Dog adoption

Budgeting for a dog

A house is not a home without a pet, however before taking the steps towards a lifetime with your new companion, there are some things new dog owners need to consider.

One of the biggest factors potential pet owners need to plan for is the cost of caring for a dog. In addition to the initial cost of adoption, there are a number of ongoing expenses the average pet owner will need to buy each year. According to the Australian Veterinary Association the cost of owning a dog over their lifetime is $25,000.

Below is a basic list of the care and items your dog requires during its lifetime. These costs can vary depending on the dog’s breed, age, size and any illness or accidents they may encounter.

Item Approximate price
Council registration $65 ($32.50 concession) – variance depending on councils (per year)
Vaccinations $130
Veterinary consultations $80 (1-2 times a year on average)
Food $50-$100 per month pending upon dog size and brand of food
Worm/flea treatments $25 per month
Grooming $70-$120 – 6-10 weeks (depending on breed)

You will also need to factor in:

Vet treatment and medication Varies
Obedience training classes $50 plus
Accessories (e.g. lead, collar, harness, ID tags, bowls, car restraints, etc.) $100
Bedding $50
Boarding $30-$50 per night
Pet insurance $400 plus
Toys and treats $10-25 per toy

You can download our estimated dog budget here.