My first post about the costs of owning a dog dates back to 2017. Back then, I was still thinking about getting a dog. Fast forward to 2026, I do have a dog. It basically took me almost a decade to put my thought into action.
Now that I actually have a dog, let’s revisit and update the costs of owning a dog.
As stated in my initial post, I didn’t go through the “rescue road”, in case you are wondering.
I was only interested in specific breeds and I actually contacted several shelters and other rescue organizations. None of them had the breed(s) I wanted; or they had it, but the dog wasn’t there and you couldn’t do a meet & greet. I didn’t want to buy a dog “on paper”. I felt it was crucial to interact with the dog and assess its temperament and personality.
Also, I felt like I was going through the Spanish Inquisition when talking to these organizations. I understand the need to vet prospective applicants, but it felt excessive to me.
Adoption or Breeder Costs
The SPCA and other rescue organizations will charge you a fee. In BC, it can go up to $ 1 000.00, depending on the dog and the organization.
If you decide to use a breeder, fees will easily go from $ 1 000.00 to $ 5 000.00, depending on the breed and the breeder. I paid $ 1 800.00 for my pure breed mini poodle.
Material Costs
Your dog will need a bed, a food bowl, a few toys, a collar/harness, a leash, a crate, poop bags. You should budget $ 200.00 to $ 300.00 for these items. They will need replacing at some point.
Depending on your house, you could need additional supplies like gates.
I ended-up buying all of the above, and probably too much of it. I donated some of the items. I spent $ 1 300.00!
The best items I bought were crates and her playpen. I bought too many leashes, collars and toys, as well as pee pads she never used. This year, I don’t plan on buying anything unless an item is broken and is an absolute need.
Food
Dry food is cheaper than wet food. It is mostly because you can preserve it for longer and it usually lasts longer.
A 5 lbs bag costs between $ 15.00 to $75.00. If your dog has allergies , lean toward the $ 75.00 price. Same if your pet is big.
Puppy dry food will cost between $ 10.00 to $25.00 for a 5 lbs bag.
Treats will also add up. A bag of high quality treats can cost up to $15.00!
Being a small breed, she eats less than a bigger dog. That said, she had sensitive skin and stomach, so I buy high quality food and treats. A 5-pound bag of dry food costs me around $ 30.00, and the treats she likes about $ 13.00 a pouch. In total, I spent $ 400.00
Healthcare
Your dog will need regular check-ups, vaccinations, worm and flea treatments at the very least. If you have a puppy, you will need to have them neutered. This alone can cost up to $ 500.00.
None of the above is covered by pet health insurance. All breeds are also prone to one health issue or another. Some breeds are predisposed to more issues. Some surgeries can cost over $ 5 000.00.
The cost of insurance varies depending on the insurer and the dog, but usually goes from $ 30.00 to $ 60.00/month for basic coverage, i.e. $ 360.00 to 720.00 per year.
My pup isn’t neutered yet, but so far I spent $ 1 900.00 on vet costs, including an emergency requiring hospital and an ear infection. She has all her vaccines and been dewormed. I also incurred costs when I travelled overseas with her.
I have basic insurance with PetSecure and it costs $ 39.00 a month.
Grooming
It all depends on the breed. A large dog with long, shedding hair will cost $60.00 to groom. You may have to do it on a monthly basis. A smaller dog with short hair will cost half of this and may only need it every 2 to 3 months.
Grooming has gotten expensive!
Mini poodles don’t shed, meaning their hair keeps growing. It’s a breed that require a bit more maintenance. I also like to keep her hair short. I spent $ 260.00 last year, an average of $ 85.00 per visit.
Daycare and Boarding
Chances are you won’t be able to bring your pet to work with you. You need to make arrangements, as your dog needs to exercise and walk at least 3 times a day, rain or shine.
A dog walker charges $ 25.00 to $ 30.00 for an hour walk. You might be better off leaving your pet at daycare. Most daycare centers charge $ 20.00 to $ 25.00 per day. A lot have extended hours.
Same if you are going on vacation and can’t take your pet with you. Kennels can charge up to $ 50.00 per day, depending on the dog size.
A lot of people do not realize how expansive this is. Leaving your dog at home or in the back yard is not the best.
Dog walkers and daycares are also expansive! Most daycares can charge up to $ 60.00 a day. A dog walker isn’t necessarily much cheaper, $ 35 to $ 45 per walk.
Boarding costs between $ 75.00 to $ 100.00 per night, depending on the breed and the period.
I spent $ 175.00 on daycare last year. I’m immensely privileged to be able to take my dog to work.
Training
If you have a puppy, taking an obedience class will be most helpful. This costs on average $150.00.
If you dog has behavioral problems, you may need more sessions.
Costs are closer to $ 160.00 to $ 200.00 per session. I took a couple of sessions and spent $ 357.00.
Final Word
There is a lot of variables in estimating dog costs, mostly the breed, the age and where you live.
Having a dog will cost on average $ 100.00 to $ 300.00 per month in BC. Beyond wanting a pet, you need to insure you can actually afford one. Most dogs have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years…..sometimes more.
My average monthly costs were $ 540.00 last year. It won’t be that much this year.
The Money Savvy Blog 