Planning to get a puppy? It’s a good idea to budget ahead or at least realistically look at the cost.
The estimate is that you should have between ~$1,000–$1,500 (Low end: adopting from a shelter, minimal extras) to $3,000–$5,000+ (high end: breeder puppy, training, grooming, gear + you plan to spoil your puppy).
Here’s a simple breakdown of what you might expect to spend in your first year with your new dog in California/USA:
1. Adoption Fee or Purchase Price
- Shelter or rescue: $50–$300
- Breeder: $500–$3,000+
This cost varies widely depending on breed, location, and source.
2. Routine Care & Supplies
Food: $300–$700/year
Quality kibble costs vary by dog’s size and brand. If you are planning to feed fresh food, look at the higher end.
Bedding: $50–$150
Bed, blankets, and everything else that the puppy will outgrow or chew up.
Bowls: $15–$30
Basic stainless or ceramic.
Leash, Collar, Harness: $50–$120
You’ll likely need a few options as your puppy grows (or chews up thinking it is a toy lol)
Crates or Playpens: $100–$250
Essential for housetraining and safe confinement.
Potty Pads: $30–$100
Optional but helpful for indoor training.
3. Health & Medical Care
Vet Visits (vaccines + checkups): $200–$500
Includes standard puppy vaccines and exams.
Flea/Tick Preventatives: $150–$250
Monthly prevention is common in most of California.
Pet Insurance: $250–$600/year
Optional for most dogs but can save money on emergencies. Not optional for breeds that tend to have more health risks: bulldogs, dachshunds, etc.
4. Toys
- Expect to spend $20–$50 per month.
- That’s about $240–$600/year.
- Puppies need a variety of toys, and you’ll need to replace them as they grow or destroy old ones. Plan on buying new toys regularly.
5. Treats (Training & Chews)
- $150–$300/year.
- Includes training treats and safe chews to keep your pup occupied.
6. Pet License
- $20–$50/year, varies by city.
- Required by most local governments.
7. Grooming
- $50–$600/year.
- Short-haired breeds might only need baths at home (cheaper end).
- Long-haired or high-maintenance coats may need professional grooming regularly.
- You will also need other tools such as brushes, nail clippers, shampoo, wet wipes etc.
8. Training
Puppy Group Classes: ~$300 total
Typically 4–6 weeks of weekly sessions.
Private Training Sessions: $100–$200/hour
For personalized help with issues like reactivity or manners.
Training Tools: $30–$75
Treat pouch, clicker, long line, etc.
9. Clothes & Accessories
Dog Clothes: $50–$200
Optional, but helpful in colder climates or for small breeds.
Boots/Protective Wear: $20–$60
For rough terrain, rain or snow, or hot pavement.
ID Tags & Accessories: $10–$50
Personalized tags and charms.
10. Unexpected costs and emergency vet visits
You should plan to have at least $1,000 set aside as an emergency fund, especially if you don’t have pet insurance.
Example Total Range
These costs can really add up. Rough, conservative estimate for year one:
- Low end: ~$1,000–$1,500 (adopting from a shelter, minimal extras).
- High end: $3,000–$5,000+ (breeder puppy, training, grooming, gear).
🐶 If you are struggling with puppy training, join my private puppy training program or book a single consult. Hire me in person in San Francisco or book a remote consultation.