how much does it cost to have a dog over the course of it's lifetime

by Randal Abernathy Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago 3 min read

Most sources calculate the cost of dog ownership by the size of the dog. According to an article in “Money,” the lifetime costs are as follows: Small dog: $15,051 (average life expectancy of 15 years) Medium dog: $15,782 (average life expectancy of 13 years) Large dog: $14,480 (average life expectancy of 10 years)

Based on the average lifespan of 12 years, the lifetime cost of owning a dog ranges from $5,000 to $20,000. A majority of pet owners vastly underestimate this figure, and assume a lifetime cost of somewhere between $1,290 and $6,445.Jan 4, 2019

Full Answer

How much does a dog cost over its lifetime?

Oct 16, 2021 · Leashes, Collars, and Harnesses. $50 to 150+, depending on your dog’s size, the quality of materials, and how often you need to replace each piece. If you have a growing puppy, you can expect to replace the collar or harness a few times over the course of their growth.

How much does it cost to take a dog to the vet?

A small to medium-sized dog can cost $500 to $900 per year, for an estimated lifetime cost of $7,000 to $13,000. Large breeds can cost between $700 and $900 per year, but because of their shorter average life spans, the estimated lifetime cost of caring for a large dog remains much lower, at around $6,000 to $8,000.

When is the cost of a dog the highest?

First year: $740 to $1,325. Estimated annual costs thereafter: $500 to $875Total cost over a dog’s lifetime is about $7,240 to $12,700. Large to giant-sized dogs. Estimated life span: 8 years. First year: $1020 to $1,825.

Is owning a dog worth the expenses?

Aug 03, 2017 · The annual cost of owning a dog depends on its size: $1,001 for a small dog, $1,214 for a medium-sized dog, and $1,448 for a large dog, excluding one-time capital costs like spay and neutering fees and a carrier bag, according to ASPCA estimates.

How much does an average dog cost over its lifetime?

It turns out owning a pet over its lifetime, likely over 10 years, . Even excluding expensive and unforeseen veterinarian visits, the likely cost of owning a dog through its lifetime, as calculated by the PDSA, falls in a range of $27,074 to $42,545, depending on the breed.Apr 28, 2017

What is the annual cost of owning a dog?

The cost of owning a dog can be estimated at about $1,500 to $9,900 per year. There are ways to save money depending on the choices you make. Contributing factors include your dog's size and age, the region in which you live, your own lifestyle, and your dog's individual needs.Jun 28, 2021

How much does a dog cost per month on average?

According to a new study from Rover, most people think a dog will cost them a mere $26-$75 per month. But that figure is actually more like $153 per month.Aug 28, 2018

How much is the average dog cost?

Start by contributing the amount you expect to spend on the dog itself. Hunter refers to this as “the initial investment.” “If you decide to purchase a purebred dog from a breeder, you can expect to spend $500 to $2000,” she says. “Adopting from a shelter or rescue can cost as little as $50 to $200.”Feb 27, 2020

How much does a dog cost per month UK?

Research by insurer More Th>n puts the monthly cost of owning a dog at between £94 and £154, depending on size and breed. However, many people spend a lot more, particularly those in areas such as London who pay for walks or “doggy day care” while at work.Jan 20, 2017

How can I afford a dog on a budget?

Dog owners worried about how to afford a dog on a budget can minimize these costs by choosing less expensive canned food and kibble or by making their own dog food. To save on other expenses, Müehlenberg grooms her dog at home, makes her own toys and treats and buys pet supplies in bulk.

How often do dogs go to vet?

After a cat or dog has reached one year of age, they generally just have to visit the animal hospital or veterinary clinic once a year. During this annual vet visit, animals will have a complete physical to check for any signs of concern.

What is the most expensive dog?

The Tibetan mastiff

The Tibetan mastiff is the most expensive dog in the world. The breed stands at at least 26 inches shoulder height and typically weighs more than 100 lbs. Known to sell for at least $7,000 per puppy, a Chinese businessman made headlines when he bought a 1-year-old Tibetan mastiff for $1.9 million.Oct 5, 2021

Costs During the First Year of Life

Puppies cost more to take care of than adult dogs, simply because they eat more and require more veterinary care. Puppies need to be vaccinated several times, and they need more check ups than adult dogs, since you'll want to be assured that your puppy is developing normally.

