Doing the maths on dog life

Welcoming a dog into your home is rewarding, but it’s important to understand the financial commitment involved. From initial purchases to ongoing care, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when raising a dog in the UK. Remember, these costs are averages and can vary hugely depending on your dog's health, nutritional and training needs.

Initial Costs

• Adoption Fees or Purchase Price:

  Adoption fees can range from £150–£300. Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost £500–£3,000 depending on the breed.

  
  

• Equipment:

  • Harness, Collar, and Lead: £30–£80

  • Bowls (Food and Water): £10–£30

  • Crate: £40–£150

  • Bed: £20–£100

  • Toys and Enrichment: £20–£50 initially (but likely ongoing!)

    
    

• Microchipping and Initial Vaccinations: £50–£150

Feeding Costs

• Puppies require high-quality food tailored to their age and size. Expect to spend around £30–£60 per month, possibly more for larger breeds. Need help with feeding your puppy? Check out our Nutrition & Wellbeing Plan.

Healthcare

• Vaccinations: £50–£100 for boosters, or use titre tests and nosodes for a natural option.

  
  

• Flea and Worm Treatments: Around £10–£15 per month, or use natural preventatives which are kinder to your pet (and wallet!).

  
  

• Pet Insurance: £20–£50 per month for comprehensive cover, depending on breed and coverage level. Insurance is likely to increase every year, and some policies may cost upwards of £100 per month if you have claimed in the past, or if your dog has specific health needs.

Training and Socialisation

• Group Training Classes: £10–£20 per session or £80–£150 for a block of classes with a qualified force-free trainer.

  
  

• One-to-One Sessions: £40–£100 per hour, depending on the trainer’s experience. Investing in training early ensures your puppy grows into a well-behaved and confident adult dog. Invest early and save in the long term. Check out our Training services if you need help with your dog's training.

Grooming

• Puppies with minimal grooming needs, like short-haired breeds, may require just £10–£20 for brushes and shampoos with occasional professional grooms.

• Breeds needing regular professional grooming can cost £40–£80 per session every 6–8 weeks.

Ongoing Costs

• Dog Walking / Day Care: £15–£35 per walk/day.

• Treats and Chews: £10–£20 monthly, essential for training and enrichment as well as dental hygiene.

• Replacement Equipment: Items like harnesses, collars and beds may be outgrown or damaged, so factor in occasional replacements.

Emergency Fund

Unexpected veterinary bills can be costly, so an emergency fund is essential. Alternatively, ensure your insurance covers accidents and illnesses comprehensively and that you have enough in savings to cover your voluntary and/or mandatory excess.

Tips for Cost-Effective Ownership

1. Prioritise quality over quantity in items like food and harnesses.

2. Look for local dog trainers and groomers who use force-free methods; investing in their expertise is invaluable.

3. Consider making enrichment toys at home using safe household items such as cardboard boxes and empty loo rolls.

   
   

Raising a dog is a significant financial responsibility, but planning and budgeting can help make it a manageable and rewarding experience.

Got any questions? Get in touch!