Purchase Costs: From Shelter to Purebred
The price of a dog varies widely. Looking for a rare breed or a trendy designer dog? You might pay several thousand euros. On the other hand, adopting from a shelter usually costs just a few hundred euros.
- Shelter dog: €150 – €350
- Purebred dog via a certified breeder: €800 – €2,000
- Designer or rare breeds: €2,000 – €4,000+
Note
Bargains found through classified ads or illegal puppy mills often result in higher medical expenses down the line. What seems cheap at first can quickly become costly. Always ask for health clearances and visit the place where the puppies are raised. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
One-Time Additional Costs
Besides the purchase itself, some additional one-time costs apply:
- Microchip & registration: ~€60 (If the puppy is not already chipped.)
- Basic equipment: €300 – €600Crate or kennel, bed or cushion, food/water bowls, leash and harness, brush, grooming scissors.
- Neutering/spaying: €200 – €450Depends on weight and gender. Sometimes required by the seller.
Sadly, the end of a dog’s life is also part of the journey. Cremation costs range from €90 to €350, depending on whether you want the ashes returned in an urn.
Monthly Costs of Owning a Dog
A medium-sized dog costs between €70 and €160 per month (€1,000 to €1,900 per year), depending on your choices. These are the typical monthly expenses:
- Food: €30 – €60Varies by breed, weight, and food quality (kibble, fresh meat).
- Preventive care: €10 Deworming, flea and tick treatments.
- Pet insurance: €20 – €50
- Training & clubs: €0 – €30 Puppy school, advanced training, dog sports.
- Toys & grooming: €10 Toys, chew treats, shampoo, poop bags.
- Dog walking service: €10 – €30 per walkVaries based on group size.
Periodic Expenses
In addition to monthly costs, some expenses come up less frequently:
- Grooming salon: €40 – €90 per session (4 to 6 times a year)
- Dental cleaning: €120 – €300 (every 2–3 years, if needed)
- Annual vaccinations: €50 – €80
- Holiday boarding: €15 – €25 per day
Also consider replacing broken or worn-out toys, leashes, and dog beds—this can add up to €100 to €150 per year.
Unexpected Expenses: What If Something Goes Wrong?
A broken leg, surgery, or allergies—things can happen quickly. Medical treatments can easily cost between €1,000 and €3,000. If your dog needs long-term medication, expect to pay around €50 per month. To prepare for unforeseen medical costs, there are two common strategies:
- Pet insurance
You pay a monthly premium that covers major expenses. The advantage is spreading out the cost over time. However, there are downsides: deductibles, coverage limits, exclusions (such as hereditary conditions), and premiums that tend to increase as your dog gets older. - Self-funding
Set aside a fixed monthly amount in a separate “dog savings account.” For instance, saving €40 a month from day one will give you about €1,900 after four years—enough for emergencies without blowing your budget.
Grassfeld: Keep Track of Your Expenses
Want insight into your spending? The Grassfeld app helps you stay in control of your finances. Link your bank account and categorize your expenses (mostly done automatically). This way, you can see exactly where your money goes—and how much your dog actually costs.
You can create a separate category called “Dog” or name it after your pet. Link all dog-related expenses to this category. The app then shows you your dog’s annual and monthly costs.
Grassfeld also helps you reach savings goals, such as your dog’s emergency fund. Set a goal (say: €2,000) and a deadline. The app calculates how much you need to set aside each month. Download Grassfeld now from your app store and take control of your finances!
