How To Build A Dog Budget, Plus What I Really Spend On Henry

Dogs are expensive. I won’t lie to you. But when you have a dog budget created, you don’t worry about expenses as much.

When you budget for your dog, you know exactly where your money is going for your dog. It may seem simple. But when your finances change, or the economy turns down, a budget lets you see where you can cut costs without cutting care. A budget has helped me more easily care for my rescue, dog. Even better he doesn’t know he’s on a budget.

Also, a dog budget allows you to know what you’re getting into before you get a dog, puppy, or another dog. Let’s build your dog’s budget together today. It’s not as difficult as it seems, and I’ll walk you through the whole process. You can even download my free customizable budget template to make it easier.

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Budget Tip: A dog can be a lot more expensive than you would imagine. But when you create your budget, you'll know how much your dog will cost or is costing. Then, you can even create a dog savings account. Knowing your dog expenses lets you adjust when needed without sacrificing care. 

Get started by:

• Downloading the template
• List your one-time costs (dog fee, license, gear)
• List your recurring monthly costs (food, prevention, services)
• Add a buffer line for the unexpected
• Set the monthly number and open the savings account

Make sure you download your FREE dog budget template, which is completely editable and automated to help you create your own dog budget.

1. One-Time Dog Fees

Rescue or Adoption Costs 

There is always a certain price for getting your dog. The exact fee will depend on many factors. Of course, fees can vary widely.

For example, if you are looking to adopt a senior dog or a special-needs dog, then sometimes shelters will have free adoption days. My dog, Henry, is a rescue. I can’t imagine a better furry family member.

But if your heart is set on adopting a hybrid-type dog, such as a Schnoodle or other poodle mix, then you might be shocked to learn the rescue fee could be as much as $2500 or more, at least in my area. Although Henry is a cockapoo, his fee only cost me $100. As I already mentioned, it truly depends on your location and the rescue organization. Better still, this one is a one-time cost. 

• Adoption Fee: $0-2,500

Henry cost me $100 to adopt him. Truly, the best $100 I’ve ever spent.

Dog License

The cost of a dog license will vary greatly depending on where you live and whether or not your dog is spayed or neutered, and even the age of your dog.

A dog license is generally a yearly fee. You may want to call your local county or city animal services to get the exact amount for where you live. You should be able to find these fees online.

• Dog License: $8-500

Henry’s license is $8 for a year.

Renter Pet Deposit Fee

If you rent, you may need to pay a pet deposit fee and even a monthly pet rental fee. You’ll need to talk with your landlord prior to getting a dog to determine if this will apply to you.

Never spring a new pet on a landlord and expect a no-pet policy to be waived. You may be able to get a no-pet policy exemption if you’re open and transparent from the beginning.

• Renter Pet Deposit Fee: $0-500
• Monthly Pet Renter Fee: $0-500

I don’t have these fees for Henry since I’m in my own home.

2. Dog Medical Costs  

I encourage you to make an appointment with your veterinarian within a few days of getting him or her. You want to know what his baseline is and if there are any issues you should be aware of from the start.

Also, this vet visit gives you a great opportunity to discuss food and pet insurance with your vet.

Additionally, I budget an additional 3 vet visits because you never know what will happen. Here are the costs you can expect for a new (or current) dog:

• First Vet Visit + Vaccines: $60-350
• Spaying/Neutering: $0-300 (Most rescue organizations will have pets spayed or neutered prior to adoption, so there will be no additional fee)
• Microchipping: $0-50*
• Pet Insurance/savings: $12-46/mth
• Flea/Tick/Heartworm Prevention: $20/mth
• Emergency vet visit: $60-5,000+

Most recently I spent about $970 for vet visits (Henry had a couple of scares) and nearly $400 for his yearly prescriptions.

*Microchipping is very common for rescue organizations to do prior to adopting pets out to their forever homes. Even if you’re told your dog is not microchipped, I encourage you to have your vet check on your first visit. I was told Henry wasn’t chipped. But on his first visit, I was happy to discover he was chipped.

3. Dog Gear And Equipment Costs

These costs include your new dog’s leash, collar, ID tag, harness, brush, bowls, crate, and beds. Of course, these items will vary depending on your dog’s needs.

I highly recommend a harness, and specifically a no-pull harness.

I encourage dog parents to have a couple of bowls for water. You may want to get three bowls. One for food and two for water.

Next, crates are essential for crate training, which many trainers recommend. They provide a safe place when the dog gets scared.

Please note that the cost of these equipment items will vary depending on your dog’s size and the type or style you like. Here’s a good ballpark on these costs you can add to your dog budget.:

• Collar: $8-32
• Harness:  $19-70
• ID Tag:  $4-10
• Leash: $7-54
• Brush:  $6-32
• Beds:  $9-300
• Crate/Kennel:  $38-900
• Food & Water Bowls:  $7-32

I often get Henry a new bed for Christmas. But that can change depending on his needs and my finances.

