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When you think about the cost of owning a puppy, it’s not just the purchase or adoption fee that’s involved in the first year. To make sure your new pup is as happy and healthy as possible, you’ll also need to keep in mind such things as vet care, training, food, council registration, even toys and treats. So how much can you expect to pay for a puppy, and how do the costs break down?
How much does a puppy cost to adopt?
Adopting a puppy can cost anywhere from a few hundred to more than a thousand dollars, depending on the age of the dog, as well as the popularity of the breed. This cost can take into account the cost of caring for the animal prior to adoption, and include things such as microchipping, desexing, vaccinations and flea and worming treatments.
RSPCA NSW says that a puppy aged under 12 months is likely to cost you around $620, whereas a dog aged from 12 months onwards might cost around $500. PetRescue says that adoption fees for dogs can be between $200 and $800, but makes note of the fact that some popular breeds may be offered for a higher price or donation if they are popular breeds.
A popular breed could cost $1,500 and upwards to adopt. For example, at the time of writing, a miniature Dachshund was available for adoption in Queensland for a price of $1,950, while a Bernese Mountain Dog cross in Victoria was advertised for adoption for $1,800. It’s important to be aware, then, that costs for certain breeds can be significantly higher than others.
How much does a puppy cost to buy?
If you have your heart set on a particular breed of dog, then buying a puppy from a registered breeder in Australia can cost thousands of dollars. French Bulldogs are currently one of the most popular breeds in Australia, and a Frenchie puppy can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000, according to Dogz Online. A Golden Retriever pup is also likely to cost between $3,000 and $7,000, while a German Shepherd pup could be between $2,000 and $7,000. The Cavoodle is another popular breed right now in Australia, and RightPaw says that one of these pups can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000.
The price of a purebred pup can vary greatly depending on the breed and the individual breeder, though. Prospective buyers are urged to check if the breeder is registered as a member of the Australian National Kennel Council and to also check the genetic history of the puppy before purchasing.
How much do vet fees cost for a puppy?
Vet fees for a puppy in the first year can cost anywhere from $490 to $1,050 and up, depending on the dog and its specific needs, according to the RSPCA. These numbers take into account specific things that your puppy is likely to need such as:
- Desexing: $200-500, depending on the age, size and breed of the dog.
- Flea and worming treatments and heartworm prevention: $120-$300.
- Puppy vaccinations: $170-$250.
In addition to these expenses, microchipping can cost between $60-80.
The RSPCA notes that if you adopt a puppy from a shelter, it will already be desexed, treated for fleas and worms, and microchipped, and the cost of this will likely be built into the price of adoption.
How much does it cost to register a puppy with your council?
The cost of registering a dog in Australia is set by local councils, and can generally range from around $40 a year to $300 and up. This price depends on factors such as your dog’s age and breed, and whether it’s desexed.
In general terms, you are likely to pay more in registration fees if your dog is not desexed. Your local council may also give a discount on registration costs for dogs adopted through an approved facility, and many will also give pensioner or other discounts.
When your dog is registered, your local council may send out nylon or plastic identification tags to hang on its collar, and you may be able to buy a personalised metal ID tag for an extra cost.
What extra costs come with having a puppy?
There are many things you will need to buy for your new puppy, such as food and water bowls, leads and collars, and some that may be optional, including crates, new toys, harnesses and car restraints, as well as such things as training and puppy school. Extra expenses you may face when buying a puppy include*:
Food and water bowls
Stainless steel and ceramic bowls can start from $8 at major retailers, and can range in price to $30 and up for fancier ones. Specialised dog bowls that come with ridges to stop your pup from eating too quickly can cost $15 to $35 and up.
Collars/harnesses
Basic fabric dog collars can start at around $15-$20, while more leather varieties and more decorative studded ones can cost $40 to $65. A harness for your dog, which can be used for travel in the car and for walking, can cost anywhere from $36 to $79 or more, depending on the size of your dog.
Leashes/leads
Classic dog leads, with a clip for your dog’s collar and a handle for walking, can cost from $18 to $45 and upwards, depending on the length and quality. A retractable lead, which can be clicked in and out to adjust its length as needed, can cost anywhere from $21 to $84, depending on the size you require and the quality.
