Dogs are wonderful companions that can bring joy and happiness to your life. But owning a dog is also a big responsibility that comes with a lot of expenses. In this article, we will explain how much it costs to own a dog in Australia, the main factors that affect the cost, and how you can save money and budget wisely for your furry friend. So let’s explore the cost of owning a dog in Australia.
The Initial Cost of Getting a Dog
The first thing you need to consider when you want to get a dog is the initial cost of buying or adopting one. This can vary depending on where you get your dog, what breed you choose, and what services are included.
1. Adopting a Dog
One of the most affordable and ethical ways to get a dog is to adopt one from a shelter or a rescue organization. Many dogs in Australia need a loving home, and you can help them by giving them a second chance. Adopting a dog from the RSPCA costs around $500 for puppies under six months and $300 for adult dogs.
This fee usually covers desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and a vet check-up. You may also get a free bag of dog food, a collar, and a leash. However, some shelters may charge more or less depending on the age, size, and health of the dog. You should also be prepared to answer some questions and fill out some forms to make sure you are a suitable owner for the dog you want to adopt.
2. Buying a Dog
Another option is to buy a dog from a breeder or a pet shop. This can be more expensive and risky than adopting a dog, as you may not know the history and health of the dog. The cost of buying a dog can range from $500 to $10,000 depending on the breed and the reputation of the breeder. Some of the most popular and expensive breeds in Australia are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, Poodles, and Cavoodles.
These dogs may have higher demand and lower supply, which drives up their price. They may also have more health problems and grooming needs, which adds to their ongoing costs. If you decide to buy a dog from a breeder, you should do your research and make sure they are reputable and ethical.
You should ask to see the parents and the litter, check their health records and certificates, and avoid buying from puppy mills or online ads. You should also be aware of the legal requirements and regulations for buying a dog in your state or territory.
The Ongoing Cost of Owning a Dog
After you get your dog, you need to think about the ongoing costs of owning a dog. These include food, vet care, grooming, equipment, training, boarding, and insurance. These costs can vary depending on the size, age, breed, and lifestyle of your dog, but they can add up to thousands of dollars per year.
Dog Food
Food is one of the most essential and expensive costs of owning a dog. You need to feed your dog a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their needs and preferences. The average cost of dog food in Australia is $800 per year, but this can vary depending on the quantity and quality of the food. You can choose between dry, wet, or raw food or a combination of them.
You can also give your dog some treats and snacks, but not too much as they can cause obesity and health issues. You should always check the ingredients and expiry dates of the food you buy and follow the feeding guidelines for your dog’s size and age. You should also provide your dog with fresh water at all times.
Vet Care
Vet care is another important and costly aspect of owning a dog. You need to take your dog to the vet regularly for check-ups, vaccinations, desexing, microchipping, and any other treatments they may need. The average cost of vet care in Australia is $397 per year, but this can vary depending on the health and age of your dog. Some of the common vet expenses are:
- Desexing: This is a surgical procedure that prevents your dog from reproducing and reduces the risk of some diseases and behaviors. It costs between $200 and $500 depending on the age, size, and gender of your dog.
- Microchipping: This small device is implanted under your dog’s skin and contains their identification and contact details. It helps to reunite you with your dog if they get lost or stolen. It costs between $60 and $100 and is mandatory in most states and territories.
- Vaccinations: These injections protect your dog from various diseases and infections. They are usually given when your dog is a puppy and then every year or every few years. They cost between $150 and $250 for the initial puppy vaccinations and $100 or more for the annual vaccinations.
- Flea and Worm Treatments: These are products that protect and treat your dog from parasites such as fleas, ticks, worms, and heartworms. They are usually given monthly or every few months and cost around $120 per year.
Cost of Grooming of a dogs
Grooming is another aspect of owning a dog that can affect their health and appearance. You need to groom your dog regularly to keep their coat, skin, nails, ears, and teeth clean and healthy. The average cost of grooming in Australia is $129 per year, but this can vary depending on how often you groom and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. Some of the common grooming expenses are:
1. Bathing a Dog
You need to bathe your dog every few weeks or when they get dirty or smelly. You can use a mild dog shampoo and a towel or a hairdryer to dry them. You can also use a conditioner or a detangler to make their coat soft and shiny. Bathing your dog at home can cost you around $10 per month, while taking them to a professional groomer can cost you around $40 to $60 per session.
