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Cost of owning a dog calculator
In 2026 an adult dog typically costs about $1,930–$5,305 a year in the US, according to Rover's survey of dog owners. Set your dog's size and your choices to see a personal estimate.
Yearly, monthly, first-year and lifetime cost, with a line-by-line breakdown.
US prices; costs vary a lot by city. Last reviewed October 7, 2026.
How much does a dog cost per year?
Rover's 2026 survey of 1,000 dog owners puts the yearly cost of an adult dog at $1,930–$5,305, and the one-time costs of getting a dog at $1,195–$4,650. Over a lifetime that adds up to about $19,840 for a small dog and up to $58,875 for a large one. Rover found that small adult dogs can cost up to 63% less per year than large and giant breeds.
| Yearly cost | Range |
|---|---|
| Food | $785–$2,635 |
| Treats and chews | $55–$530 |
| Flea, tick and heartworm prevention | $295–$360 |
| Annual vet checkup | $80–$135 |
| Dental care | $55–$490 |
| Professional grooming | $300–$975 |
| Pet insurance (average, accident & illness) | $836 |
Ranges from Rover's Cost of Owning a Dog report (survey of 1,000 pet parents, May 2026). The insurance figure is the 2025 US average premium for dogs from the NAPHIA State of the Industry report; accident-only plans averaged $190.
First-year costs
| One-time cost | Range |
|---|---|
| Adoption fee | $50–$500 |
| Breeder price | $675–$4,440 |
| Spay or neuter | $300–$800 |
| First vet exam | $80–$180 |
| Vaccinations | $180–$300 |
| Microchip and ID | $30–$80 |
| License | $35–$80 |
| Crate, bed, collar and leash | $130–$930 |
For comparison, the ASPCA's cost table (2021 update) puts a dog's first year at $3,221 and later years at $1,391.
How the estimate works
Each item uses the low end of its range for "budget", the middle for "typical" and the high end for "premium". Food also moves up its range with dog size, since a 90 lb dog eats nearly four times as many calories as a 15 lb dog (see the dog calorie calculator); that placement is our estimate. Dog walking uses Rover's national average of $21.45 per 30-minute walk, and boarding $35–$60 a night.
Plan for surprises too: Rover's survey puts an emergency vet visit at $300–$2,500. Pet insurance or a savings buffer helps cover those.
Questions people ask
How much does a dog cost per month?
For an adult dog, about $160–$440 a month based on Rover's 2026 yearly range of $1,930–$5,305. Small dogs on a budget can cost less; large dogs with insurance, grooming and a dog walker cost more.
How much does a dog cost in the first year?
The yearly costs plus one-time costs of $1,195–$4,650 (Rover, 2026) for things like adoption or purchase, spay or neuter, vaccines, a microchip and supplies.
How much does a dog cost over its lifetime?
Rover estimates about $19,840 for a small dog and up to $58,875 for a large dog over its life.
How much is pet insurance for a dog?
The average US accident and illness premium for dogs was $836 a year in 2025, and accident-only plans averaged $190, according to NAPHIA.