The Real Costs of Dog Parenthood—And Tips to Keep Ahead

It’s no secret that welcoming a dog into your home is expensive. Dogs need food, veterinary care, vaccines, parasite preventives, training, toys, and other supplies. It all adds up. We love our pets and want what’s best for them, but we also can’t ignore our budgets. The good news is that, with a few simple tips, you can save on dog ownership costs while still giving your dog everything they need to live happily.

TL;DR: To save on dog ownership costs, buy dog food and supplies in bulk. You should also maintain preventive veterinary care to avoid expensive emergency treatments, and invest in pet insurance for unexpected medical expenses. Some DIY solutions, such as at-home grooming and homemade toys, can help, too. 

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How much does it cost to be a pet parent?

When considering how much it costs to become a dog’s pet parent, think of the costs in two parts: initial costs (when you first bring home a dog) and ongoing costs thereafter. Recurring costs include food, treats, parasite preventives, boarding costs (when you travel), veterinary care, training, and more. 

Some of these costs will be higher or lower depending on the size of your dog. It’s a lot cheaper to feed a seven-pound Chihuahua mix than a 100-pound Great Dane. Medications and parasite preventives also cost more for larger dogs than for small dogs.

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Initial dog ownership costs

Initial dog ownership costs can be high, but many of these costs are often “one and done.” You only need to pay an adoption fee, spay or neuter your pet, and get them a microchip once. Many dog supplies (such as bowls, leashes, a crate, a dog bed, brushes, and so on) can last for many years — if not the dog’s entire lifetime.

Here are some upfront average dog ownership costs.

The average cost of dog ownership

The American Veterinary Medical Association says dog parents drop around $1,700 a year on care. Do the math across a typical dog’s life and you’re staring at roughly $26,000 — and that’s before reality kicks in and costs creep higher. Here are some average annual costs of having a dog.

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Cost-cutting tips for dog parents

If you’re feeling sticker shock while looking at these dog ownership costs, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways to save on costs, including finding used supplies or searching for cheap dog supplies on clearance or during special sales. You can save money on dog food by feeding your pup less expensive brands that still provide excellent nutrition. 

Here are some tips for saving money on pet care costs.

Choose to adopt

When you adopt a dog (rather than buying one from a breeder), you’re not only saving a life — you’ll also save a bundle on dog ownership costs. Adoption fees are usually much less than the cost of buying a puppy from a breeder. 

And when you adopt from an animal shelter or rescue group, the dog might already be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated, saving you hundreds of dollars. If not, most adopted pets are eligible for discounts on veterinary costs for spaying-neutering, microchipping, and vaccinating, either through your vet or at a low-cost clinic.

Be choosy with food

The pet food industry is overflowing with choices, from super-premium, organic, human-grade foods to cheap, bargain brands. Most dogs don’t need ultra-expensive foods to thrive, but you also don’t want to buy them the cheapest option. Food with low-quality ingredients and lots of fillers can ultimately cost you in vet bills, if your pet’s health suffers. 

The key is to find a moderately priced food with high-quality ingredients that provide your dog with nutrition. You can ask your vet for advice, or talk to the rescue or shelter where you adopted your pet. These people know how to provide quality nutrition on a budget.

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Once you find a food you like, save on it

Price-compare your preferred food at different stores and websites to determine where you can buy it the cheapest. Feeding your pup dry food is more cost-effective: You can add small amounts of canned food to the dry food for an extra nutrient boost that won’t blow your budget. 

If you have a large dog who goes through food fast, buy the largest size bag — since the price per ounce is generally lower. Just make sure your pet can finish the food before it spoils or the nutrients degrade: Expect most dry dog foods to last one to two months after being opened. 

Finally, if you buy pet food online, signing up for autoship can save you a percentage on each order. This also saves you a trip to the pet store and ensures your dog won’t run out of food. 

Search for deals on pet supplies

Compare pet supply prices online, or take advantage of sales. Some pet stores also have clearance sections, where you can get new products for less. 

But don’t hesitate to look for used pet supplies. Crates and pens are pricey but made to last. You can find pet supplies in good condition for a fraction of the price through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, as well as in thrift stores. You can likewise check with local gifting groups like Buy Nothing for free pet supplies.

At-home grooming

Bathing your dog and trimming their nails at home saves on the costs of professional grooming. If your dog needs a haircut and you feel comfortable trying it yourself, invest in some grooming equipment (used or new), and teach yourself to groom them at home through YouTube videos and other tutorials. Just be sure you follow at-home dog grooming safety practices. 