Small Breeds Cost More in the Long Term

Small and medium-sized breeds, or dogs who weight less than fifty pounds on average, tend to live much longer than larger breeds. Of course, the average life span of a dog can vary considerably.

Unexpected Expenses Can Raise the Cost of Dog Ownership

These figures assume that your dog's life is relatively disease and accident free, and that he doesn't enjoy a great deal of luxury. Of course, many people choose to spend more money on toys and other products to make their dogs more comfortable. Luxury items can easily inflate the cost of caring for your dog throughout his lifetime.

What is the lifetime cost of a dog?

So, I’ll start by showing you the “normal” lifetime cost of a dog. That includes everything most soon-to-be dog parents normally expect.

Expected lifespan

One last important point that you need to consider is your dog’s expected lifespan.

Conclusion

Okay, so now we’ve covered pretty much every kind of cost you might run into over the whole lifespan of your dog.

Cats

With cats, the biggest factor affecting their life span is whether they live indoors or outdoors. Indoor cats, on average, often live considerably longer than outdoor cats. An outdoor cat is at risk of injury and diseases, particularly from other cats.

Is Pet Insurance Right for you?

The best pet insurance offers coverage that’s broad enough for whatever care your pet needs and with enough options to get the perfect coverage for you and your pet.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog?

Typically, adopting a dog will cost around $400 1, but this may vary depending on the breed and state you live in. Often, during the adoption process, microchipping is included in the fee, however, if it isn’t then typically the procedure would cost around $50. And, of course, you can’t have a dog without the essential supplies.

How much does it cost to take a dog on a plane?

But before you take your family pictures, remember that it also costs to get your pet on a plane, approximately $250 for a domestic return flight. Be careful though, the last thing you want is for your dog to get into an unfortunate accident that may result in emergency treatment.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Puppy?

Buying your puppy (or adult rescue) is just a tiny fraction of what a large breed dog will cost you over his lifetime.

Collars, Leashes & Harnesses

When you bring your puppy home, he’ll need a collar and/or harness, as well as a leash.

Equipment, Bowls & Grooming

Obviously, you’re going to need the basics like food bowls, a dog bed and a brush, shampoo and so on.

Toys (Balls, Frisbees, Flirt Pole, Kong etc.)

Of course, you want to provide your dog with stuff to play (check out my article about boredom busters if you wanna know more about this) as well as to exercise your dog mentally.

Kibble & Raw Diet

This is where costs will vary depending on your dog’s exact weight, activity level, overall health and, most importantly, what you feed your dog (kibble vs. wet dog food vs. raw).

Other Yearly Costs – Tax, Insurance, Vet, Training Classes

Depending on where you live, you may have to pay a city tax for your dog. Insurance is also mandatory in some places.

Lifetime Cost of a Large Breed Dog

Calculate with 10 years. Your dog might live 8 or he might live 15 years, so let’s go conservative. Hopefully, your dog will have a long, healthy life.

Buying a Dog

The cost of buying a dog can vary significantly, from a few hundred dollars, to in excess of $10,000. This will depend on whether you adopt a dog from a rescue center, or you want a purebred rare breed pedigree dog.

Medical Costs and Insurance

The first thing you’ll need to do when you buy a dog, is have them checked over by a veterinarian. The initial medical cost will depend on whether they need to be spayed or neutered and whether they’ll need vaccines and other preventative treatments.

Equipment

After the initial cost of buying a dog, and the medical costs, the next big expense is buying all the equipment that you dog will need.

Food and Toys

The average cost of dog food is between $10 and $50 per month. This figure will depend on whether you buy high cost branded food, or cheaper non-branded food, feed them a dry or raw food diet, and the size of the breed.

Other Costs

There are a whole range of other costs which you might incur, depending on your lifestyle and the services you might want for your dog.

Unexpected Costs

On top of all the foreseen and plans costs, you should also allow a budget for unexpected costs. The most commons ones are illness and injury. Most unexpected trips to vets can cost in excess of $1000, if it is for something such as a seizure. Try to save around $40 per month, to allow a safety blanket in case any unexpected costs do come up.