How Much Does A Dog Cost?
Dog prices range from free to thousands of dollars, depending on the type of dog and its age, if it is registered or not, and if it is show/breeding quality or pet quality. Rare purebred dog prices can range from $2000-$20,000, while more common purebred dog prices range from $200-$2000. Purebred puppies cost far more than purebred adult dogs cost. Purebred adult dogs cost around $100-$400, or can occasionally be found free in the classified ads. Purebred dogs that are registered with one of the national kennel clubs cost more than purebred dogs that are not. Purebred dogs are best bought from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder is one who tests their breeding dogs for hereditary health problems, registers the puppies with their national kennel club, and sells the pups with a health guarantee, vaccines and a no-breeding contract. Dog prices at a reputable breeder are higher than dog prices at an average breeder. However, puppies from a reputable breeder are usually healthier and far less prone to developing hereditary health issues that could cost thousands of dollars in medical care. Adult purebred dogs can occasionally be purchased from animal shelters for $100-$150, and from dog breed rescues for $200-$400.
Mixed breed dog prices range from free to $800, depending on the mix. Mixed-breed dogs that are considered hybrids and are given fancy name like a Puggle or Yorkiepoo tend to cost more than many purebred dogs do; hybrid dog prices fall between $300 and $800. Large mixed breed dog tend to cost significantly less than small mixed breed dogs. Adult mixed breed dogs are often available for free from the classified ads or at a low price from animal shelters; dog prices at animal shelters usually fall between $100 and $150.
Average Cost Of Owning A Dog
The cost of dog ownership varies depending on the size of the dog. Annually, large and giant sized dogs are more expensive to keep than medium or small sized dogs. The average cost of dog ownership for a medium sized 40 pound dog is around $125 a month or $1500 a year. The average life span of a medium sized dog is 12 years, so the average cost of dog ownership of a medium sized dog is around $18,000. The average annual cost of dog ownership for a small dog is slightly less than the average annual cost for a dog of a medium size. However, small dogs have an average lifespan of 15 years so the lifetime average cost of dog ownership of a small dog is generally equal to the average lifetime cost for a dog of medium size. The average annual cost for a dog that is large or giant sized is more than that of a medium sized dog. However, large and giant sized dogs have an average lifespan of 10 years. The average lifetime cost of a large or giant sized dog is generally equal to the average lifetime cost of dog ownership of a medium sized dog.
Cost Of Dog Food
The annual cost of dog food varies depending on the size of the dog and what quality and type of food is used. Average quality dog kibble prices run about $10-$20 a month for toy and small dogs, $30 a month for medium sized dogs, around $50 a month for large dogs, and around $60-$80 a month for giant sized dogs. The cost of owning a dog increases if a high quality or premium dog food is fed, or if the dog is fed a homemade or raw diet.
Dog House Cost
Dogs that are kept mostly indoors will not need a doghouse; however, dogs that spend extended time outside will require a good doghouse to help protect them from the weather. Doghouse prices vary depending on the size needed and how basic or fancy it is. Doghouse prices range from $100-$1000 depending on the style of doghouse and what it is made from. Basic wooden doghouse prices range from $100-$400 depending on the size, while doghouses made of plastic tend to cost slightly less. Specially made and luxury doghouse prices can be as much as $1000 or more. Owners’ that are handy with tools can make a doghouse for around $50.
Dog Kennel Cost
Not all owners crate train their dogs; however even dogs that are not crate trained should have a dog crate or kennel for traveling or other times when they need to be safely confined. Dog crate cost varies depending on the size of crate. Dog crate prices for small dog are far less than dog crate prices for large dogs. Small dog crates cost around $40, while medium dog crate prices are around $80. Dog crates for large dogs cost around $120 or more.
Invisible Dog Fence Cost
An invisible fence is a wireless invisible fence that gives the dog a light shock to help keep it safely within the yard. Invisible fences for dogs range from $150-$2000 in price. Prices for invisible fences vary depending on the brand of invisible fencing, how many dogs will be using it and how large of a yard it will be covering. Invisible fencing for one dog for an average city yard costs about $200. Electronic collars that work with the invisible fencing cost about $120 each; most invisible fencing packages come with one collar and additional collars are sold separately.
