If you decide to self-insure, keep in mind that prices for basic procedures can vary by as much as 100% around the country. My sister just had to fork out £5,000 for her dog’s hip replacement, as her insurance wouldn’t pay out, so we wanted to get good cover.”įrench bulldogs are an expensive breed, however – the average owner spends considerably less on their pet. “Insurance-wise, we pay £88 a month for life cover, so we’ll be paying that for as many years as he’s with us. “We also won a £50 food voucher from the online store in a photo contest – every little helps,” Taylor says. We order frozen meals online and spend around £30-£40 a month, as well as the odd bone and bits from the butcher. “We feed him a raw diet – basically raw meat, bone and offal. One of his most extravagant purchases is a PlayDate, an interactive ball with a built-in video camera and controlled by a smartphone – it cost £150. After paying £1,600 to buy Toast from a breeder, Taylor has also spent about £100 on toys, £50 on a crate, £60 on a bed and £150 on collars, leads and harnesses. Meanwhile, Taylor Mitchell St Joseph is the owner of Toast, a six-month-old French bulldog. “He’s not cheap, but given the area, I think we do it as economically as we can, given we are both out at work,” she says. The other monthly costs are food (James Wellbeloved), £45 Petplan insurance, £35 and other bits and bobs (coats, toys, poo bags etc), £10. Most of this (£286) is the cost of walks. Guardian writer Mina Holland and her partner, who live in north-west London, own an 11-month-old whippet called Ernie, and she estimates their total canine bill at £376 a month. More Th>n puts these costs at £19 a month, while dog walkers/day care, grooming and boarding kennels add another £30 to the monthly bill. However, a report by Which? last year found that spending more on premium dog or cat food does not guarantee that it is any more nutritious.Īs well as feeding your furry friend, you will also need to keep it worm- and flea-free and in good oral health. There are lots of options – some people are passionate about raw meat (there are tubs available from firms such as Natural Instinct), others opt for dry kibble, and then there are various tins and sachets. As well as feeding your furry friend, you will also need to keep it worm- and flea-free and in good oral healthįood is one of the biggest outgoings. However, many people spend a lot more, particularly those in areas such as London who pay for walks or “doggy day care” while at work.
Research by insurer More Th>n puts the monthly cost of owning a dog at between £94 and £154, depending on size and breed. A dog crate – basically an indoor cage – might sound cruel, but they are now widely used, particularly for puppies. There are also numerous items you will need to buy such as bedding, toys and feeding bowls. A breeder or rehoming centre should do this for you, otherwise it costs about £20.
Microchipping is a legal requirement and you risk a £500 fine if it isn’t done. At Dogs Trust you can adopt a dog for £120 and it comes vaccinated, microchipped, with four weeks’ insurance and, if he or she is old enough, neutered. You can reduce the initial costs by getting a dog from a rescue or rehoming centre.
Costs vary, but you should expect to pay between £30 and £60 for initial injections, and up to £40 for annual boosters. Puppies need vaccinating against diseases including canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis. Be wary of buying from a puppy farm or online – you could be storing up trouble. If you are buying a puppy, look for a breeder that is a member of the Kennel Club’s Assured Breeders Scheme. Mixed breed dogs tend to be cheaper than pedigrees, unless you opt for a new hybrid such as a labradoodle or cockapoo. Puppies can cost as little as £50, but can be more than £1,000 for rare breeds. The upfront cost depends on the breed and where you get it from.
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