Bringing a dog into your home is a rewarding and fun experience, but it comes with lifetime responsibilities, including financial ones. Join us as we explore our guide and answer frequent questions such as are dogs expensive to keep in the UK and the breakdown of the monthly, annual, and potential lifetime costs of owning a dog in the UK.
Table of Contents
Initial Cost
Adoption or Purchase: £250 - £2,000
This cost varies widely depending on whether you adopt from a rescue center or purchase a pedigree dog from a breeder.
In the UK, the adoption fee is approximately £250, which includes neutering, the first course of vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, microchipping, and a book-out package. This is probably the most affordable option to get a new pet for your home, and save a life in the process.
Meanwhile, when you purchase a dog from a breeder, it may cost you from £600 to more than £2,000. American Bully is listed as the most expensive dog breed to buy in the UK at the cost of £2,294.27. Other expensive breeds are:
- English Bulldog
- Golden Retriever
- Pomeranian
- French Bulldog
- Miniature Dachshund
- Cavapoo
- Labradoodle
- Cane Corso
- Cockapoo
which all cost more than £1,000 on average.
Microchipping: £10 - £30
Microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs in the UK. Microchipping your pet also gives you the best chance of being reunited with them if they go missing.
Crate: £35 - £75
A crate is not only essential for your dog’s safety and training but also helpful to prevent damage to your house when you welcome a new puppy. It can be used for housetraining, preventing destructive behavior when unsupervised, and ensuring the safety of your dog during travel. When introduced properly and used as a positive environment, crates become a comfortable den for dogs, offering a sense of security. Crates can be a valuable aid in managing your dog's behavior, reducing anxiety, and giving them a place they can call their own. The cost varies depending on the size of your dog.
Leash, harness, collar & tag: £5 - £40
Using a leash, harness, and identification tag for your dog is essential for their safety and well-being. A leash and harness provide control during walks, preventing your dog from running into dangerous situations and ensuring they stay close by your side. Harnesses are a comfortable and secure option for dogs, distributing pressure evenly across their body. Additionally, an identification tag with your contact information is vital in case your dog ever gets lost, allowing others to help reunite you with your furry friend quickly.
Toy, treat & bed: £20 - £75
Dog toys and treats should be prepared for you to bond with your new pal when you welcome them home. Dog bed or basket prices vary depending on the size you want to get.
Yearly Costs
Food: £240 - £600 (per year)
Dogs require their dedicated food to guarantee they receive the essential nutrients for their health and happiness. Expenses can fluctuate considerably based on your dog's size, the brand of food you choose, and their lifestyle, including their level of activity.
Normally, dogs should have a minimum of two daily meals, with the portion size determined by their size. To determine the appropriate food quantity for your dog, refer to the instructions provided on the packaging of the food you've selected. For expert guidance, it's advisable to seek advice from your veterinarian.
Pet Insurance: £240 - £600 (per year)
Pet insurance helps cover unexpected veterinary bills and provides peace of mind. Insurance costs can vary dramatically depending on the dog’s age, breed and size. For example, it is typically cheaper to insure younger dogs with no pre-existing health issues or breed-specific health risks. Older dogs and breeds with high risk of health complications, such as flat-faced breeds like bulldogs, generally cost more to insure.
Veterinary Care: £200 - £500 (per year)
When you just take a new puppy home, the initial puppy vaccinations usually cost around £70.
Yearly vaccinations serve as a safeguard against several prevalent yet severe diseases that your dog may encounter. Additionally, to maintain your dog's freedom from parasites, it is crucial to consistently administer flea and worm treatments as per your veterinarian's recommendations.
Furthermore, an annual health examination for your dog is essential. These check-ups hold great significance as they allow your veterinarian to detect any potential health issues in your pet promptly and ensure that any worrisome signs are addressed promptly.
