Owning a dog is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with a range of financial responsibilities that shouldn’t be overlooked. From the initial purchase or rehoming fees to long-term costs such as food, veterinary care, and insurance, understanding the overall cost of owning a dog is crucial before committing to bringing a canine companion into your life. In this blog, we’ll break down the key expenses associated with dog ownership that every responsible dog owner should anticipate.
Initial Cost: Buying vs. Rehoming a Dog
The first major financial decision you’ll face is whether to buy a dog from a breeder or to rehome one from a rescue centre – both options come with different price tags and considerations.
If you choose to buy a dog, prices can vary significantly depending on the breed, pedigree, and whether the dog comes from a reputable breeder. Purebred dogs, especially those with desirable traits or from champion bloodlines, can cost anywhere from £500 to upwards of £3,000. Popular breeds like French Bulldogs or Cockapoos often come with higher price tags due to their demand and perceived value.
Rehoming a dog from a rescue centre, however, is not only a more affordable option, but also provides the dog with a second chance at a loving home and a better life. Adoption fees typically range from £100 to £350 which often includes the cost of vaccinations, microchipping, and sometimes spaying or neutering. Many rescue dogs are older, meaning you’ll also avoid the unpredictable costs of early puppyhood including regular vaccinations and training.
Veterinary Costs
Once your dog is home, vet bills are an ongoing cost. Routine healthcare is essential to keep your dog healthy, prevent diseases, and deal with any potential emergencies. Common veterinary costs include:
– Vaccinations: Puppies require several vaccinations within their first year to protect them from diseases such as parvovirus, leptospirosis, and distemper. The initial set of vaccinations typically costs between £30 and £60 per injection. And yearly boosters, required to maintain their immunity, can range from £40 to £60.
– Neutering/Spaying: If your dog hasn’t been neutered or spayed, this procedure typically costs between £100 and £300, but this is dependent on the dog’s size and gender, and each veterinary practice will vary in cost. It’s also worth noting that some rehoming centres include this in their rehoming fee, saving you the expense.
– Routine Check-Ups and Emergencies: Routine vet check-ups can range from £30 to £50 while emergency visits can be much higher. Unexpected health issues including surgeries can be upwards of £1,000. #RookesRecommends investing in pet insurance to help cover these potential costs (we’ll come onto this in a moment).
– Flea, Tick, and Worm Treatments: Flea and worm prevention is essential for keeping your dog healthy. Flea treatments, such as Beaphar FIPROtec Spot-On, starts at just £6.39, offering an affordable solution for parasite prevention. Remember, regular treatment is essential to avoid infestations.
– Separately, worming tablets protect dogs against roundworm, tapeworm, whipworm, and hookworm, and can vary in cost depending on the size of your dog (the bigger the dog, the bigger the dosage, and therefore the bigger the price tag for treatment). #RookesRecommends the Bob Martin 3 in 1 dog wormer tablets, suitable for dogs up to 40kg and only £10.39 for four tablets!
Flea, tick, and worming treatments are readily available at local pet stores so there’s no need to visit the vet for these medications.
Pet Insurance
We touched on this earlier, but pet insurance is an optional expense when it comes to owning a dog (or any pet for that matter). That said, it is recommended to offset the risk of expensive vet bills. The monthly cost of pet insurance can vary depending on the dog’s breed, age, and health history. On average, pet insurance can cost between £15 to £50 per month. It’s worth considering that dogs prone to hereditary conditions or larger breeds may face higher premiums.
Taking the title of the most expensive dog breed to insure is the English Bulldog; they’re sweet-natured and don’t require much exercise, but you can expect an average insurance cost of £66.50 a month (around £800 a year) because they are prone to a number of health issues.
For comparison, some of the most affordable dog breeds to insure include the Patterdale Terrier, Chihuahua, and Cockapoo, with insurance costs ranging from £250 to £300.
Similarly to insuring a car, there are different types of coverage plans ranging from basic accident-only insurance to comprehensive lifetime coverage. Lifetime coverage, although more expensive, provides the most protection by covering ongoing conditions throughout your dog’s life, making it an investment worth considering.
Food Glorious Dog Food
Feeding your dog is another recurring expense that can vary based on the size, breed, and dietary needs of your pet. Here’s a guideline of what you can expect to spend per month on high-quality food for your paw-fect pooch:
Small dogs: £10 to £25
Medium dogs: £25 to £40
Large dogs: £40 to £60
It’s important to budget for a diet that meets your dog’s nutritional needs (premium and specialised dog diets can push these costs even higher). And let’s not forget about treats! Dog treats are a great help when it comes to rewarding good behaviour and can cost an additional £5+ per month. Customers of Rooke’s often buy the Pet Munchies Duck Flavoured Dog Training Treats – they’re premium quality, bite-sized, and only £1.79 a bag!
Bedding and Accessories
When you first bring your dog home, you’ll need to invest in bedding, bowls, a lead, collar or harness, and possibly a crate or carrier. The initial cost for these items can be between £100 and £200, depending on the quality of the products you choose. To get your home pooch-perfect, #RookesRecommends the Scruffs Mattress dog bed, the Doodlebone Adjustable Airmesh Harness, matching Doodlebone Original Lead, and the Animal Instinct Comfort Crate.
As your dog grows, you’ll need to replace worn-out items like their bed, blankets and toys. You may also need seasonal gear such as raincoats, winter coats, or cooling vests, particularly for dogs prone to temperature sensitivity such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Greyhounds.
Toys and Mental Stimulation:
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, and toys are an excellent way to keep them engaged. On average, you might spend around £5 per month on toys with occasional splurges on larger items like puzzle feeders which can cost upwards of £20.
Some owners invest in dog training equipment, classes, or agility courses, which can cost between £50 to £100 for a set of classes. These are particularly important if you’re raising a puppy or rehoming a dog that requires behavioural coaching.
Doggy Daycare:
For many dog owners, professional dog walkers or pet sitters are necessary when work or travel keeps them away from home. In the UK, the average cost of a dog walker is around £10 to £15 for a 30 minute walk, and many owners opt for daily or weekly walking services. This could add up to £40 to £75 per week, depending on your needs.
When you’re away for extended periods, pet boarding can range from £20 to £50 per day. Some owners hire pet sitters to stay at home with their dog which can cost anywhere between £25 to £75 per night.
Miscellaneous Costs:
Legal requirements in the UK such as microchipping come at a small, but additional, cost.
Grooming is particularly important for breeds with long coats or specific grooming needs such as Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers. Grooming sessions can cost between £30 and £80 per visit depending on the dog’s size and coat type. You’ll also need to budget for pet-friendly cleaning products to keep at home. #RookesRecommends the Ancol Ergo Dog Pin Brush and Johnson’s Veterinary Tea Tree Dog Shampoo.
While dog tags, food and water bowls, and poo bags are additional minor expenses, they are still costs that shouldn’t be ignored.
While there is no set cost for owning a dog in the UK, the love and companionship a dog offers make it a worthwhile investment. Prices can range from a few hundred pounds per year to several thousand depending on your dog’s breed, age, health, and lifestyle needs. Budgeting carefully and preparing for both expected and unexpected costs will ensure you can provide your furry friend with a happy and healthy life.