As one of the most popular household pets worldwide, dogs have long been regarded as man’s best friend or part of the family. A lot of time and effort is put into dog ownership, but there is also a lot of money involved in it as well. With the enormous variety of canine breeds, there are different factors that affect the way they must be looked after and kept. In some cases this can mean more money.
Knowing what the costs involved are before you purchase a dog is essential, as these animals require good care. If you end up putting yourself under too much pressure financially, then the effect of that is not good. The dog would have to be re-homed, and if this cannot be arranged, then a charitable dog’s home is the only option.
Factors to consider
Breed of dog
The first cost with any animal is often purchasing it in the first place. This cost varies depending on the breed, particularly if it is a pedigree (thorough bred specimen), and where you buy it from. There are many ways to purchase a dog, quite often you will find that people sell the offspring of their own pets because they cannot keep them. In many cases you can have a dog for free. In the case of a dog’s home, they will usually check the prospective owner to vet the living standards the dog can expect. Only if it is acceptable will they allow the dog to go.
Size of dog
The size of an animal will go a long way to determining the amount of funding required for keeping it. Bigger animals need more food, more activity and more space, which comes at a price. This also leads onto the fact that your pet will need a certain amount of space to live. Do you have that space already? Will you have to purchase a kennel of some sort?
Expected lifespan of the dog
The dog’s lifespan should be known prior to acceptance, and will depend on the breed. This must be considered, because the longer it lives, the longer the costs will exist. In old age, some bigger dogs are susceptible to certain ailments. In particular, arthritis of the back legs is commonplace. This will require veterinary fees as a minimum.
Costs to consider
There are a huge range of costs involved in the upkeep of a pet dog. The basic costs include the price paid for the animal, but also the equipment needed for it to live within your home environment. Kennel, feeding bowl, food, toys and sleeping basket are a few of the standard start up expenses.
Medical costs
Puppies require jabs to prevent illnesses being passed from other dogs. Small microchip tracking devices inserted into the animal’s skin is a relatively cheap but sensible option, too.
As with all pets, ailments and injuries can occur quite easily. Vets fees are expensive and particularly with an older dog, taking out an insurance policy could save money in the long run. The rate of insurance premiums can vary but usually cost no more than a couple of routine visits to the vet a year and significantly less than an operation.
Training costs
Training an animal is considered good practise. A well behaved dog is a lot less trouble and a better prospect. The time and effort that goes into training (depending on the level you want) can be extensive and time consuming. It may also be above the skill level of a non-professional. If you need a certain level of dog training, a trainer must be hired.
Dog food
Dog food is the most basic of all the expenses. Three main types of dog food exist; wet, dry and semi-moist. The type of food you choose should depend on what your pet likes, however the prices also vary, with wet food usually being of higher value.
Premium dog foods are preferred by some due to the better quality ingredients. The positive effect of paying the higher price is that the food has higher biological value. This improves the animal’s digestion, meaning it will need less food and produce less waste.
Dog sitting or accommodation
Take into consideration the time the animal takes up. Who will look after it when you are busy or go away? Having a pet dog is time intensive, so preparing for what should happen to it if you become unavailable for whatever reason would be smart. Sometimes it may be possible to temporarily pass the duties onto a friend or relative, however if this is not possible, you will require a dog sitting service. Dog hotels exist at a varying daily rate, depending on the size of the animal.
Expected costs
| Item | Cost | Updated |
| Dog/puppy | £1900 (on average, depending on age and breed) | 2022 |
| Food | £20 – £80 per month (depending on size) | 2022 |
| Training | £10 – £20 per hour (basic training is around 10 hours) | 2022 |
| Vet fees | Vaccinations £30 – £60 Spaying or neutering £100 – £300 | 2022 |
| Pet Insurance | £170 per year (on average) | 2022 |
| Day care | £20 – £40 per day | 2022 |
| Dog walking | £10 – £15 per walk | 2022 |
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