Electric Dog Fence Cost
Electric fencing helps to keep a dog in the yard by giving them an audible warning and/or a light shock. Electric fence for dogs cost is $150-$2000, depending on the brand of the electric fencing, how many dogs are being contained within it and how large of an area it will be covering. The average cost of electric fencing for dogs is $400. Electric fencing can be used on all sizes of yards, from small city yards to large rural properties, up to 200 acres. Electric fencing for dogs costs far less than traditional fencing. Electric fencing for dogs can be purchased at most pet stores, online and at most department stores.
Vaccination For Dogs Cost
Dogs need to be vaccinated once a year. The first sets of vaccines are the most expensive; first dog vaccination costs $20-$150, depending on location and the veterinarian clinic. The first set of vaccination is usually done in two sets. All subsequent years, dogs need a booster vaccine to keep their vaccinations current. Yearly booster dog vaccination costs are around $10-$100. Dog vaccination costs tend to be less in small towns and rural communities than in large cities. Animal shelters and non-profit veterinarian clinics offer cheaper dog vaccination than private veterinarian clinics do. Not all vaccinations are included in the normal yearly vaccination package – if owners would like to vaccinate their dog against diseases like bordatella, it will cost them an addition $10-$15 per vaccine.
Dog Xray Cost
The average dog x-ray cost is about $100 per specific area; however, dog x-ray prices vary per location and veterinarian clinic. X-rays for dog can cost as little as $60 to as much as $150 per area. Veterinarian clinics in small towns and rural areas tend to have lower prices than veterinarian clinics in larger cities. Most pet insurance policies at least partially cover the cost of dog x-rays.
Cost Of Dog Insurance
Having dog health insurance can help decrease the cost of owning a dog if the dog has any chronic medical problems or has an accident. Most dog insurance plans cost about $20-$30 a month or about $300 a year. Most insurance plans are cheapest for young dogs and go up as the dog ages. The cost of some dog insurance plans is affected by the breed of dog, as some dog breeds are highly prone to hereditary health problems. Most dog health insurance plans cover 80% of veterinarian costs.
Dog Boarding Cost
Most dog owners board their dog or have a pet sitter come in to their home to care for it at least once a year. The average American dog owner pays about $200-$300 a year in boarding or pet sitter costs. Average dog boarding prices vary greatly per location and facility; dog boarding prices range from $15-$200 a day/night per dog. Average dog boarding prices are around $30-$40 a day/night per dog. Dog boarding kennel prices tend to be more expensive in large cities than in small towns and rural areas. Many dog boarding kennels offer discounts on multiple dogs. The price of a dog boarding kennel is also affected by the amenities it offers. Dog boarding kennels that offer group play time, dog spas, one on one care and individual rooms have higher prices than dog boarding kennels that do not have similar amenities. Boarding kennels for dogs are less expensive than pet sitters when only one or two dogs are being boarded; however, when three or more dogs are being boarded pet sitter prices are less expensive than boarding kennels for dogs.
Putting A Dog To Sleep Cost
Due to old age or serious medical problems, dog owners are sometimes faced with the difficult task of euthanizing their dogs. The cost of putting a dog down varies per location, veterinarian clinic, the size of dog and whether the veterinarian clinic disposes of the body or not. The cost of putting a dog down ranges from $40-$250; the average cost of putting a dog down is around $100. Large dogs usually cost more to euthanize than small dogs, and veterinarian clinics in small towns and rural communities tend to have cheaper prices than veterinarian clinics in large cities. Some veterinarian clinics charge extra for disposal of the body and offer cremation services.
How Much Do Service Dogs Cost?
Service dogs are dogs that help people with disabilities. Service dogs go through at least two years of intense training. Training service dogs is very expensive; training of a service dog costs $20,000-$50,000. Service dog prices vary from $800-$15,000, depending on the organization and how many donations they receive. The cost of owning a service dog is about $100 a month or about $1200 a year. Financial assistance is available from many charitable organizations for those who need assistance covering initial service dog costs. Insurance companies do not help cover service dog costs.