Grooming: £60 - £300 (per year)
Grooming is a necessary practice to prevent your dog's fur from becoming tangled or matted. Similar to humans, grooming also aids in the removal of dead skin cells, shedding hair, dirt, and dandruff. Grooming costs depend on your dog's breed, size, and coat type.
Occasional Costs
Training and Socialization: £50 - £200 (initially)
Puppy training classes and ongoing obedience training can be beneficial. Effective training not only helps dogs develop good behavior and manners but also strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners. Socialization, on the other hand, exposes dogs to various people, animals, environments, and situations, ensuring they become well-adjusted and confident members of the community. In the UK, there are numerous dog training classes, puppy socialization groups, and professional trainers available to help owners teach their dogs obedience and appropriate behavior. These classes often focus on basic commands, leash manners, and addressing common behavioral issues. Additionally, dog owners are encouraged to introduce their pets to different experiences to foster positive socialization, such as meeting other dogs at local parks, engaging with people of all ages, and experiencing various environments.
Boarding and Pet Sitting: £10 - £50 (per day)
If you find yourself away or unable to attend to your dog during working hours, it's crucial to ensure they receive proper care. In many instances, you may be able to seek assistance from a friend or neighbor. However, for extended periods or vacations, you might need the services of a professional pet sitter or a day care facility. You can look for a professional pet sitter and a boarding facility through family and friends’ recommendations, or through trusted websites like PetBacker, where you can "check for pet sitters in your local area" (https://www.petbacker.co.uk/s/pet-sitters-near-me).
Generally, if you routinely need to leave your dog unattended for more than four hours, it's advisable to arrange for a dog walker to provide a break in their day or enroll them in a dog daycare.
Each dog's ability to cope with solitude varies. For newly introduced dogs to your household or those experiencing separation anxiety, consistent care like that offered by a dog daycare can be particularly beneficial.
Transportation: Varies
Consider the cost of transportation to and from the vet, grooming appointments, and pet-related outings.
Emergency Fund: Varies
It's wise to have an emergency fund set aside for unexpected expenses.
Conclusion
Now, let's calculate the lifetime average cost. Assuming a mid-size dog has a lifespan of approximately 12-15 years, and using conservative estimates for each expense:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial Adoption/Purchase Cost | £250 (adopted) |
| Vaccinations and Microchipping | £100 + £312/year |
| Spaying/Neutering | £300 |
| Food | £480/year |
| Grooming and Supplies | £480/year |
| Pet Insurance | £600/year |
| Veterinary Care | £500/year |
| Training and Socialization | £200/year |
| Pet Boarding/Daycare | £30/day x 10 days/year = £300/year |
| Toys and Accessories | £150 + £50/year |
| Total Lifetime Average Cost | £800 + £2,922/year x 12 years = £35,864 |
Taking into account all the expenses listed above, the total cost of dog ownership over a dog's lifetime (10-15 years) can vary from approximately £10,000 to £40,000 or more, depending on various factors.
Unfortunately, due to the increasing cost of owning a dog over the years, many owners have abandoned their furry friends at the shelters. The RSPCA reports a 17% increase in dog abandonment from 2020 to 2021, with a 24% increase in 2022.
📞🐾 🚐 We receive a call to our cruelty line every 30 seconds, however, December 6th is a particularly busy date for our animal rescuers! With the cost of living taking its toll, we are sadly seeing a rise in abandonments and neglect😿
— RSPCA (England & Wales) (@RSPCA_official) December 6, 2022
#JoinTheRescue: https://t.co/rYf54KOTSf pic.twitter.com/GYGRdOS8XE
It is heartbreaking to read that the number of animal abandonments is increasing, and while this could be attributed to a variety of factors, data show that the cost of a pet is a major source of the problem.
Owning a dog in the UK is a wonderful experience, but it's essential to be financially prepared for the lifetime costs involved. By budgeting for both the expected and unexpected expenses, you can provide a happy and healthy life for your furry companion. Remember that the love and companionship your dog brings are priceless, making the investment in their well-being well worth it.
