Own a Dog? Best Ways to Save Money

Owning and raising a dog is a wonderful and fulfilling experience, but the costs associated with it can be very expensive. Starting from choosing your pup, choosing a veterinarian, feeding it, buying toys, training, and boarding for when you travel without your pet your costs can vary greatly. According to the ASPCA’s annual pet cost data, first-year dog ownership expenses can exceed $3,000 when you factor in supplies, food, medical care, and training. However, there are some simple strategies you can use to keep the costs of taking care of your dog in check without sacrificing spoiling your furry friend.

Choosing Your Dog

If you aren’t set on owning a specific breed your first stop should be the local shelter or ASPCA adoption center. Every year thousands of dogs are euthanized because they couldn’t find a home. Adopting a dog not only can give a good dog a home but can be very inexpensive. Some shelters charge as little as $25 to adopt and your pet will come vaccinated and spayed or neutered in most cases. Some shelters even run annual “adoptathons” where they waive the fees and you can take your new pup home for free. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that adopting from a shelter saves pet owners hundreds of dollars in upfront veterinary costs that would otherwise be required from a private breeder.

If you do really want a specific breed of dog I recommend you first check with a breed specific rescue organization. For example, there is an overpopulation of coonhounds in the South that would love to be adopted in another region. There are rescue organizations for many breeds so do an internet search for your breed and the word “rescue” and you might be surprised by how many organizations you find. The costs to adopt from a rescue are going to be a bit more than from a local shelter, but in many cases you can be sure that the dog you are adopting is purebred. The American Kennel Club (AKC) Rescue Network maintains a searchable directory of breed-specific rescue groups across all 50 states, making it easy to find a responsible rescue near you.

You may not find the right dog from the options listed above, but you can still select an ethical breeder. Making sure that your breeder is responsible can save you headache, and heartache later if you happen to purchase a sick dog. Research the breeder online and go visit the breeder and look around before choosing your dog. Ask for references from owners who have purchased dogs and from vets who help the breeder care for the new puppies. The AKC also provides a Breeder of Merit program that can help you identify screened, responsible breeders who prioritize the health of their animals.

Food

With so many types of dog food on the market you might be tempted to just choose the least expensive one, but this is likely not the best choice for your dog or your wallet! Low quality foods could cause gastro-intestinal issues in your dog that could result in a vet visit or two which will eclipse the savings you had from choosing less expensive food. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends looking for foods that meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional standards as a baseline for quality. Ask your vet for recommendations for reasonably priced food that will keep your dog healthy. By spending a few more dollars on food each month you can keep your dog healthier and give your pet a longer life.

When you do select a food, check online or at your local warehouse store like Costco or Sam’s Club. Just like buying other items, buying in bulk can save you a bundle. There are a number of online stores like Chewy and Amazon that specialize in pet products and could get you a great deal — Chewy’s Autoship subscription program, for example, offers an additional 5–10% discount on recurring food orders. Make sure you shop around and compare prices before committing to a single retailer.

Toys and Equipment

Dogs thrive when they have interesting toys to play with. Most dogs are bred to work and are naturally inquisitive. When your dog gets bored he will look for things to do to entertain himself, which may lead to negative behaviors like chewing on shoes or furniture. When buying new toys for your pet a great place to look are yard sales and your local Goodwill store. Many of the stuffed pet toys you can get at a pet store for $10–$20 are nearly identical to old stuffed animals you can find at a Goodwill for $1 a piece. You can also browse Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp for lightly used dog equipment listed by local owners at a fraction of retail cost.

Please remember to check the new toy for small pieces like glass eyes or buttons that can be chewed off and swallowed by your pet. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises inspecting any secondhand item for loose parts or materials that could pose a choking or ingestion hazard to animals. You can also regularly find dog crates, leashes, food and water bowls and other dog equipment at Goodwill and yard sales for much less than buying new.

Health and Veterinary Services

Taking care of your dog’s health through regular vet visits will help provide your dog with a healthier, happier and longer life. Vet visits can be quite expensive — the AVMA reports that the average dog owner spends $253 per year on routine veterinary visits alone, not counting emergency care — which is why pet insurance has been steadily increasing in popularity. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the pet insurance industry in North America generated over $4.07 billion in premiums in 2024, reflecting growing awareness among owners about the financial risk of unplanned vet bills. However, pet insurance doesn’t work the same as health insurance for humans. Many policies can be very complicated so make sure you shop around and read through the fine print before choosing a plan. Comparison tools from sites like Forbes Advisor’s pet insurance rankings can help you evaluate plans side by side. If you trust your vet you can ask them for their recommendation for a plan that would fit your dog’s needs. Hopefully you can save some money over the long term by keeping a pet insurance plan and taking care of your animal.

You may also just want to ask your vet for a better rate. Many vets have flexibility in their pricing if you are willing to ask. They may also have preferential rates on different medications like heartworm pills or flea treatments. If you live near a university, ask if they have a veterinary care program. Many schools that have a veterinary training program — such as those accredited by the AVMA Council on Education — will offer free or discounted vet visits to the public so their students can get hands on training under the close supervision of an experienced vet. This can be a great option if you are near a university and aren’t attached to seeing the same vet for every visit.

