Dog ownership can be as expensive as you want to make it. If your precious pooch needs organic food, a custom dog bed shaped like a hot rod, diamond-studded collar, etc., things can really add up. Even if you have more modest ideas of what a dog needs, dog ownership is still not cheap.

In 2020, you should figure on spending $1700 in the first year you have a new dog, and about $850 per year afterwards. If you get a purebred puppy, add 20% in the first year and 10% every year after.

Seem high? Let’s look at the likely purchases you’ll make for your dog in the first year and then later on:

Cost of Your Dog in the First Year

• Acquiring the dog: $75 (if from a shelter) and up. We’re going to assume a shelter dog here; purebred puppies will be more, maybe much more.
• Food + treats: $450 – $550, depending on the size of the dog.
• Vet bills, including vaccines, spay/neuter, heartworm & other maintenance pills: $550
• Crate & dog bed: $200
• Food bowl, collar, leash: $75
• Pet cleaner for the inevitable messes your dog makes: $50