Getting started: the initial cost of getting a dog
When you first get a dog, you’ll also need to get everything they need to be happy and healthy. As a minimum, this includes:
The estimated costs for these are:
However, this does not include the cost of buying your dog. We recommend getting a dog from a reputable rehoming centre – you can read more advice on our ‘Getting a dog’ page.
It also doesn’t include the cost of microchipping. By law, this should be done with the breeder by 8 weeks of age. If your dog hasn’t been microchipped before leaving the breeder for some reason (for example, a very small toy breed puppy might have been given a vet exemption until they are older and big enough to be chipped) then you’ll need to factor in this cost.
Average cost of dog toys and bedding
Assuming you’re not buying your dog designer jackets and its own four poster bed, there are a lot of ways to save in this area.
But even so, there are a lot of things your dog will need and there’s a good chance you will need to replace them on a regular basis.
If we’re taking a wide range, you’re probably looking at between £200 and £400 for toys, bedding, leads and the various other things your dog will need.
Pet insurance is a complicated subject and you need to think carefully and take a lot of things into consideration.
Research by Which? found the average cost of a lifetime policy for a dog is £472 a year.
You could save some money by just getting a one-year policy. But there’s a catch. While this might be cheaper in the early years, it will start to get much, much more expensive when your dog reaches six or seven.
By the time your dog gets to eight or nine, or even younger for some breeds, you will not be able to get any dog insurance at all. And this is just the time they’re likely to start developing health problems.
But if you want to look at a cost that’ll really get the fur flying, check out how much the vet bills can be.
What do I need for a dog?
If you’re welcoming a dog into your home, it’s crucial that you first upgrade your home with a few essential items to make sure your dog is happy, healthy and safe whilst in your care.
Here are some of the things you’ll need to get started:
As well as these essential items, new dog owners must also consider the cost of an initial course of vaccinations, monthly deworming tablets (for the first six months), neutering and microchipping. The price of all this can vary depending on the size of your dog, and that doesn’t include the cost of your dog itself!
The Cost of Owning a Dog in the UK 2020
According to the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, the lifetime costs of owning a dog are approximately between £4,600 and £30,800, depending on the dog’s size and the amount of food it needs:
Before you commit to a new companion, read our helpful guide below to make sure you’re all up to speed with the costs of owning a pupper!