Dog dollars

In the start-up category, Rover noted, adoption fees typically range from $50-$500, but can balloon into the thousands if you choose to buy a puppy from a breeder instead. Regardless of where your pup comes from, if they aren’t spayed or neutered, that surgery can cost anywhere from $35 to $400. However, if you adopt your dog, the adoption fee often covers a spay or neuter.

Vaccinations cost $75-$100; flea and tick prevention, $40-$200; license, about $10; and microchip, about $45.

Gear to keep your new dog comfortable at home will include collar or harness, $5-$50; leash, $10-$40; poop bags, $5-$10; food and water bowls, $10-$50; crate, $30-$150; and bed, $5-$200. Toys and treats are an important part of any pup’s life and can cost anywhere from $10-$200 for toys and $5-$15 for treats. The average cost of keeping your home and your dog smelling great can vary widely, with dog shampoo and brushes ranging from $5-$20, stain and odor removers $5-$20, and puppy training pads $10-$50.

You’ll likely want to pick up some teeth care items like dental chews, which can cost anywhere from $5-$15.

Lastly, make sure you’re prepared for any other medical expenses your new dog may need right away, which can average between $250 and $275 for new pet owners.

After the initial one-time expenses to settle your pup into your home, there are annual costs to keep in mind, which add up to an average of $650-$2,295 per year.

Food costs can range widely — anywhere from $200-$1,000 per year, depending on the brand and how much your dog eats.

Some dog parents opt for fresh dog food instead of dry or canned, often through a home delivery service, which can cost closer to $4,800 per year.

Routine vet visits are a must and cost $210 on average per year. Flea and tick prevention averages $40-200 and heartworm prevention averages $25-$120.

Keeping your pup’s teeth healthy through regular care and dental chews costs about $60-$180 annually.

Treats, which can be a big help in training a dog, cost the typical pet parent anywhere from $70-$145 annually. Yearly costs for toys can vary based on quality and quantity, usually landing between $10-$200. Poop bags cost about $35-$60 a year for most dog owners.

Rover noted, it’s important to keep surprise costs in mind, which can average $1,645-$4,315 total. Hopefully, you’ll never need to make a trip to the emergency vet, but if you do the typical cost averages $800-$1,500.

Teeth cleaning is another expense not every pet parent opts for, but if you decide to schedule a cleaning be prepared to pay anywhere from $100-$300.

Depending on your lifestyle and schedule, you may decide to book pet care for your pup. Dog boarding averages $35 per night and dog walking averages $20 per walk but varies based on where you live and the dates you select. Dog training costs an average of $90 per session.

Lastly, if you rent your home, you’ll likely need to put down an additional pet deposit before bringing your pup home. That usually adds up to about $200-500 for the average renter.