The best part is that most of the equipment costs should be a one-time expense. Unless you have a puppy that is growing. Then you’ll need to buy new collars and harnesses as your puppy grows. Or if your puppy accidentally chews or destroys something.

However, I have to admit that I destroyed Henry’s bed by washing it too much. So, I would say beds have a lifespan of probably 2-3 years. You’ll want to start shopping for a new one before it unravels in the washing machine. 

4. Dog Consumables (Food & Treats) Costs 

Food

A dog’s stomach is very sensitive. Try to stay with whatever your dog has been eating until you can discuss what is best with your vet.

Food can vary in quality and price. They all do different things.

Also, the size of your dog, age, and level of activity will play a role in the amount of food your dog will need. This is a good discussion for your first visit with your vet. 

• Food: $20 – $300/month

Most recently I spent just a bit over $400 for Henry’s food and treats for the year.

Treats 

This includes cookies and dental chews. While cookies are good for training and reinforcing good behavior, dental chews are great for keeping your dog’s teeth clean and breath minty fresh. If you have a chewer, then chewing treats would be a good choice.

I recommend steering clear of rawhides as they can cause choking hazards.

I do recommend looking for quality treats, especially if you’re training your dog. Although the best treats, I believe, in most cases are natural treats. Henry thinks so as well. But I still budget for a few treats, and if I don’t use what’s budgeted, then I’m ahead in my forecast.

Moreover, homemade dog treats will save you a ton of money. Additionally, they are healthier!

• Treats: $8-30
• Dental chews: $15-30

I often lump treats in with food, because it makes to me. I even have a section for Henry’s supplements. He takes a few for allergies, mobility, and well-being. That’s the great part about your budget template. It’s completely customizable.

5. Dog Services: Walking, Daycare, And Grooming

Dog Walker, Doggie Daycare, and Pet Sitter Costs 

Will you be away from your home a lot? Will you need a dog walker or perhaps doggie daycare? They are not the same.

A dog walker will come to your home and take your dog out for a walk a few times a day, depending on what you’ve agreed upon. Daycare is separate from your home. Henry LOVES daycare!

The average price for a pet sitter will vary depending on what you wish them to do during a visit, the length of the visit, or if you want them to stay overnight with your dog. Here are the prices for my area:

• Doggie Daycare: $20-30 for half- or all-day
• Dog Walker: $25 for a one-time visit including a 15-minute walk
• Pet sitter: $25 for a 30-minute visit or $75-85 per night
• Dog boarding: $0-175 per week

Henry didn’t have any dog service fees this year. Although, he does love daycare. I look at daycare as a gift for him. Sometimes, I’ll take him to daycare as part of his birthday celebration.

Grooming Costs 

Will you be adopting a dog that needs to be groomed regularly? You will need to carefully check out groomers and price them in your area.

Will you be able to bathe your dog? Or will you want or need someone else to bathe him or her? The price will vary depending on your dog’s size, coat, and the service you ask for (full grooming or basic bathing). Here is the ballpark price for my area:

• Dog Groomer: $50 every 7-8 weeks (full grooming and bathing for a thick-coated small dog)
• Dog Wipes (because messes happen and wipes take care of them): $10-20

I only spent $46 on Henry’s grooming for the year and that included wipes, shampoo, and conditioner.

You can avoid grooming costs by tackling it yourself. I now groom Henry myself. It may not be a great professional job, but he always looks cute. Besides, I paid for my grooming tools by skipping one grooming appointment.

I use wipes after Henry’s walked in yucky stuff so he doesn’t lick it and become sick.

Training Costs   

I highly recommend training for all dogs, regardless of age. This is a great way to get to know your new family member while establishing boundaries with him.

Besides, some commands, such as come, sit, stay, wait, down, and let go, are simply essential for your dog’s well-being.

The prices for basic training vary widely, even within the same geographic locations. But you can surprisingly train your dog for free or for very little and on your own time.

In my area, here is the cost for traditional basic dog/puppy training:

• Basic Dog/Puppy Training Classes: $0-2,000 /6 weeks course

I didn’t spend any money on Henry’s training this year. His obendience and therapy classes were $60 for six weeks. Now, I just practice what he learned.

6. Other Dog Supply Costs   

Most of these supplies you could list as budget dog supplies. They may not be essential for you to have these supplies when you first get your dog.

With this in mind, I haven’t included additional supplies under the “New Dog” template that you can download. However, you’ll find a supply cost in the monthly/yearly templates.

These supply costs include such items as pee pads, shampoo and conditioner, carpet stain and odor remover, marking spray, toothbrush, toothpaste (dental kit), and other items. However, pee pads are mostly for puppies and special-needs dogs. Pee pads come in handy during bad weather or post-surgery.

As such, I like to say it’s better to be prepared than left high and dry. 

• Pee pads: $21-60
• Carpet stain/odor remover/ marking spray: $12-16
• Shampoo & Conditioner: $8-14
• Dental supplies (liquid treatment, teeth wipes, and other dental supplies): $18-35
• Potty Bags: $0-35 (you can easily pick up a few free poo bags at a dog park to get started)
• Paw paste (which helps for dogs who don’t like booties like Henry): $15-20

Most recently I spent only $98 for Henry’s miscellanous supplies, which included a soft Elizabethian cone.

