The true cost of a dog is not always a walk in the park.
As a veterinary surgeon, I have seen firsthand the love and joy pets bring into our lives. Getting a dog is super exciting, but owners often don’t consider the costs.
When you get a dog, you are legally required to meet its five welfare needs: health, behaviour, companionship, diet and environment.
Upfront Costs
The initial expense of bringing a pet into your home can be significant. In the UK, pedigree puppies can cost thousands of pounds. For example, the cost of a Maltese often ranges from £800 to £2,000, while the cost of a Beagle can sit between £500 and £1,200.
Don’t rule out adoption as a cost-effective and rewarding way of welcoming a four-legged friend into your home. The cost of adopting a dog from the RSPCA typically ranges from £150 to £250, which includes vaccinations, neutering, and microchipping.
In addition to the purchase price, your new pup will need a suitable environment to live in. They’ll need a bed, food, a water bowl, a lead, and toys. Your puppy will also require microchipping (this should be done with the breeder by the time they are 8 weeks old, and before being handed over). Many owners also choose to vaccinate, worm, neuter, and have their pet regularly checked at the vet. We would also recommend an initial puppy consult when you first acquire your bundle of mayhem. Discovering health concerns early on can often prevent a lot of heartache down the line.
"Puppy costs: £1300 (range £400 - £3000)"
The cost of microchipping a dog typically ranges from £15 to £30. The cost of initial vaccinations ranges from £70 to £100. The average cost of castrating a male dog can be between £250 and £400, while the price of spaying a female dog in the UK averages between £350 and £500, depending on size and dog breed.
Many practices also now offer keyhole spays, which result in a faster and less painful recovery for your female dog, but come with an increased cost due to the specialised equipment and expertise required.
Your Dog's Diet
Your dog will need a suitable diet for each stage of their life. Feeding a medium-sized dog for a year will cost approximately £200 to £400.
Special diets for allergies or conditions can increase the average monthly cost of owning a dog in the UK, especially if prescription food is required. Many owners are also increasingly using fresh or raw food, which often comes with premium price tags. These can be beneficial for fussy eaters or dogs with allergies, but most dogs will do really well on a ‘complete’ dog food.
Food labelled with the word ‘complementary’ will not meet all of your dog’s dietary needs, so these must be only used alongside ‘complete’ foods (not instead of).
Doggy Day Care and Kennels
Pet ownership surged during the pandemic, but now that many companies are encouraging employees to return to the office, owners often need to employ a dog walker or sitter to ensure their pet has companionship and the freedom to express normal behaviour (unless they work in a dog-friendly workplace).
- A dog walker typically charges between £15 and £25 for a 60-minute solo walk. However, this is highly variable based on the sitter's rates, i.e., their level of experience, the specific services offered (such as group walks, which are generally less expensive), the location, and any additional needs your dog may have.
- In the UK, the average cost for doggy day care is between £20 and £45 per day, with higher prices, such as £40-£60, common in cities like London or Edinburgh.
- Some people choose to use kennels for their dog if they are going on holiday without them. The average cost of dog kennels for a week in the UK is around £200 to £300.
Dog Insurance
Pet insurance is often overlooked, but it can be a lifeline when unexpected illnesses or accidents occur. With veterinary treatments advancing rapidly, the cost of care has risen accordingly.
The average monthly premium for pet insurance in the UK is around £30–£40 for dogs, but it will increase with age and can vary significantly based on your location in the UK.
Over a pet’s lifetime, this could mean £5,000 or more in insurance costs, but compared to the potential veterinary bills, it’s an investment worth making. It’s crucial to check your policy carefully as it varies significantly.
Having pet insurance in place gives owners peace of mind, especially if a dog develops a chronic medical condition like diabetes or arthritis.
You can read our article - "UK Pet Insurance - Is it worth it?" here.
Veterinary Care
As a vet, I see many pet owners underestimating the cost of routine and emergency veterinary care, especially as the cost of living has spiralled.
For routine check-ups, vaccinations, and dental care, dog owners in the UK can expect to pay around £200 to £400 annually. [Note: The cost of tooth removal in dogs can add a further £150 to £500, depending on the complexity of the surgery.]
Chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, or allergies, become more common as pets age, and ongoing management can significantly increase their costs. For example, long-term arthritis management may include prescription medications and regular vet visits, costing owners up to £1,000 a year. More serious interventions, such as cruciate surgery for dogs, can range from £2,000 to £4,000+.
That’s where Petscribers helps. We believe every pet should have access to essential medication, without cost being a barrier.
Online pharmacies often provide medication at a fraction of the cost compared to veterinary clinics. However, many pet owners are either unaware that they can purchase online or feel uncertain about doing so.
Petscribers aims to empower owners with the confidence to buy medication online safely, using only government-approved retailers, helping to improve the lives of pets across the UK.
End of Life Care
This is the hardest part of pet ownership, but it is also essential to plan for. The cost of putting a dog to sleep can be £80 to £200, while the price of cremating your dog is usually £100 to £300.
Individual cremation, where you receive your pet’s ashes back, will also add cost, but can be an important part of the grieving process for many owners.
Unseen Costs
Beyond the financial aspect, owning a pet also requires a significant amount of time and emotional investment. Regular exercise, training, and providing a stimulating environment are essential for a dog’s well-being. Neglecting these aspects not only impacts the pet’s quality of life but can also lead to behavioural issues that result in further costs.
Training classes (£50 to £100) and preventative care, such as flea, tick, and worm treatments (£100 to £150 annually), should also be factored into the average monthly cost of owning a dog in the UK.
The Bottom Line
Owning a dog is one of life’s greatest joys, but also a significant commitment. By understanding the actual costs, from the price of spaying a dog in the UK to the average cost of dog insurance, you’ll be better prepared to give your pet the care they deserve without financial stress.
Now you can plan with confidence and focus on what matters most: enjoying life with your dog.
