The Cost Of Owning A Dog
Welcoming a dog into your home can be exciting, but it is important to first consider the responsibility and commitments that come with owning a dog.
One of the main factors to consider is the financial commitment to having a dog. Being a responsible owner and keeping a dog healthy and happy can be costly.
We have put together this guide to give you an idea of how much you will spend on a dog over its lifetime, to help you decide whether or not to take one in.
The initial cost of getting a dog
There are many items you need to get in preparation for the arrival of a new puppy or dog, including a bed, lead, harness, collar and tag, dog food and bowls for food and water, toys, and a car restraint. You will also need to pay for vaccinations and wormers.
The above will come to approximately £370 for small breeds, £395 for medium breeds, and £425 for large breeds, according to PDSA. This does not include the cost of buying or adopting the dog, or anything else you wish to get, but does include neutering.
Dogs can be neutered from four months old. The cost of neutering typically depends on the weight of the dog and is usually more for females than males. Neutering reduces or eliminates the risk of many health problems, helps with behavioural issues, and prevents pregnancies and seasons, so will save you money in the future.
A dog should be microchipped before you get them but if they are not, you will also need to factor in this cost, which is typically between £10 and £20. If your dog is already microchipped but you need to update the details, this typically incurs a cost of £5 to £10, unless you have a paid account that allows unlimited changes.
The monthly cost of owning a dog
You will need to budget for things you will need to pay for regularly. These include health checks and vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, dental hygiene items, pet insurance, food, toys, and poo bags.
The estimated monthly cost of these things is at least £50 for small breeds, £65 for medium breeds, and £80 for large breeds.
The lifetime cost of owning a dog
The lifetime cost associated with having a dog can vary a lot, depending on the dog’s size, breed, health, and lifespan. According to PDSA, a dog is likely to cost you between £4,600 and £30,800, throughout their life.
The estimated minimum lifetime cost of a dog is £4,600 to £25,000 for small dog breeds, £7,000 to £27,000 for medium dog breeds, and £5,700 to £30,800 for large dog breeds.
These amounts include pet insurance, but do not include any potential unexpected vet fees or medical costs. If your dog has or develops health problems or additional needs, which is common in many pedigree breeds, costs will be higher.
Puppies should not be left alone for more than three hours, and adult dogs should not be left for more than six. In the event that there will be no one in for this duration, you would need to arrange for someone to walk or spend time with them, or for them to go to daycare or boarding. This will incur an additional cost of around £5 to £25 per walk or visit or £10 to £50 per day or night.
Training is an essential part of owning a dog. Many owners seek professional training for their dogs and find it invaluable. Whilst there are many costs to consider when getting a dog, it is important to know about these costs in advance so that you can budget. You also need to remember that dogs can be expensive pets however there are ways of saving money, getting good deals and the love and joy they provide you and your family is priceless.
To find out more about one-to-one training, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, or our other services, please call our team of professionals at WitsEnd on 0116 244 2455.