Dog Toys 

Some dogs will not like toys for whatever reason. Henry doesn’t like toys.

But I still recommend dog toys. I have toys for Henry to try to encourage him to play with them.

They are good for keeping an overly stimulated dog entertained and his mind active. You’d much rather your new family member chew on a toy than your couch. Of course, the price of toys can vary widely. You can even make great DIY dog toys.

• Toys: $5-40

I don’t spend money on toys for Henry. But I do make sure that I have a few and rotate them to try to encourage to play. I do have a couple of lick mats, which he loves. I even freeze them, which helps with engaging his brain to retrieve all the frozen bits. The mats only cost $7 for two of them.

Plus…Accessories  

These aren’t really essential items for your dog. As such, I haven’t included them on your “New Dog” template for you to download. However, they are included in the monthly/yearly cost templates.

These accessories will include such items as sweaters, coats, booties, scarves, ties, and the like. Some people like dressing up their dogs for holidays. That will be up to you and your dog. If you like to hike in cold or hot weather, booties will come in handy for snow, rocks, and hot sidewalks. Here’s a breakdown of some basic accessory costs for your dog budget:

• Sweater: $9-40
• Coat: $10-70
• Booties: $12-90
• Bandanas: $7-35
• Tie: $5-15

I admit, I generally buy Henry at least one new sweater for Christmas. It’s not that he needs it. Rather I need for him to have a new one to celebrate the holiday.

*If you buy accessories, you’ll probably buy a few every year. At least that’s been my experience. 

There are also hidden dog costs that can sneak up on the most prepared dog parents. But you can avoid them with a little preparation.

Related posts:

• My Dog Loves Savings Accounts. Surprised?
• Is There a Cheap Easy Way to Train Your Dog?
• Who Says You Can’t Barter Dog Services?
• Emergency Dog Fund: How Much Money Should You Save?
• Hidden Dog Expenses: Why Good Dog Parents Spend More Than They Expect

What I Actually Spend On Henry In A Year

This image shows my most recent expenses for Henry. It was his first year with me. But it gives you an idea of what to expect in the future.

This past year Henry cost me $2,731. But $96 of that came back through discounts and rewards, which I grately appreciate.

Henry’s supplements are more than what you’d expect for most dogs. He gets allergy, mobility, and immunity supplements. You’ll need to decide with your vet what’s good for your pup.

Looking at a number like that and wondering where to trim? My free 5-Day Dog Expense Reset walks you through it one category at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Budgets

How much should I save before getting a dog?

Enough to cover your one-time costs plus about three months of recurring expenses.

Your one-time costs are the adoption or breeder fee, license, and gear. Based on the ranges above, that lands somewhere between $100 and $3,500 depending on where you live and what you buy.

Then add a cushion. Vet bills do not wait for payday.

Henry’s first vet visit set the tone for me. I would rather have money sitting unused than scramble for it.

How much does a dog cost per month?

For Henry, it’s about $228 a month, or $2,731 a year.

That covers vet care, supplements, food, treats, prescriptions, dental care, grooming, and the odd extra. Gear and one-time fees are not in that number.

Your total will look different. A large dog eats more. A short-coated dog skips the groomer. A young healthy dog skips the supplements.

The point is not matching my number. The point is knowing your number.

Is pet insurance worth it, or should I just save?

It will depend on your dog. When I adopted Henry I called about six pet insurance companies. They cost more than my insurance, which I couldn’t handle. The problem was they said he was prediposed to health as a little dog and a cockapoo. So, I decided it was better for both of us to use a pet saving account and emergency fund. Both are set up as saving accounts.

Pet insurance can save you a lot of money on routine checkups and emergency care. But you’ll have to call the companies to see if the monthly premium will work with your finances.

Also, some businesses are offering pet insuance as a perk. I think this is great! You’ll have to ask if this is something your company is offering.

How does a dog budget save money over time?

A budget does not cut costs by itself. What a budget does is show you where the money goes, and that is where the savings start. It can especially useful if your income changes.

Once I could see my categories, three things changed:

• I started grooming Henry myself, which dropped grooming to $46 for the year
• I began stacking autoship discounts and credit card rewards, which returned $96 last year
• I over-budget every category on purpose, so a surprise bill is already covered

None of that required spending less on Henry. It required knowing the numbers first.

Final Thoughts On Building Your Dog Budget

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The basic costs to include in your dog budget include the cost of the dog, equipment, food, treats, toys, accessories, dog walker, doggie daycare, grooming, training, and veterinarian.

Creating a dog budget has helped me care for Henry and adjust as needed. I’m also happy to report that Henry doesn’t even know I have him on a budget. He’s just a happy pup and I’m well prepared for his expenses.

You can reduce your dog’s expenses without compromising in just five days with this simple guided reset.

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What surprised you about creating a dog budget?