Large Size

What is the average annnual fee of owning a medium to large size dog?

My boyfriend and I have been living together for about 8 months now and we have just signed a lease for another year. We are looking for a medium to large size dog but before we continue to look I would like to know the average annual cost of owning a dog and what being a dog owner entails. I would like a Lab or lab mix. Any information or suggestions for breeds is appreciated.

For my 75 lbs GSD – best estimates:

Food – High quality EVO dog food is $60 a month: $60 x 12 = $720
Vet – Annual yearly exam: $150
Flea and Tick Preventative – $100
Heart worm Preventative – $100
Yearly membership for Petsafe Chip – $30
Misc treats, toys, collars, etc – $200

That’s $1300 a year.

You can lower that substantially by buying a medium quality dog food such as Costco’s Kirkland brand, which will run you about $30 a month. Lowering your yearly total to about $1000.

Don’t buy crappy food! It will cost you more in the end…not to mention you have to feed your dog more food. On crappy food, my GSD would probably have to eat 5 cups of food a day. On EVO, she can eat less than 3 cups.

Also, consider a dog that does not require professional grooming. If you have to take your dog to a groomers two or three times a year, tack on another $300.

This does not take into account any emergencies you might encounter or the extra costs of the dog’s first year with you – spaying/neutering, training, beds, collars, leashes, etc… I would expect the first year would cost at least $2000.

Adopt a dog from a shelter and not a breeder. If you adopt from a shelter, the dog will already be spayed and neutered and will be up to date on all it’s shots. That will also save you hundreds of dollars.

Let me know if you want more information. I have four dogs and two cats.

Plus-size models on Ellen (Crystal Renn, Kate Dillon)