Car restraints
While you will not be required by law to keep your dog restrained while in the car, the RSPCA recommends it. Dogs are prohibited from being in the driver’s area of a car, though, and it is an offense to drive with a dog in your lap. Police can likewise issue an infringement notice if your dog is jumping around the car and causing a distraction, hanging out a window or doing something that can cause you to not be in control of a vehicle. Adjustable car restraints can cost between $10 and $55, depending on the size and style.
Dog beds
Dog beds can cost anywhere from $60 to $200, depending on the size and the plushness of the material material. Small puppies are prone to accidents, so you may want to hold off on a more expensive purchase until your new furry friend is toilet trained, to avoid your purchase getting ruined.
Crates
Crates can cost anywhere from $55 to $280 and upwards, depending on the size of your dog. Paws says that crate training can be useful for house and toilet training new puppies, and can satisfy a dog’s urge to be in a den. If you plan on doing it, it is ideal to purchase a crate large enough for your dog to stand and move around in. Portable crates can cost between $129 and $209.
Crate mats
Crate mats can provide a soft lining for a puppy’s crate, and are more easily washable than dog beds if your dog has an accident. These can start at $25 and cost upwards of $100, depending on the size and material. Soft pet blankets, which can also be used for this purpose, cost between $15 and $30.
Kennels
If your dog is going to be living inside with you most of the time, then you may decide you have no need for a kennel, but if you want one for outside, they will typically cost between $100 and $299. A portable, soft-top dog cabana could cost between $163 and $269, depending on the size of your dog.
Food
The type of food you buy will depend on your dog’s particular needs; many dog food brands will make specialised puppy foods, some of them specific to a particular breed, with nutrients required for growing dogs, and smaller kibble than adult dog foods. The RSPCA estimates you could pay up to $800 a year for food, but it will depend on the type and quality you buy.
Puppy school
Puppy school can be fun for both pets and owners and can be a good way to learn about caring for your new furry friend, and teaching it to play nicely and bond with other dogs. OneFlare, which advertises dog training services around Australia, estimates that the average cost of puppy school ranges from $100 to $250.
Toys
The price of dog toys varies, and how much you spend may come down to how much you want to spoil your new furry friend. Smaller cloth and plastic toys can start from $6 to $10 and more expensive soft toys and plastic bones can cost $30 and up. In general terms, the most important thing is to make sure the toys you purchase will be safe for your particular breed of dog.
Treats
Treats are useful for training puppies and to give as a reward, and it’s up to you how many you want to dole out. The main consideration is to make sure that you’re buying treats that are appropriate for puppies. A small bag can start at $6 and you can pay up to $20-$30 for larger bags.
Doggy daycare
There are many reasons you might choose doggy daycare – you might want someone to look after your pup through the workday, or you may want it to socialise with other dogs. Doggy daycare operators set their own prices and these can vary substantially depending on the type of facility and location, so you could expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 or above per full day session for doggy daycare. Many doggy daycare operators offer discounts for purchasing sessions in bulk, often in a pack of five, 10 or 20. Some centres also offer doggy taxi services from $20.
Grooming
The cost of grooming can depend on the breed, frequency and size of your dog. Dogster estimates that, in most Australian capital cities, the price of a grooming session for a dog might start at around $85, and cost anywhere up to $185. The price of a grooming session can vary depending on the size of your dog, so a wash and tidy for a small breed may cost just $70, but a larger one could be $150 and upwards.
*Source: To work out estimated costs, Canstar checked prices on items by two major pet supply retail chains offering online ordering to Australian residents. Estimates are correct at the time of writing.
How much does pet insurance cost for a dog?
If you’re looking for a good deal on pet insurance for your dog, then you can compare pet insurance with Canstar. Each year, Canstar gives out Awards recognising the pet insurance that gives outstanding value to Aussies, so if you’re thinking about pet insurance for your new puppy, this could be the place to start.
Cover image source: Sigma_S/Shutterstock.com