Cost Of Dog Teeth Cleaning
Regular teeth cleaning is part of the cost of owning a dog. On average teeth cleaning for dogs costs around $200; however, prices can vary from $70-$350 depending on location, the veterinarian clinic, and whether any tests need to be done before the teeth cleaning procedure is done. To help decrease veterinarian teeth cleaning for dog expenses, owners should brush their dog’s teeth at home regularly. Toothbrush and toothpaste for a dog costs about $30 annually.
Spaying Your Dog Cost
Spaying a dog is when the dog’s reproductive organs are removed so the dog does not go into heat and cannot get pregnant. The cost to spay a dog varies depending on location, the veterinarian clinic, and the age and size of the dog. The average cost to spay a dog is around $200; however, spaying dog prices can be as low as $30 to as high as $400. Veterinarians in small towns and rural communities tend to have cheaper spaying dog prices than larger cities. The cost to spay a dog is more for older dogs, large dogs and dogs that are pregnant or in heat. For low-income dog owners, there are organizations like SNAP and the Humane Society that can help cover the cost to spay a dog.
Cost Of Dog Neutering
Neutering a dog is when the dog’s reproductive organs are removed so he cannot father any puppies. To neuter a dog costs $30-$200 depending on location, veterinarian clinic, and the size and age of the dog. On average, to neuter a dog costs around $100. Neutering a dog cost is more for larger dogs and older dogs than for smaller dogs and younger dogs. Veterinarian clinics in small towns and rural communities usually have less expensive neutering dog prices than larger cities do. Low-income dog owners can often get low cost neutering from organizations such as the Humane Society and SNAP.
Cost To Microchip A Dog
A microchip is a small identification chip that is implanted under the dog’s skin that can be scanned to get the dog owner’s contact information. Dog microchip prices usually fall between $30 and $75; private veterinarian clinics charge around $50-$75, while microchipping done at an animal shelter or a non-profit veterinarian clinic usually costs around $30. Dog owners that add an older dog into their family that already has a microchip may have to pay a small activation fee when they change the dog’s information on the chip.
Cost Of Dog Grooming
Some breeds of dogs have very short or easy to care for hair and all their grooming needs can be cared for by their owner at home. Others breeds require professional grooming on a regular basis to keep them tangle free and looking good. Buying some kind of grooming brush or tool is part of the cost of owning a dog. Grooming tools and brushes range from $5-$50 in price; however, this is usually a onetime expense. The cost of owning a dog that requires professional grooming is ongoing for the entire life of the dog. Dogs that need professional grooming usually need to visit the groomer every 3-4 months. Dog grooming prices range from $15-$60 a visit, depending on location, groomer and the type of hair cut the dog gets. Owners with dogs that need professional grooming should expect to pay $45-$300 annually. To save on the cost of owning a dog that requires professional grooming, owners can buy grooming tools for $20-$200 and learn to do it themselves.
Dog Training Cost
The cost of owning a dog includes dog training. There are two different types of dog training, group classes and individual classes. Group dog training classes are cheaper than individual classes and have the added benefit of the dog learning obedience with distractions. In addition, group dog training is good socialization for the dog. Individual classes cost more than group classes and have the added benefit of having the instructor’s complete attention. Group dog training prices range from $40-$150 for one hour a week classes for eight weeks. Individual dog training prices vary from $25-$120 an hour.
Dog Diabetes Cost
Diabetes in dogs cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. Unfortunately, the cost of owning a dog with diabetes is expensive and difficult for some owners to afford. Initial diabetes tests for a dog costs about $300. After the diabetes diagnosis has been made, the cost of owning a dog with diabetes is about $40 a month for insulin, syringes, testing supplies and special diet needs. In addition to the monthly cost of owning a dog with diabetes, owners will have to pay for the dog to have a blood glucose curve by the veterinarian twice a year and most dogs with diabetes should visit their veterinarian every three months for a basic check up and evaluation. The cost for a veterinarian check up is around $40, while a blood glucose curve for dogs is $50-$100. Most pet insurance policies at least partially cover the cost of owning a dog with diabetes.
- 616SHARES
