Total cost of dog ownership: What you should know about financial responsibility

The decision to take a dog into your life is not only a matter of the heart, but also of the wallet. A four-legged friend brings joy and loyal companionship, but it also comes with certain costs. The total cost of owning a dog is made up of one-off purchase costs, ongoing expenses and unexpected emergencies. In this article, we look at the many financial aspects of this wonderful commitment.

Acquisition costs: The first step into the dog world

The first major item in dog ownership is the purchase cost. These vary considerably depending on the breed, origin and method of purchase.

• Purchase price: Pedigree dogs from breeders can cost between 500 and 2,500 euros. Mixed-breed dogs from animal shelters, on the other hand, are often cheaper and usually only cost a nominal fee of around 150 to 300 euros.
• Basic equipment: The one-off purchase costs include food bowls, collars, leads, a dog basket and toys. These can total between 150 and 350 euros.

As the saying goes, if you buy cheap, you buy twice, and it's important not to underestimate the quality of the equipment. Durable products can be cheaper in the long run.

Ongoing costs: What you can expect

The running costs are the core of the total costs of owning a dog. They depend on the breed, age and individual needs of the dog and relate to regular expenses such as food and veterinary care.

Feed costs

Food is one of the biggest ongoing expenses.

• Small dogs: Monthly costs of around 20 to 50 euros.
• Medium to large dogs: They need more food, which can be between 50 and 100 euros per month.

No dog is well-fed without good food, but there are often older dog owners with practical tips on buying food at favourable prices.

Veterinary costs

Regular visits to the vet are unavoidable. From vaccinations and worming to dental cleanings, these expenses can quickly add up.

• Preventive medical check-ups: Around 100 to 300 euros per year.
• Unplanned treatment costs: Emergencies or chronic illnesses can quickly run into three-figure sums per month.

Insurance costs: Spanning a safety net

Better safe than sorry - this also applies to our faithful furry friend. Although liability insurance for dogs is not required by law in Germany, insurance is compulsory in many places. Dog liability insurance protects against financial damage that the dog could cause.

• Costs: Depending on the insurance provider, premiums vary between 30 and 150 euros per year.

Comparing insurers can be worthwhile - a small difference often makes a big difference.

Unforeseen events: The famous emergency frog in the throat

Sometimes things turn out differently than you think - and then suddenly the world is turned upside down. Dog emergencies can cause high costs that should be calculated in advance. A reserve of at least 500 euros for unexpected events is often recommended.

Long-term perspective: looking at the total cost of dog ownership

While the move-in age of a puppy is full of anticipation and positive excitement, many don't fully consider the financial responsibility in the long run. It's wise to keep the total cost of dog ownership in mind and not just enjoy the momentary splendour of the new family member. After all, dog ownership means a commitment for the next 10 to 15 years or even longer!

A rough calculation suggests that an average dog owner can incur costs of between 10,000 and 25,000 euros over their entire lifetime, depending on the breed, state of health and care required.

Conclusion: A faithful companion - with a price tag

There is no question that dogs enrich our lives and many of us would never have the same joy and companionship without them. But when making this decision, you need to be aware of your financial responsibility. The total cost of dog ownership is often not a trivial amount and should be clearly considered before a dog finds a new home. No matter what the final figure on the bank statement, the emotional benefits of a happy, healthy dog are worth their weight in gold!

FAQs on the total cost of dog ownership

How much does a dog cost in total?

The total cost of a dog is made up of various components. Depending on the breed, size and lifespan of the dog, they can amount to between 10,000 and 25,000 euros over its entire lifetime. This sum includes the purchase, running costs, veterinary care, insurance and possible emergency costs.

How much does a dog cost in taxes per month?

The Dog tax varies depending on the municipality. In Germany, it is usually between 30 and 200 euros per year. The tax rate can be higher for certain breeds or a second dog in the same household.

What do you have to pay for a dog?

The regular costs include food, visits to the vet, care utensils, insurance and taxes. One-off costs are incurred for the purchase and basic equipment. There are also possible costs for dog training, care and unexpected veterinary treatment. It is advisable to plan a reserve for unforeseen events.