitement into your life, it also comes with a set of initial expenses. The first cost you’ll encounter is purchasing your dog. Buying a puppy from a breeder typically costs between $500 and $4,500, a wide range that depends on the breed. Rescuing a dog from an organization such as an animal shelter is a more cost-efficient option, ranging from $0 to $500. Adopting through a shelter often means many initial costs are included in the adoption fee, making this a good option financially. The standard initial expenses include a microchip ($20-95), the first round of vaccinations ($165-515), and surgery to spay or neuter the dog ($225–525). Depending on where you live, you may also need a pet license, which can cost anywhere between $5 and $210.
In addition to medical expenses, budget for the initial supplies you’ll need for your new pup. The list below includes most of the standard items you will need and their average costs.
- Collar ($5-60)
- Harness ($5-80)
- Leash ($10-75)
- Crate ($25-475)
- Bed ($10-470)
- Food and water bowls ($5-80)
- Toys ($5-220)
- Treats ($2-125)
- Food ($45-345)
Recurring Expenses
After your dog settles in, there will be recurring expenses that you must pay. Dog food is an essential expense, which dog owners should choose based on their dog’s dietary needs. The type of food your pooch needs depends on breed, activity level, age, and health. High-quality dog food typically costs between $200 and $700, which is highly dependent on the size of your dog. Grooming is another cost dog owners should budget for, which can cost $50-125 for one appointment.
Vet visits typically cost between $200-500 per year and are necessary to keep your furry friend healthy. Dog owners should take their pup to the vet at least once a year, but experts recommend you make an appointment every six months. Lastly, depending on your lifestyle, you may need to budget for dog sitting and boarding costs. This expense depends on how often you need outside care for your dog, with the annual cost ranging between $500 and $7,000.
End of Life Expenses
Saying goodbye to Fido is something no dog owner wants to think about, especially when first getting a dog. However, budgeting for your dog’s end of life is essential to ensure a peaceful goodbye for your beloved pup. Senior pups require extra care, which comes with an increase in expenses. Joint supplements, mobility aids, and additional medication are all expenses your pup may require during their golden years.
When it comes time for your pup to cross the rainbow bridge, euthanasia serves as an additional expense. The option of in-home euthanasia is more expensive than parting with your dog at a vet office, but many dog owners prefer it due to the increased comfort it brings their pup in their final moments. Ultimately, end-of-life care can cost between $800 and $3,250. Budgeting for the end of your furry friend’s life in advance can alleviate financial stress during an already emotionally tumultuous time.
Unexpected Expenses
As unfortunate as it may be, encountering an unprecedented expense is likely to happen at some point in your pup’s life. Situations such as hospital stays, illnesses, surgeries, and emergency vet visits can cost dog owners a significant amount of money upfront. An emergency animal hospital visit can total between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the ailment. Unexpected surgeries can cost a dog owner even more, running from $5,000 to $10,000.
These numbers may be overwhelming, but the stress of unexpected expenses can be partially alleviated through proper planning. One option that may help you prepare for emergency expenses is investing in good pet insurance. Keep in mind that it is much more challenging to get pre-existing conditions covered by pet insurance companies, so planning ahead and purchasing insurance while your pup is young and healthy is best. Another good practice for preparing for the unexpected is saving money in an emergency fund for Fido, either by setting money aside or setting up a specific savings account. Having designated funds readily available for unexpected expenses will prevent them from being an extreme financial burden.
How Have Costs Changed in 2024?
Data states that caring for a dog costs between $1,000 and $5,225 annually and between $80 and $440 monthly. Regarding how this has changed since last year, the average annual cost is $100 higher than in 2023. The main culprit for rising costs is dog food, with some brands costing up to 80% more annually in 2024 than in 2023. Many dog owners report the rising price of dog food as their main financial burden when caring for their dogs. The increasing costs of pet-related expenses can be overwhelming, so researching expenses before getting a dog and budgeting throughout your dog’s life is essential.