Here’s How Much It Costs to Own a Dog in 2023

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Dogs can be great companions, but they’re also pretty expensive. Here’s a closer look at how much it costs to care for a dog in 2023. 

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is April 30, and many Americans are weighing whether to add a new four-legged household member. But it’s a big decision. You have to think about what kind of dog is best for your family and how you’ll fit it into your lifestyle. You also need to make sure you have room in your budget for a new pet.

But figuring out exactly how much you’ll spend on a new dog can be tricky. Here’s what a recent Rover survey had to say, along with some tips on how you can keep your costs as low as possible.

First-time dog owners will spend over $1,100 in their first year

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that those getting a dog for the first time will spend a lot more than those who already own one or more pets. Rover estimates that in the first year, dog owners will spend anywhere from $1,135 to $5,155 to get their pet and purchase all the essentials they need. This includes:

Veterinary visits, including spaying or neuteringCollarsLeashesFood bowlsPoop bagsDog bedsCrateShampooToysTreatsDog foodMicrochippingPet licensePotty padsStain removers

Your biggest expense is obviously going to be the dog itself. Costs for this vary considerably, depending on the breed, age, and health of the pet as well as where you live. Where you get your dog also makes a big difference. Those trying to keep costs down are better off adopting from an animal shelter. Fees here usually range from about $115 to $725, according to Rover. Purchasing a purebred dog from a breeder could easily cost thousands.

When choosing a breed, you may also want to think about what health conditions that type of dog is prone to. This could affect what you pay in future years for vet visits. And if a certain breed is prone to aggressiveness or biting, it could make it more difficult to find homeowners insurance that will cover it.

As for keeping other costs down, shopping around is key. Compare prices at several stores before making any purchases and keep an eye out for coupons and sales. You could also contact a few vets in the area to learn what they charge for checkups and other services you think you may need to see which one best fits into your budget.

Ongoing dog ownership costs can still cost thousands annually

After paying for your dog and all the supplies they need to make themselves at home, you’ll still have some recurring expenses. These include things like:

Annual vet visitsDog foodTreatsToysPoop bagsFlea and tick medication

Rover estimates that dog owners could spend anywhere from $610 to $3,555 on these items in 2023. Food is the biggest factor influencing price here. Buying premium food or prescription food for your dog will drive up costs significantly.

You must decide which dog food is best for your pet based on the ingredients, your vet’s recommendation, and your budget. But it doesn’t hurt to compare a few brands before you make up your mind. Once you’ve decided, keep an eye out for coupons on your dog’s usual food to help keep costs low.

Surprise expenses can be difficult to budget for

In the sections above, we focused on more or less predictable expenses. But those aren’t the only costs pet owners face. Emergency costs can arise at any time, and some people prefer to spend extra money on wellness care to improve their dog’s quality of life. This includes things like:

Dental cleaningGroomingAlternative treatments, like acupuncture

It’s difficult to gauge how much you could spend on these things because every person and every pet are different. Even within the same household, money spent on pet-related costs can vary significantly from year to year.

This unpredictability can be tough on budgets, which is why an increasing number of dog owners are investing in pet insurance. This doesn’t take care of all vet bills, but it can reduce how much pet parents pay out of pocket when their dog gets sick or injured. Some even have optional wellness add-ons to cover some of the things listed above.

Pet insurance has its own costs, though. There are monthly premiums, copays, and deductibles, just like human health insurance. But these costs are easier for a lot of people to plan for.

How much you spend on your pet is ultimately up to you. If you’re worried you can’t afford to give your pet the care it needs, you may want to hold off on bringing one home for now. And if you’re worried you’re spending too much on your pet, try some of the tips above to see if you can’t shave a little off your annual expenses.

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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Kailey Hagen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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