If you’re finally ready to get a pooch, you’re probably wondering: how much does it cost to have a puppy? This is an important question, as being a dog-owner has big financial implications, and is definitely worth thinking about before you take the plunge into a puppy purchase.
To make things easier, we’ve broken down the main expenses involved in getting, raising and caring for your newly beloved dog. Get your calculator ready!
How much does it cost to own a puppy?
A dog is a big financial investment, which we’re sure you’ll agree, is worth all the money and more. That said, making a budgeting plan in advance is definitely recommended.
It’s tricky to define exactly how much puppy ownership costs in this article alone, as there are so many variables. Whether you choose a small or large breed of puppy, we’ve done our best to break down the expenses you can expect to pay as a new dog owner.
Getting your puppy
Unless you’re very lucky, there’s usually a cost to acquiring your puppy in the first place. If you’ve found a bundle of fluff in a rescue centre, they’ll usually ask for a donation fee for adoption. This can be very reasonable, anything between £100-£300.
Breeders, however, usually price their puppies based on breed and pedigree (a premium applies if they’re Kennel Club registered, for instance) as well as consumer demand.
The cheapest puppy breeds tend to include
Priced at around £400-£1,000; whereas the most expensive puppy breeds include
English Bulldogs,
Chow Chows and
Samoyeds - these can cost as much as
£4,000 a pup!
Breed and size of the dog are some of the biggest factors in cost difference for most expenses throughout a dog’s life - so it’s something to consider before you get your puppy.
It’s logical that a smaller dog will cost less to feed, care for and groom over the years - but perhaps you’ll find the extra costs of a large or niche dog breed simply can’t be compared to the love you have for your pooch.
Once you’ve got your puppy
Now your cute new pooch is at home, it’s time to get them ready for life in the big wide world. This means paying for vaccinations, microchipping and lots of vet appointments.
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Vaccinations. Our canine pals need vaccinations to stay protected around other dogs and animals. There are a few ‘core vaccines’, then some further optional ones.
The first vaccines are most effective when your puppy is still small - around 8 weeks old; followed by a final vaccine(s) at around 10-12 weeks.
So how much does it cost to vaccinate a dog? Well, overall these can cost around £70-£100 - but a vet might offer a package deal along with other new puppy procedures, such as worming or flea treatments.
Keep in mind that dogs also need an annual booster, which tends to cost around £50.
- Vet check-ups. Your vet will want to initially examine your pup, then see them regularly to assess how they’re growing and developing. You also might be nervous in the early stages of having a pup, therefore take them to the vet more often than when they’re older - this all adds to the bill!
- Microchipping. This is something a breeder or rehoming centre should have done for you, but they may pass on the cost.
To keep your pup trackable and linked to you as their owner, a vet inserts a microchip into their scruff - containing all their important contact information.
This is a legal requirement from 8 weeks of age, and only costs around £10-£30. It’s sometimes included in a vaccination package too.
- Spaying or neutering. It’s a personal choice whether to get your dog spayed or neutered, but vets generally recommend it.
In the UK, it’s estimated that just over half of dogs go through this procedure to prevent unwanted puppy litters - and it usually costs between £100-£300 (depending on breed).
The surgery for males is slightly cheaper than for females, as it’s less invasive and can be done quicker.
- Puppy toys and supplies. Ideally, you’ll get the necessary supplies prepared for your pooch before they arrive home.
This includes food and water bowls, a bed and blankets, perhaps a crate, toys, collars, leads, harnesses and poo bags.
Of course, there’s also a good amount of nutritious puppy food and tasty puppy treats to stock up on.
How much you spend on these things is up to you, but it’s always recommended not to scrimp on a dog’s nutritional needs. Opt for our Complete Puppy Food that champions health and uses whole, natural ingredients - this sets your puppy up for a life of health and energy.
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Pet insurance. Insurance is always a good idea, as unexpected vet bills can really add up.
Do some research into the best policy for you. You could get yearly insurance, from £100 for basic coverage to £600+ a year for comprehensive cover; or go for lifetime coverage, which could cost from £400 to £1,200+ a year.
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Training expenses. Training your puppy correctly can be hard work, so lots of new dog owners take puppy training classes rather than do it all alone.
Classes can add around £50-£120 onto the overall puppy bill, even more if you go for private one-on-one training.
