Fetch FinderThe basics for most dogs cost about $900–$3,700 a year, depending mostly on size. The first year costs more, often $750–$5,200 extra, because of the adoption or purchase price, vaccines and gear.
For a number tailored to your breed and lifestyle, try our dog cost calculator.
Yearly costs by dog size
| Cost | Small (under 30 lb) | Medium (30–55 lb) | Large (55–100 lb) | Giant (100+ lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food | $250–$450 | $400–$700 | $600–$1,000 | $900–$1,500 |
| Routine vet care | $300–$600 | $350–$650 | $400–$750 | $450–$900 |
| Flea, tick and heartworm prevention | $200–$350 | $250–$450 | $350–$600 | $450–$750 |
| Treats, toys and supplies | $120–$300 | $150–$350 | $200–$400 | $250–$500 |
| License and tags | $15–$40 | $15–$40 | $15–$40 | $15–$40 |
| Basic yearly total | $885–$1,740 | $1,165–$2,190 | $1,565–$2,790 | $2,065–$3,690 |
These are rough US estimates for a healthy dog. Larger dogs cost more because food and most medications are priced by weight.
Optional costs that add up fast
- Professional grooming: $300–$1,300 a year for breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus and Doodles.
- Pet insurance: $300–$1,200 a year, depending on size, age and coverage.
- Dog walker: $1,000–$2,500 a year for a few walks a week.
- Doggy daycare: $3,000–$6,000 a year at 2–3 days a week.
- Boarding or a pet sitter: $250–$1,200 a year, depending on how often you travel.
First-year costs
| One-time cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Adoption fee (rescue or shelter) | $100–$500 |
| Breeder price | $1,000–$3,500+ |
| Spay/neuter, puppy shots and microchip | $300–$800 |
| Crate, bed, leash, bowls and gear | $200–$500 |
| Basic training class | $150–$400 |
Other costs to plan for
- Dog license: most US cities and counties require a dog license, and a current rabies vaccine is needed to get one. Fees vary by town and are usually lower for spayed or neutered dogs.
- Winter gear: a coat and boots for short-haired or small breeds run about $40–$120, and a tub of paw balm about $10–$20.
- Salt cleanup: pet-safe ice melt for your own steps costs a bit more than regular rock salt, but it's easier on paws.
The cost most people forget: emergencies
A single emergency vet visit for swallowing something, an injury or a sudden illness can cost $1,000–$5,000 or more. Plan for it with pet insurance or an emergency fund of a few thousand dollars.
How to save money
- Adopt instead of buying from a breeder.
- Groom at home if your breed allows it.
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight, which lowers food and vet costs.
- Keep up with prevention. Heartworm and parasite prevention is far cheaper than treatment.
- Pick a breed that fits your budget. Giant breeds can cost twice as much per year as small ones.