What Does it Cost to Own a Dog?

Dog ownership is a big responsibility--you are bringing a new member of the family into the household. In addition to spending time, energy and effort to make the puppy into a happy and healthy dog, you also need to spend some money. Although owning a dog is much less costly than say, having a child, you must know what you are getting into.

What exactly does it cost to own a dog? Here's a calculator that can help you answer that very question. We'll only focus on the financial aspects here. You can read more about other responsibilities relating to dog ownership at Ready for a Dog?

There are several costs associated with owning a dog. When calculating the financial responsibility of dog ownership, you must think about several things--food costs, vet costs, grooming costs, boarding costs, and so on. The pet cost calculator below provides you with a lifetime cost estimate. This is a great tool to use prior to committing to a dog to ensure you can financially afford the dog.