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How Much Does a Dog Cost Per Month?

Adopting a dog is a big responsibility that involves a monthly budget to cover its needs. Here is a detailed analysis of the costs to expect to take good care of your four-legged companion.

Food

Food represents a significant part of the budget. Depending on the size, age, and specific needs of your dog, costs can vary between 30 € and 100 € per month. It is essential to choose a quality diet suited to its age (puppy, adult, or senior) and health (grain-free, hypoallergenic, etc.).

Examples

Small dogs (e.g., Chihuahua): Premium kibble costs around 30 € per month. For a wet diet, expect around 50 €.
Medium-sized dogs (e.g., Border Collie): 60 € per month for a mixed diet (kibble and wet food).
Large dogs (e.g., Labrador): Up to 100 € per month or more for high-quality kibble, especially if the dog has specific needs (joints, digestion).

Veterinary Care

Regular vet visits include vaccinations, deworming, and antiparasitic treatments (fleas and ticks). These preventive measures are essential to avoid serious diseases. Here are the details of the costs:

Annual vaccinations: Around 80 € (about 7 € per month).
Deworming: Between 5 € and 10 € every two months (about 2.50 € to 5 € per month).
Antiparasitics: Spot-on or tablets, costing between 10 € and 20 € per month.
Unexpected examples: A consultation for an infection generally costs between 50 € and 100 €, not including medications.

Accessories and Equipment

Maintaining a dog requires accessories such as collars, leashes, harnesses, toys, bowls, and beds. Here is a detailed budget:

Bed or basket: A good quality basket costs around 50 € and can last 5 years (1 € per month).
Bowls: Stainless steel bowls cost around 15 € and last several years.
Toys: On average, 5 € to 10 € per month to replace worn-out toys.
Harnesses and leashes: 30 € to 60 €, replaced every 1 to 2 years (~2 € per month).

Grooming

Some dogs require regular grooming, especially long-haired or curly-haired breeds. Here are some examples of costs:

Small dogs (e.g., Yorkshire Terrier): Monthly grooming at 30 €.
Medium-sized dogs (e.g., Cocker Spaniel): A full grooming costs around 50 €.
Large dogs (e.g., Golden Retriever): Up to 70 € for professional grooming.
To reduce costs, you can learn to brush your dog at home, which costs only a few euros for a good brush (~20 €).

Health Insurance

Dog health insurance can cover unexpected vet fees (accidents, illnesses) and some routine care. Here are the available options:

Basic formula: 10 € to 15 € per month, covering accidents.
Intermediate formula: 25 € to 35 € per month, including illnesses.
Premium formula: Up to 50 € per month, with reimbursement for surgical fees and complex examinations.
Example: Surgical operation for a fracture can cost 1,500 €, but with insurance, you only pay a part of it (deductible).

Unexpected Expenses

Unexpected expenses can include medical emergencies, toy repairs, or occasional services like dog boarding when traveling. Here are some examples: It is advisable to set aside 10 € to 20 € per month for these expenses.

Medical emergencies: A visit to an on-call vet costs around 100 € to 200 €.
Dog boarding: 15 € to 30 € per day.
Repairs or replacements: Destroyed toys or damaged accessories (~5 € to 10 € per month).

Estimated Total Monthly Budget

Small dogs: 90 € to 130 €.
Medium-sized dogs: 130 € to 220 €.
Large dogs: 220 € or more.

It is important to note that these costs can vary depending on your personal choices and the specific needs of your dog. Other occasional expenses may be added to this estimate of monthly costs.

Training, Education, and Daycare

Training is essential for your dog to be well-educated and obedient. Training courses can cost between 50 and 100 euros per month. For example, a group training course can cost around 60 euros per month.

Daycare and Walks

If you work outside, you might need daycare or walking services for your dog. These services can cost between 10 and 30 euros per day. For example, a 30-minute walk can cost around 15 euros.