What does it cost to own a dog?
A first-year and yearly estimate built from your dog's size, where they came from, and the choices you make. Free, instant, no sign-up.
Estimates only, built from U.S. averages (ASPCA, APPA) — real costs vary by country, region and the individual dog. Not a substitute for your own budget.
From a few choices to a real range
01 · Set the basics
Size drives most of the number — food, routine vet care and grooming all scale with a dog's weight.
02 · Add what applies to you
Adopting or buying changes the one-time acquisition cost; insurance, professional grooming and puppy classes are all optional extras.
03 · Get a first-year range
The one-time costs land in year one; from year two it's just the recurring line items — shown separately so you can plan both.
Cost calculator questions
Are these real prices?
They're ranges built from U.S. pet-care averages (ASPCA, APPA), not quotes for any specific product or service. Your country, region, dog and choices all move the real number — use this as a planning starting point.
Why is the first year so much more?
Acquisition, setup supplies and puppy classes are one-time costs that only land in year one. From year two, only the recurring items — food, routine care, insurance if you have it — repeat.
What if I'm adopting an adult dog, not a puppy?
Pick “Shelter or rescue” either way — adoption fees for adult dogs often already include spay/neuter and first vaccinations, which is part of why shelter fees exist. Just skip the puppy-classes toggle if it doesn't apply.
Does pet insurance actually save money?
Not guaranteed — most months you pay the premium and claim nothing. What it protects against is one large, unpredictable vet bill (an accident, a sudden illness) landing on you all at once instead of spread over years of premiums.