Finally, set aside some money for an emergency fund for your pet. It’s inevitable, you’re going to bake a fresh pan of brownies and leave them on the counter to cool and come back just a few minutes later to find your dog with a giant chocolate covered smile on his face. Knowing that chocolate is toxic to dogs, you rush him to the vet and are slammed with a few hundred dollars in bills, but thankfully your dog will live to see another day. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handles over 400,000 calls per year related to pet poisoning cases — many of which result in emergency vet visits averaging $800–$1,500. This situation will happen at least a few times over your dog’s life so make sure you have some money put aside to cover the unexpected expenses for emergencies your dog may have. A dedicated savings account — similar to a personal emergency fund recommended by financial planners — with at least $1,000–$2,000 set aside specifically for pet emergencies is a practical and widely recommended target.

Traveling and Kennels

At some point you’re going to want to go on a trip with your pet. With a little shopping around you may be surprised to find that many hotels will allow your pet to stay with you for free, or for a very reasonable fee. Resources like BringFido aggregate thousands of pet-friendly hotel listings and can help you quickly compare fees across properties. To get around that fee, you might want to consider camping with your pet instead of staying in a hotel. The Recreation.gov campsite reservation system allows you to filter for pet-friendly sites at federal parks and recreation areas, many of which charge only $10–$30 per night for your entire group including your dog.

If you do have to travel without your dog, kennels can be quite expensive. Shop around for good deals when possible, but make sure you do your research into the reputation of the kennel. Ensuring your dog is comfortable and safe can make your vacation or travel plans significantly less stressful. A better option may be to ask friends or family to stay at your house or apartment and take care of your dog for you. You probably have other friends who are dog lovers and would be happy to pitch in and take care of your pooch for a few days. You can also take advantage of pet sitters through websites like Rover, which connects pet owners with background-checked sitters who will take care of your dog in your own home or apartment for a reasonable fee. According to Rover’s 2025 pricing data, in-home pet sitting through their platform averages $20–$40 per night — often 50% less than traditional kennel boarding rates in major metro areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to own a dog per year?

The average annual cost of owning a dog ranges from $1,400 to $4,300, depending on the dog’s size, breed, and health needs. First-year costs are typically the highest due to one-time expenses like spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, a crate, and training. Ongoing annual costs typically include food ($300–$700), routine vet visits ($200–$400), grooming ($30–$500), toys and supplies ($50–$200), and flea/heartworm prevention ($100–$300), according to ASPCA pet cost data.

Is it cheaper to adopt a dog or buy from a breeder?

Adopting from a shelter is significantly cheaper, typically costing $25–$150 compared to $500–$5,000+ from a reputable breeder depending on the breed. Shelter adoptions usually include spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, and a microchip — services that would cost several hundred dollars additional if purchased separately from a breeder’s puppy.

What is the best way to save money on dog food?

The best ways to save on dog food are to buy in bulk from warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club, or subscribe through services like Chewy’s Autoship for recurring discounts of 5–10%. Avoid the lowest-priced generic options unless they carry an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement, as poor-quality food can lead to health issues that result in costly vet visits. Ask your veterinarian for a brand recommendation that balances nutritional quality and cost.

Is pet insurance worth it for dogs?

Pet insurance can be worth it, particularly for breeds prone to hereditary conditions or for owners who could not easily absorb a $1,000–$5,000+ emergency vet bill out of pocket. Average monthly premiums range from $30 to $70 for dogs, depending on breed, age, and coverage level, according to NAPHIA’s 2024 industry report. Read the fine print carefully — most plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, and reimbursement structures vary widely between providers.

How do I find low-cost veterinary care for my dog?

Several options exist for reducing vet costs. University veterinary teaching hospitals accredited by the AVMA Council on Education often charge 20–40% less than private practices. Many humane societies and ASPCA branches also host low-cost vaccine clinics. Additionally, some private vets offer wellness plan memberships that bundle annual services at a flat monthly fee, reducing per-visit costs.

How can I save money on dog boarding and kennels?

The most cost-effective alternative to traditional kennels is using a pet-sitting platform like Rover, where in-home sitters average $20–$40 per night versus $30–$85 per night at commercial kennels. Asking trusted friends or family members to watch your dog is free and often the most comfortable option for your pet. Always check reviews and references regardless of which option you choose.

What are the best places to find cheap dog toys and equipment?

Thrift stores like Goodwill, yard sales, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp are excellent sources for gently used dog toys, crates, leashes, and bowls at a fraction of retail cost. Stuffed animal toys found at Goodwill for $0.50–$2.00 are functionally identical to branded dog toys that sell for $10–$25 at pet stores. Always inspect secondhand toys for small detachable parts that could pose a choking hazard before giving them to your pet.

Should I set up an emergency fund for my dog?

Yes — financial planners and veterinarians widely recommend setting aside $1,000–$2,000 in a dedicated pet emergency savings fund. Emergency vet visits for incidents like poisoning, broken bones, or sudden illness can cost anywhere from $500 to over $5,000. Having a liquid savings cushion prevents you from relying on high-interest credit options in a stressful situation.

Are there any apps or websites that help dog owners save money?

Yes. Rover helps you find affordable pet sitters, Chewy offers Autoship discounts on food and medication, BringFido lists pet-friendly hotels to avoid boarding costs while traveling, and GoodRx for Pets can reduce costs on prescription pet medications by up to 80% at participating pharmacies. Using a combination of these tools can meaningfully reduce your total annual dog ownership costs.

What dog expenses are most commonly underestimated by new owners?

New dog owners most frequently underestimate training costs ($50–$300+ for group or private classes), grooming for long-haired or heavy-shedding breeds ($30–$90 per session), dental care ($300–$700 per professional cleaning), and emergency veterinary bills. The ASPCA notes that many first-year owners spend 40–60% more than they budgeted, primarily due to these overlooked categories.