What does a puppy’s first year of care cost?
Here is what food, vet care, grooming and supplies can cost in year one. Each number says where it comes from. This is care only. It is not the price of a puppy.
Our sources give one set of numbers for all dogs. Pick a size to see what they say about size.
Food and treats: $347–$381
| What | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Food (a year) | $287–$300 | ASPCA (2021): $300 · APPA survey, via AKC (2023): $287 |
| Treats (a year) | $60–$81 | ASPCA (2021): $60 · APPA survey, via AKC (2023): $81 |
Vet care: $2,026–$2,043
| What | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Check-ups and vaccines (a year) | $225–$242 | ASPCA (2021): $225 · APPA survey, via AKC (2023): $242 |
| Heartworm, flea and tick medicine (a year) | $185 | ASPCA (2021): $185 |
| First vaccines and medical care (one time) | $300 | ASPCA (2021): $300 |
| Spay or neuter (one time) | $300 | ASPCA (2021): $300 |
| Dental care (one time) ASPCA lists it as a "special" cost; not every dog needs it in year one. | $500 | ASPCA (2021): $500 |
| Pet insurance (a year) Every puppy from us comes with 30 days of Trupanion pet insurance. | $516 | ASPCA (2021): $516 |
Grooming: $368–$387
| What | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Shampoo and grooming supplies (a year) | $28–$47 | ASPCA (2021): $28 · APPA survey, via AKC (2023): $47 |
| Brushes and clippers (one time) | $40 | ASPCA (2021): $40 |
| Professional grooming Coats differ a lot. Ask the store what your breed needs. | $300 | ASPCA (2021): $300 |
Supplies and training: $422–$441
| What | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Collar, leash and harness (one time) | $60 | ASPCA (2021): $60 |
| Crate (one time) | $60 | ASPCA (2021): $60 |
| Carrier (one time) | $50 | ASPCA (2021): $50 |
| Toys (a year) | $37–$56 | ASPCA (2021): $37 · APPA survey, via AKC (2023): $56 |
| Training class and materials (one time) | $200 | ASPCA (2021): $200 |
| Dog license (a year) | $15 | ASPCA (2021): $15 |
All of the above, year one: $3,163–$3,252
Adds every line, low to high. Your costs depend on your dog, your vet and where you live. Every puppy from us comes with 30 days of Trupanion pet insurance and an AKC Reunite microchip.
Sources: ASPCA: Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 update); AKC: Know the True Cost of Owning a Dog (updated June 21, 2023), quoting the APPA National Pet Owners Survey. Pulled Nov 1, 2026.
Bringing a puppy home?
$0 down · about $100 a month · first payment not due for 30 days · generally 90–180 days same as cash
Example only. Terms depend on approval by our lending partners. The store will go over your real options.