How to save money on vet bills

Veterinary care is one of the most expensive costs of pet parenthood. Preventative care alone (annual exams, vaccines, parasite preventives, and dental cleanings) can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. Add in an unexpected injury or illness, and those costs jump even higher. 

Follow these tips to save money on vet bills over the long run.

Get your dog spayed or neutered

If this did not happen prior to adoption, spaying or neutering your dog can prevent or reduce the risk of many health conditions. It also prevents unwanted pregnancy (caring for a litter of puppies is expensive) and reduces roaming behavior, which can cut down on accidents that happen when dogs escape. 

Brush your dog’s teeth

The costs of professional dental care from your veterinarian are high. Brushing your dog’s teeth daily at home prevents tartar buildup and minimizes gum disease. In turn, your dog will need less frequent professional teeth cleanings, saving you a lot of cash. 

Keep them at a healthy weight

Excess weight can cause a host of costly health problems. Dogs who are obese are at a much higher risk for developing joint disease, heart disease, diabetes, and more. Feeding your dog the right amount of food, skipping table scraps, and taking them on daily walks keeps them at a healthy weight, which can lead to a healthier, happier life.  

Schedule those annual vet exams

It might be tempting to skip your dog’s annual checkup at the veterinarian. After all, they’re not sick, so why should you go? The truth is, annual physical exams can detect developing issues, before they turn into serious (and expensive) problems. Dogs age much faster than humans. Skipping vet visits for a year or two would be like a human not seeing their doctor for five to 10 years. A lot can change in one dog year, so stick with yearly vet visits to prevent bigger bills in the future.

Is pet insurance worth it?

Purchasing a pet insurance policy is one way to budget for unexpected veterinary expenses. Standard pet insurance policies will reimburse you for veterinary bills when your pet gets injured or sick. However, pet insurance does not cover standard services such as vaccines or dental cleanings, unless you add a wellness rider onto your accident and illness plan. It also won’t cover pre-existing conditions.

With pet insurance, you pay a monthly premium based on your pet’s age, their breed, your location, and other factors. When your dog sees the vet for treatment, you pay the doctor, then submit your bill to the insurance company for reimbursement. 

The cost of pet insurance and the coverage it provides can vary quite a bit, so read about the ins and outs of pet insurance before purchasing a policy. It’s hard to know ahead of time if pet insurance will be worth it, but having insurance for your pup can bring you a lot of peace of mind (and save you thousands) if your pet suffers a major accident or illness.

Commonly asked questions

How much does dog ownership cost?

Becoming a pet parent to a dog costs as much as $4,500 for the first year, and about $2,500 annually thereafter. These are averages: You can lower your first-year costs by adopting a dog rather than buying a puppy — especially if they are already spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.

How to save money on dog food?

Save money on dog food by adopting a smaller dog who eats less, choosing a moderately priced but high-quality food, feeding them dry instead of canned food, buying the largest bag your dog can finish in a few months’ time, and signing up for autoship to save more.

How much does it cost to spay a dog?

It can cost $200 to $700 to spay a dog, although the actual cost varies considerably depending on where you live, how large your dog is, and whether the procedure is performed by a private veterinarian or through a low-cost spay and neuter clinic. 

How much does it cost to neuter a dog?

It can cost $200 to $500 to neuter a dog, although the actual cost is affected by where you live, how much your dog weighs, and who does the procedure (a private vet or low-cost clinic). 

References

“ALDOI - Current News Item.” Aldoi.gov, 2018, aldoi.gov/currentnewsitem.aspx?ID=984. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

‌“Is Pet Insurance Worth It? | Department of Insurance, SC - Official Website.” SC.gov, 2019, www.doi.sc.gov/950/Is-Pet-Insurance-Worth-It. 

“Money Tips for Pet Owners | Orange County, NC.” Orangecountync.gov, 2025, www.orangecountync.gov/3511/Money-Tips-for-Pet-Owners.

Paying for a Pet Spend. files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_building_block_activities_paying-for-pet_worksheet.pdf. 

“Pet Health Care Costs - LA County Animal Care & Control.” LA County Animal Care & Control, 19 Apr. 2021, animalcare.lacounty.gov/news/pet-health-care-costs.

Williams, Angelica, et al. “The Impact of Pet Health Insurance on Dog Owners’ Spending for Veterinary Services.” Animals, vol. 10, no. 7, July 2020, p. 1162, doi.org/10.3390/ani10071162.