2. Brushing your dog
You need to brush your dog’s coat every day or every few days to remove any dirt, mats, or loose hair. You can use a brush, a comb, or a de-shedding tool depending on the type and length of your dog’s coat. Brushing your dog at home can cost you around $5 to $10 per month while taking them to a professional groomer can cost you around $20 to $40 per session.
3. Clipping your dog
You may need to clip your dog’s coat every few months or when it gets too long or hot. You can use a pair of scissors or a clipper to trim your dog’s coat to a desired length and shape. You can also use a clipper to shave your dog’s paws, face, and sanitary areas. Clipping your dog at home can cost you around $10 to $20 per month while taking them to a professional groomer can cost you around $50 to $80 per session.
4. Dog Nail Trimming
You need to trim your dog’s nails every few weeks or when they get too long or sharp. You can use a nail clipper or a nail grinder to cut your dog’s nails to a safe length. You should be careful not to cut the quick, which is the blood vessel inside the nail. Nail trimming your dog at home can cost you around $5 to $10 per month while taking them to a professional groomer can cost you around $10 to $20 per session.
5. Dog Ear Cleaning
You need to clean your dog’s ears every few weeks or when they get dirty or smelly. You can use a cotton ball or a soft cloth and a dog ear cleaner to gently wipe your dog’s ears. You should avoid using cotton buds or water as they can damage your dog’s ears. Ear cleaning your dog at home can cost you around $5 to $10 per month while taking them to a professional groomer can cost you around $10 to $20 per session.
6. Dog Teeth Cleaning
You need to clean your dog’s teeth every day or every few days to prevent plaque, tartar, and bad breath. You can use a toothbrush and a dog toothpaste to gently brush your dog’s teeth. You can also use dental chews, toys, or water additives to help clean your dog’s teeth. Teeth cleaning your dog at home can cost you around $10 to $20 per month while taking them to a professional groomer can cost you around $20 to $40 per session.
Cost of Dog Equipment
Equipment is another category of expense that you need to consider when owning a dog. You need to buy some essential and optional items for your dog to make them comfortable and happy. The average cost of dog equipment in Australia is $248 per year, but this can vary depending on the quality and quantity of the items. Some of the common equipment expenses are:
1. Bedding for Dogs
You need to buy a bed or a crate for your dog to sleep and rest in. You can choose from different sizes, shapes, and materials depending on your dog’s preferences and needs. You can also buy some blankets, pillows, or mats to make your dog’s bed more cozy. Bedding can cost you between $100 and $200 every two to five years.
2. Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses for Dogs
You need to buy a collar, a leash, and a harness for your dog to walk and train them. You can choose from different types, colors, and materials depending on your dog’s size and personality. You can also buy some tags, lights, or bells to attach to your dog’s collar for identification and safety. Collars, leashes, and harnesses can cost you between $20 and $100 every one to three years.
3. Bowls and Feeders for Dogs
You need to buy some bowls and feeders for your dog to eat and drink from. You can choose from different sizes, shapes, and materials depending on your dog’s preferences and needs. You can also buy some automatic feeders, water fountains, or slow feeders to make your dog’s feeding more convenient and fun. Bowls and feeders can cost you between $10 and $50 every one to three years.
4. Dog Toys and Treats
You need to buy some toys and treats for your dog to play with and reward them. You can choose from different types, sizes, and materials depending on your dog’s preferences and needs. You can also buy some interactive toys, puzzle toys, or chew toys to keep your dog entertained and stimulated. Toys and treats can cost you between $50 and $200 every year.
5. Dog Clothing and Accessories
You may want to buy some clothing and accessories for your dog to dress and protect them. You can choose from different types, sizes, and materials depending on your dog’s preferences and needs. You can also buy some coats, sweaters, boots, or hats to keep your dog warm and dry in cold or wet weather. Clothing and accessories can cost you between $10 and $100 every year.
Dog Training
Training is another aspect of owning a dog that can affect their behavior and well-being. You need to train your dog regularly to teach them basic commands, manners, and skills. The average cost of training in Australia is $50 per hour, but this can vary depending on the type and level of training. Some of the common training expenses are:
- Obedience Training: This is the basic training that teaches your dog how to follow commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. You can do this at home or in a group class with a trainer. Obedience training can cost you between $20 and $50 per session.
