The total cost of dog ownership: a look at the ongoing insurance costs

A dog is more than just a pet - it is a friend, a companion and in many cases a fully-fledged member of the family. But like all good things in life, the happiness of dog ownership comes with a price. The total cost of dog ownership is not only extensive, but also varied. They include one-off, ongoing and potential emergency costs. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the financial side of dog ownership, focussing in particular on insurance costs.

Acquisition costs: The entry into the world of dogs

The first cost on the journey to becoming a dog owner is the purchase of the dog itself. Prices vary considerably depending on the breed and origin of the dog:

• Breeder: Depending on the breed and pedigree, the price starts at around 500 euros and can range up to several thousand euros.
• Animal shelter: A dog from an animal shelter is often cheaper and usually costs between 200 and 400 euros.
• Basic equipment: Not forgetting the cost of a collar, lead, food bowl, basket and toys, which together can easily add up to another 200 euros.

Running costs: from food to insurance

Once the dog is in the house, the regular financial obligations begin. Monthly and annual costs can quickly add up and should be taken into account when deciding on a dog.

Feed costs: Good feed costs

The cost of food depends heavily on the size and breed of the dog:

• Small dogs: From dry food to wet food and special diets, the monthly costs can amount to around 30 to 50 euros.
• Large dogs: Expenditure here can be significantly higher, often between 80 and 150 euros per month.

Vet costs: health is the be-all and end-all

A healthy dog is a happy dog, and that requires regular visits to the vet:

• Annual vaccinations and checks: approx. 100 to 200 euros.
• Flea and tick treatments and worming: up to 100 euros per year.
• Unforeseen illnesses or emergencies can quickly result in high bills totalling hundreds or even thousands of euros.

Insurance costs: safety for people and animals

One of the often overlooked but essential parts of the overall cost of dog ownership is the cost of insurance. These are crucial to avoid unexpected financial burdens.

Liability insurance: protection in the event of an emergency

In many federal states, dog liability insurance is mandatory. It covers damage caused by the dog to third parties:

• The costs for this vary depending on the insurer, but on average you pay around 50 to 150 euros per year.
• The premiums can be higher for larger breeds and breeds categorised as dangerous.

Supplementary health insurance: prevention is better than aftercare

Another consideration is a Health insurance for your dog. It covers expensive veterinary costs and operations that could otherwise tear a deep hole in your wallet:

• Monthly premiums start at around 20 euros, depending on the chosen service package and the breed of dog.
• Special protection for breeds with an increased risk of genetic diseases can be even more expensive.

Additional issues: The devil is in the detail

Apart from the clear categories, there are some hidden costs that are often overlooked:

• Dog training courses: These are particularly important for puppies and can cost a further 100 to 200 euros per course.
• Dog tax: This varies depending on where you live, usually between 30 and 150 euros per year.
• On-board dog layers: If you are travelling a lot, you may have to pay for dog-friendly accommodation or boarding kennels, which can mean around 20 to 50 euros per day per stay.

Conclusion: A lifelong commitment

At the end of the day, the decision to add a dog to the family is not only an emotional commitment, but also a financial one. The total cost of dog ownership goes far beyond the purchase price and includes ongoing, unforeseen and separately calculated insurance costs. But don't worry, these investments pay off: in the form of unconditional love and great companionship that only a dog can provide.

For those who are willing to embark on this financial journey, there is no doubt that the rewards far outweigh the costs. After all, as the saying goes, you can't put a price on love - but you can pay it off in the form of regular expenses!

FAQs on the topic of dog costs

How much does a dog cost in total?

The total cost of a dog varies greatly, depending on several factors such as origin, breed and ongoing care costs. A puppy from an animal shelter costs between 200 and 300 euros to buy. With a reputable breeder, these costs can be between 600 and 5,000 euros, depending on the breed. Added to this are the ongoing monthly expenses for food, vet, insurance and other needs, which can easily add up to 50 to 200 euros per month.

How much does a dog cost in taxes per month?

The dog tax varies from municipality to municipality. As a rule, it is between 30 and 150 euros per year, depending on which federal state you live in and how many dogs you own. These costs should also be factored into your monthly budget.

What do you have to pay for a dog?

Dog ownership incurs various categories of costs that go beyond the purchase. These include

• Lining: Around 30 to 150 euros per month, depending on the dog breed and food quality.
• Veterinary costs: Regular vaccinations, check-ups and any emergency treatment.
• Insurances: Dog liability insurance and possibly supplementary health insurance.
• Other: Dog tax, training courses, and special equipment such as baskets, leads, and toys.