How much does owning a dog cost?
Owning a dog can be one of the most fulfilling things someone can do in their lifetime. The idea of owning a dog is often very enticing to people, especially in the last few years of restrictions and lockdowns. Dog ownership has spiked in the last few years, however, many of these dogs will end up in shelters when their owners realise the task they have undertaken. It is important to know what you are getting yourself in for when you get a dog. In this article, we will outline some of the main costs of owning a dog so would-be owners can be sure it is the right choice for them.
What are the initial costs of getting a dog
How much does dog insurance cost?
When you get a dog, you are going to want to get it insured. Insurance is important as it covers your dog should they ever need any veterinary help. Dog insurance on the whole will cost more than cat insurance, and according to Compare the Market, the average dog insurance policy will cost around £141 for the year.
How much does dog training cost?
You may also wish to get your dog some training when they are young. By getting them trained to do basic commands such as sitting, staying, and walking on the lead, you will set them up for a lifetime of good behaviour. Training your dog can be expensive, however, it will depend on what is available in your area. On average, a dog training session will cost around £45, however, this will vary.
How much does it cost to neuter or spay my dog?
If you do not want your dog to have any surprise puppies, or if you do not plan on breeding your dog to get puppies, you will be best to get them neutered or spayed. Doing this will mean that they are unable to have puppies. On average, male neutering will cost around £200, whereas spaying a bitch can cost around £300. Prices will vary depending on the procedure your vet does, as well as the size of your dog.
How much does dog food cost?
You will also need to make sure you have got food for your dog when you first get them. Depending on how old your dog is when you get them will depend on what food you need to get and how much it will cost. Feeding your dog a high-quality diet is important. This can cost upwards of £15 per month, depending on how much your dog eats.
How much does it cost to microchip a dog?
Getting your dog microchipped is also vital when you first get them. Having a microchip ensures that your dog will be able to be scanned if they go missing and are found. Dogs are usually microchipped from eight weeks old, and the average cost of this will be around £10.
What are the costs of the accessories that dogs need
How much do dog toys cost?
Keeping your dog entertained is very important. When a dog is bored it will become stressed. By purchasing your dog toys they will get the stimulation they need. Dog toys again vary in price depending on quality, however, you should be able to find some good quality toys for around the £5 mark. It then becomes up to how many toys you want your dog to have!
How much do dog beds cost?
Getting your dog a bed is important as it will get them into the routine of sleeping in their own bed and not on the sofa or your bed. Again, the price of your dog's bed will vary depending on the quality you go for, and the size of your dog. Some expensive, high-quality dog beds will cost upwards of £100, while the average dog bed will cost around £25.
How much do dog collars cost?
You will also need to get your dog a collar. Collars are good as they provide somewhere for you to clip a lead onto when you take your dog out for a walk, and they are also good at providing you with extra control over your dog. Dog collars can be expensive, and some breeds of dogs even have specialised collars, such as whippets. The average cost of a dog collar will be around £10 but can be much higher.
How much do dog harnesses cost?
Dog harnesses are similar to collars. They provide you with the clip you need to walk your dogs and have extra control over them. A dog harness will usually cost more than a collar and will vary depending on size. The average cost of a harness for a dog will be around £15, however, this can change based on size and quality.
How much does dog grooming cost?
Some dogs will need to be regularly groomed in order to keep them clean and looking their best. Grooming done by a professional however can be quite expensive, however necessary it may be. Some dog breeds will also take more grooming than others, so will generally be more expensive. On average, a dog groomer will charge around £45, however, this can be less or more depending on your dog. Some dogs will also not need grooming.
How much do dog poop bags cost?
Picking up your dog's poo is one of the less loved parts of owning a dog. Using poo bags is the best and most cost-effective way of doing this. A dog will usually poo once or twice a day, meaning you will need around 365 to 730 bags a year. Typically, bags are sold in packs of between 50 and 100. On average a packet of 100 poo bags will cost around £2. This means in a year you will spend around £16, considering you having to buy more to have spares. Also keep an eye open for biodegradable poo bags as these are much more eco-friendly than the plastic ones.
How much does keeping your dog healthy cost
How much do vet bills for a dog cost?
Vet bills are one of the biggest expenses when it comes to owning a dog. On average a dog will cost you between £200 and £1,500 per year in vets bills. It is obviously hard to know when your dog is going to become ill, however, when they are it can be very expensive. By using a service such as PocketVet you can save money on your vet bills by using an online vet as and when you need them, without compromising your dog's health.
What do routine worming treatments for dogs cost?
Ensuring that your dog has routine worming treatments is imperative to keeping them healthy. Getting your dog's treatment can be expensive, however, PocketVet also offers a Parasite Prevention Pack. This subscription provides you with the treatment your dog needs every month for a small fee of £6.49
What are some costs that people may not think about
How much does dog daycare cost?
Some people, especially those that got their dogs in lockdown, will need to find someone to look after their dogs for them during the day. Dog daycare can vary between a dog walker coming and taking your dog for a walk, to sending your dog to a daycare centre where they will stay, much like a child. The average cost of a dog daycare centre is around £20 to £40 per day.
How much does a dog passport cost?
If you are a frequent traveller then you may be wanting to take your dog with you on your journeys. To do this you will need to get your dog a passport. To get your dog a passport you will need to pay around £14.50. You may also need to get your dog some vaccinations, depending on where you are going.
End of life
How much does it cost to put a dog to sleep?
The last thing you want to think about is having to eventually say goodbye to your furry friends. Unfortunately, when the time comes to make the most terrible of decisions, it is not a free service. On average, putting a dog to sleep will cost around £100, however, this may be more or less based on your dog's breed or size.
How much does dog cremation cost?
If you choose to have your dog cremated following their passing then this will also cost you money. Cremation is not the only option, however, it is often favoured by dog owners. Different types of cremation will cost different prices, typically, a cremation for a dog will cost around £50-£150.
What is the lifetime cost of owning a dog
So what is the lifetime cost of owning a dog? Below is a table of the yearly cost of owning a dog on average based on the figures above, as well as the lifetime cost of owning a dog for the average lifetime.
Based on these average figures that are very rough, the average yearly cost of owning a dog will be around £6,399.38. In comparison, the lifetime cost of owning a dog will be roughly £68,633.06.
Sources
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/blog/everyday-money/how-much-does-it-cost-to-keep-a-dog
https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/cost-of-pet-parenthood/
https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/articles/getting-a-dog/adoption/how-much-is-a-puppy