- Socialisation Training: This is the training that teaches your dog how to interact with other dogs and people. You can do this at home or in a group class with a trainer. Socialization training can cost you between $10 and $30 per session.
- Behavioral Training: This is the training that teaches your dog how to cope with issues such as anxiety, aggression, barking, or digging. You may need to hire a professional trainer or a behaviorist to help you with this. Behavioral training can cost you between $50 and $100 per session.
- Agility Training: This is the training that teaches your dog how to perform tricks and tasks such as jumping, weaving, or tunneling. You can do this at home or in a club or a competition with a trainer. Agility training can cost you between $10 and $50 per session.
Boarding Places for Dogs
Boarding is another aspect of owning a dog that you may need to consider if you travel or leave your dog alone for a long time. You need to find a safe and comfortable place for your dog to stay and be cared for while you are away. The average cost of boarding in Australia is $35 per night, but this can vary depending on the type and quality of the boarding.
Some of the common boarding options are:
- Kennels for Dogs: These are facilities that provide your dog with a cage or a room, food, water, and some exercise. They may also offer some grooming, training, or vet services. Kennels can cost you between $20 and $50 per night.
- Pet Sitters: These are people who come to your home or take your dog to their home and look after them. They may also offer some grooming, training, or vet services. Pet sitters can cost you between $25 and $75 per night.
- Doggy Daycares: These are facilities that provide your dog with a play area, food, water, and some exercise. They may also offer some grooming, training, or vet services. Doggy daycares can cost you between $15 and $40 per day.
Insurance for dogs
Insurance is another aspect of owning a dog that you may want to consider to protect yourself and your dog from unexpected costs and risks. You can buy a policy that covers your dog’s medical expenses, liability, or loss. The average cost of insurance in Australia is $293 per year, but this can vary depending on the type and level of coverage. Some of the common insurance options are:
- Accident Only: This is the cheapest and simplest option that covers your dog’s vet bills if they get injured in an accident. It does not cover any illness or routine care. Accident only insurance can cost you between $100 and $200 per year.
- Accident and Illness: This is the most popular and comprehensive option that covers your dog’s vet bills if they get injured in an accident or sick from an illness. It may also cover some routine care such as vaccinations or desexing. Accident and illness insurance can cost you between $200 and $500 per year.
- Comprehensive: This is the most expensive and extensive option that covers your dog’s vet bills, liability, and loss. It may also cover some routine care, grooming, boarding, or training. Comprehensive insurance can cost you between $500 and $1000 per year.
How to Save Money and Budget Wisely for Your Dog
As you can see, owning a dog in Australia can be quite expensive and challenging. However, there are some ways you can save money and budget wisely for your dog. Here are some tips and suggestions:
- Do your research and compare prices before you get a dog. Choose a dog that suits your lifestyle, budget, and expectations. Adopt a dog from a shelter or a rescue organization instead of buying one from a breeder or a pet shop.
- Plan ahead and set aside some money for your dog’s expenses. Create a budget and track your spending. Save some money for emergencies and unexpected costs. Consider getting insurance for your dog to reduce your financial risk.
- Shop around and look for deals and discounts on your dog’s items and services. Buy in bulk or online to save money. Use coupons or vouchers to get discounts. Ask for recommendations or referrals from your friends or family.
- Do some things yourself or with the help of others instead of hiring professionals. Groom, train, and walk your dog yourself or with the help of your friends or family. Swap or share your dog’s items and services with other dog owners. Join a club or a community for your dog to socialize and have fun.
- Take good care of your dog and prevent health and behavior problems. Feed your dog a healthy and balanced diet. Exercise your dog regularly and keep them fit. Train your dog well and keep them happy. Visit your vet regularly and follow their advice.
Conclusion
Owning a dog in Australia can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it can also be a costly and demanding one. You need to consider the initial and ongoing costs of owning a dog, such as food, vet care, grooming, equipment, training, boarding, and insurance. You also need to find ways to save money and budget wisely for your dog, such as doing your research, planning ahead, shopping around, doing some things yourself, and taking good care of your dog. By doing so, you can ensure that you and your dog have a happy and healthy relationship.
