Owning a dog in 2024 costs an average of $1,000 to $5,225, an increase of $100 from last year, according to the pet services app Rover. The rise is largely due to pricier pet food, with some brands charging up to 80% more year over year.
Rover’s 2024 Cost of Dog Parenthood Study also found that a new dog’s expenses range from $870 to $4,565 in the first year. Specific expenses include:
- Adoption and breeder fees: $0 to $600.
- Sterilization: $250 to $525.
- Microchip implantation: $20 to $95.
- Initial veterinary exam and vaccinations: $165 to $515.
- Supplies: $72 to $1,675.
The average dog owner spends $80 to $440 a month. The annual costs range from:
- $560 to $4,115 for food.
- $225 to $265 for flea and tick preventives.
- $65 to $85 for poop bags.
- $20 to $380 for treats and chews.
- $5 to $125 for toys.
- $105 to $130 for annual veterinary wellness checks.
- $20 to $125 for yearly pet license renewal.
Looking at the average monthly costs by breed, Rover found:
- Bernedoodles: $150.
- Chihuahuas, dachshunds, French bulldogs, German shepherds, goldendoodles, and golden and Labrador retrievers: $50 to $99.
- Shih Tzus: Less than $49.
Santa Monica, California, and El Paso, Texas, were the most and least expensive dog-ownership cities, respectively.
End-of-life expenses include:
- $30 to $220 for supplies such as ramps and mobility aids.
- $190 to $350 for medications.
- $165 to $380 for euthanasia.
- $80 to $245 for cremation.
- $190 to $505 for private cremation.
- $105 to $1,490 for veterinary visits.