Cost calculator

Getting a dog is a serious commitment. These are the real costs — no sugarcoating.

Set your situation and see what you'll spend each month.

What you pay upfront

The monthly calculator below shows recurring costs. But before that, here's what you pay once.

Crate or dog bed$40–$120
Leash and collar$15–$40
Food and water bowls (stainless steel)$15–$30
First vaccinations (if not done by breeder)$80–$150
Microchip (if not done by breeder)$30–$60
Purchase price$300–$3,000+ depending on breed and breeder

Breed size

Insurance

Your cost estimate

Food$45 – $90/mo

Source: average pet store prices US 2024

Compare food prices on Chewy →Compare prices on Amazon →
Insurance$28 – $55/mo

Source: Healthy Paws, Embrace, Trupanion rate data 2024

Compare insurance on Pets Best →
Vet (average)$35/mo

Source: American Pet Products Association 2024

Toys & accessories$20/mo

Source: estimated based on owner community data

Total per month$128 – $200/mo

These are averages — your actual costs may vary. Expenses tend to rise as a dog gets older.

Extra costs — not in the calculator

These vary widely by situation. Factor them into your budget before committing.

Variable recurring costs

Dog sitter / dog walkerNeeded if you work full-time or travel regularly
$15–$30/visit
GroomingDepends on breed — some need grooming every 6–8 weeks
$50–$150/session
Training (puppy/basic)Recommended for every first-time dog owner
$20–$50/session
Boarding (travel)Or in-home sitter: $25–$60/night
$40–$85/night

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Which insurer should you choose?

Five US providers, side by side on the points that matter most. Premiums shown are estimates for a medium-sized dog.

ProviderPremium/moDeductibleMax/yearSurgeryHereditary conditions covered
Healthy PawsCovers hereditary + unlimited max
$30–$60$250Unlimited✓✓
Trupanion
$35–$70$0 per conditionUnlimited✓✓
Lemonade
$20–$50$100–$500$100k✓—
Pets Best
$25–$55$50–$1,000Unlimited✓—
Embrace
$25–$65$200–$1,000$5k–$30k✓✓

Premiums shown are estimate ranges for a healthy 2-year-old medium-sized dog. Your actual premium depends on breed, age, and health. Check current policy terms directly with the provider before you buy.

Compare current premiums on Pets Best →Save up to $40 per month by comparing plans

Curious which breed fits your situation and budget?

Find my breed →

Monthly cost overview by dog size

Monthly averages including food, insurance, vet, and accessories. Not included: dog sitter, boarding, grooming, and one-time purchase costs.

SizeFoodBasic insuranceVet (avg)Total (basic)Total (comprehensive)
Small (< 22 lbs)$30–$60/mo$18–$35/mo$28/mo$91–$138/mo$108–$168/mo
Medium (22–55 lbs)$45–$90/mo$28–$55/mo$35/mo$128–$200/mo$150–$235/mo
Large (55–100 lbs)$70–$130/mo$45–$80/mo$45/mo$185–$280/mo$215–$320/mo
Giant (> 100 lbs)$100–$180/mo$65–$100/mo$60/mo$255–$370/mo$285–$420/mo

Sources: average pet food and retail prices 2024, pet insurance comparison data 2024.

Extra costs — not every month, but every time

These costs are not included in the monthly calculation, but they add up. Indicative figures, March 2026. Always get a quote — prices vary widely by location and provider.

ExpenseIndicative rateNotes
Dog sitter (in-home)$25–$50 / daySitter comes to your home — price varies by city and experience
Boarding / doggy daycare$20–$50 / nightAverage for small to medium dogs; large breeds cost more
Grooming (trim or bath)$40–$100 / sessionDepends on size and coat type; double-coated and long-haired breeds cost more
Basic obedience class$100–$300For 6–10 group sessions at a certified trainer; one-time but strongly recommended

Indicative figures, March 2026. Always get a quote — prices vary widely by location and provider.