Ongoing puppy expenses
A puppy is definitely an investment! Here are some of the ongoing expenses you’ll have to budget for:
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Nutritious puppy food. It’s an obvious one, but hungry puppies means food will always need replenishing!
Keeping your pup in good health means avoiding puppy food that could be full of sugars, preservatives and fillers; and investing in a healthy puppy food made with whole, nutrient-rich ingredients, which is well worth paying a bit more for.
Dry dog food is often seen as more economical, but it depends on personal preference whether you go for wet or dry dog food.
Treats for puppies are a necessity, especially during puppy training, and chews are also a good idea for dental care, entertainment and anxiety.
How much puppy food costs depends on how much they eat and what kind you buy - but it can be from £50-£100 a month.
- Routine medication. Your pup will require flea treatment, potentially monthly (unless you get a longer-term solution, like a flea collar) and worming treatments; they’ll also need supplies for teeth brushing and dental care. Additionally, your puppy might need regular medication for certain issues - some dogs are susceptible to ear infections, for instance.
The costs of monthly treatments like flea and worming will often depend on your dog’s size, their required dosage and the brand/method you choose. Flea treatment can cost anywhere between £5 and £64, where worming treatment can cost anywhere between £2 and £36.*
Professional dental care can be on the pricier side, costing anywhere between £150 and £500. However, invasive dental procedures shouldn’t be a constant in your dog’s life, especially if you look after their teeth!
For an easy way to keep on top of their post-puppy adult teeth, explore our wide range of dental sticks in an array of delicious flavours, suitable for puppies 6 months and above.
- New toys/supplies. Admit it - no matter how many toys your dog has, there’ll always be room for more! Your puppy’s collar or lead also might wear out or they might destroy their favourite blanket sooner than you expected - and of course, you’ll need an endless supply of poo bags!
Additional puppy costs
Finally, here are some additional puppy costs that you may have to factor into the overall puppy fund:
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Grooming services. You could groom your puppy yourself to save money, but it’s definitely an acquired skill, especially for certain coat types.
Also, some pups don’t take kindly to the shears which makes DIY grooming a difficult task! A professional grooming service is a good investment for many pooch parents; some mobile dog groomers even come to your home.
The overall cost will depend on your dog’s size and breed and your grooming frequency, but it could cost anywhere between £40-£100+ each time, on average.
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Doggy daycare. If you’re a working dog owner who’s not always at home, you might need someone to keep your dog company. Dog walkers or doggy day-care services can vary widely in cost (you could even get a family member to dog-sit cheaply!) but it’s all an addition to the bill.
The average cost for doggy daycare in the UK is anywhere between £20 and £45 a day for one dog. If you’re thinking about bringing two dogs into the family, this will often double!
How do I budget for a puppy?
You might be wondering ‘how does anyone afford a puppy?!’ after reading up on all these expenses - but so long as you’re prepared for the financial investment of being a dog owner, there are easy ways to budget within the realms of what you can comfortably afford.
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Plan for the initial costs: Start by setting aside a budget for the initial expenses, such as adoption or purchase fees, vaccinations, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and essential supplies like a bed, food bowls and puppy food. This one-time preparation can help you manage your finances better when the puppy arrives.
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Prioritise your best purchases: It's tempting to splurge on toys and accessories, but use your money for the most beneficial things - like dog food, healthcare and training, which should always be the highest quality you can afford. You can always add non-essential items gradually as your budget allows.
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Use cost-cutting tricks: When you’re making purchases, consider smart ways to keep costs down: like puppy food in bulk, multi-pet insurance (if you have other animals), and comparing prices for things like grooming and doggy day care so you always have the best deals.
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Build an emergency fund: Unexpected veterinary bills can arise at any time, so having a dedicated emergency fund for your puppy ensures that you can handle any sudden medical expenses without stress.
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Make the most of freebies: New dog owners have a wealth of free resources at their fingertips; such as community training classes, and online tutorials for training and DIY grooming tips - all of which can help save money.
This is hopefully a helpful guideline on what the most important expenses for your new pooch are, and how to prepare for them. Though getting a dog is a financial commitment, remember there are huge lifestyle benefits to how much happiness and well-being your dog will provide for you each day. And we’re sure you agree that your new puppy deserves as much love and care as you can afford to give!
For more tips and advice for being the best puppy owner, explore our entire Puppy Hub for expert led articles and training assets!
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