How Much Does a Puppy Cost in the First Year?

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Welcoming a new puppy into your family is one of the greatest moments any dog lover can experience. Your bouncing, barking bundle of joy is sure to bring lots of new puppy energy to your home…and plenty of new responsibilities, too.

Few pet parents get to this point without researching “how much does a puppy cost?” However, your puppy’s first year may be costlier than you think, especially if unexpected expenses crop up, like accidents or illnesses.

To help you understand the true cost of puppy ownership, we’ve prepared a comprehensive breakdown of expenses. You’ll learn about everything from puppy essentials like food and toys to puppy vet costs, emergency visits, and more.

We’ll share expert tips from veterinarians to help you budget for your new puppy. Plus, you’ll find out how helpful financial tools, like a CareCredit credit card, can help you manage unexpected new puppy care costs so you can enjoy a long, healthy life together.*

How Much Do Puppies Cost? Guide to the First Year

You may not be able to put a price tag on love. However, keeping your beloved pup healthy, nourished, and happy can cost a pretty penny.

Exactly how much does a puppy cost a year? A study by Synchrony estimates the average cost of owning a puppy is between $1,300 and $2,800 in the first year [1]. These expenses include food, vet visits, medication, vaccinations, supplies, grooming, and more.

There can be a lot of variance in the first-year cost of owning a puppy based on your particular pup, where you live, and how they became a part of your forever family. For example, acquiring a purebred dog from a breeder typically costs much more than rescuing a puppy from your local shelter. And some care costs depend on the size or sex of your dog.

How Much is a Puppy: Yearly Cost by Category

If puppy expenses have you rethinking your new dog dreams, there’s good news. Many of these costs are exclusive to the first year of puppy parenting.

The early days of dog ownership tend to be more expensive. “Puppies must go to the veterinarian every month until they’re about 4-5 months of age to complete all their vaccines,” says Dr. Ambika Vaid, DVM, with Holistic Veterinary Care in Oakland, California. “After this, only a semi-annual or annual examination is required.”

To help you assess what you will likely be spending on your puppy in its first year, here is a breakdown of anticipated costs: 

Adoption or Breeder costs: $50 to $5,000

According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, a purebred puppy can cost between $1,000-$5,000 [2]. The cost can vary depending on the breed type, how sought-after the breed is, and even the region you live in.

Adopting your new puppy from a shelter tends to cost much less, “usually around $150-$500,” Dr. Vaid says. Adoption fees are set by the agency you work with. They may skew higher or lower depending on your puppy’s age, breed, and size, according to the Animal Humane Society [3]. The cost may also depend on the healthcare provided by the shelter, such as whether the puppy is kept on parasite preventives and spayed or neutered.

Puppy Healthcare: $534-$1,285

Just as with human healthcare, determining how much you’ll pay for puppy healthcare can be tricky. That’s because each veterinary hospital and state has its own structure for pricing exams, vaccines, surgeries, and more.

That said, regardless of the veterinary rates in your region, bringing your pup in for preventative vet care is a must. Sticking to a puppy vet schedule is the single most important thing you can do to help set your newest family member up for lifelong health.

A puppy’s health-related expenses typically fall somewhere between $534-$1,285 in the first year [4]. This includes the cost of medications, parasite control, vaccinations, checkups, dental care, etc. 

Here is a breakdown of various veterinary costs puppy parents will face:

• Exams: Routine vet visits for puppies can cost between $50-$250. However follow-up/progress visits are generally less expensive [5].
• Vaccines: Each shot costs around $40-$50 each, and some vaccines require booster shots. On average, pet parents can expect to pay about $300-$400 on puppy vaccinations [6]. 
• Microchipping: The average cost of microchipping a pet is around $45, though some companies may charge you a one-time or annual fee to register your pup’s microchip in a national database [7].
• Spaying/Neutering: The cost for this essential surgery ranges from $85-$414 depending on your puppy’s sex and breed size [4]. Neutering a male puppy tends to be less expensive than spaying a female pup because the surgery is less invasive. However, both procedures cost more when performed on larger pups, as they require more anesthesia, which drives up the cost.

Puppy supplies: $231-$551

You can expect to spend between $231-$551 on supplies for your new puppy [4]. These may include items such as toys, feeding bowls, leashes, collars, bedding, crates, and carriers. 

Toys range from $15-$30 each, good quality beds will range from $50 to hundreds, depending on how much you want to pamper your pup. Again, the bigger the dog, the more expensive this will be.

Food: $434-$684

Your pup’s annual food bill will cost you between $434-$684, excluding snacks and treats [4]. The exact cost will depend heavily on your pet’s anticipated adult size and whether your pup prefers dry food or canned food. It can also cost more if your pup requires special vet-recommended puppy food or a prescription diet.

Typically, dry food is more economical because you can purchase in bulk, so one bag can last for months. Canned/wet diets are generally more expensive and must be refrigerated once open. Prescription diets are based on the veterinarian’s recommendation and a prescription will be required to purchase this. These diets are typically more expensive and can often be purchased directly from your vet.  

Nutrition plays a crucial role in your puppy’s health and development, so always buy the best quality food you can afford. Your veterinarian is your best source for specific food recommendations.

Grooming: $47-$500 

Grooming costs can vary quite a bit based on your puppy’s breed and coat characteristics, as well as whether you visit a professional groomer or groom your puppy yourself. 

Short-haired breeds such as cattle dogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and the like may not need expensive sessions with a professional groomer. Their coats may look and feel fine with just a home bath and shampoo session once every 4-6 weeks. According to the American Kennel Club, the average annual cost of DIY dog grooming aids and brushes is $47 [8].

Long-haired dogs such as Pomeranians, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, terriers, Shih Tzus, and others need to be groomed more frequently. Vets typically recommend monthly grooming sessions for dogs with longer coats to prevent matting that can lead to health issues. Depending on the size of your pup and how complex their grooming needs are, professional groomers typically charge between $30-$90 per session [9].  

Pet Health Insurance: $160-$209

Puppy parents generally pay between $160-$209 on pet health insurance premiums annually [4]. Depending on your coverage, pet health insurance could help offset many of your puppy’s health care costs, from routine vet visits and vaccines to treatment for accidents and illnesses.

It’s a good idea to get pet health insurance as soon as possible for your pup, since it can cost a lot more as your dog ages or develops certain health conditions. Some policies only cover accidents and/or illnesses, while others can include preventative care for an added cost.

Tips for Managing First-Year Puppy Expenses

To help you better manage your expenses during your puppy’s first year of life, here are four helpful tips.

Get your puppy pet health insurance ASAP 

The longer you wait to get insurance, the greater the risk that your puppy may develop a pre-existing condition that may not be covered. 

“Schedule your wellness examination as soon as you get your puppy and sign up for insurance right after that,” Dr. Vaid recommends.

“Keep in mind, insurance companies often require medical records, and they often have a 15-day waiting period before coverage begins.”

Pet insurance can deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. For some breeds, this may include specific health issues, such as brachycephalic airway syndrome in French Bulldogs. Before selecting a plan, make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered.

Invest in training as soon as you can 

The sooner and better your puppy is trained, the less you will have to worry about accidents and injuries and the costs that accumulate with them. 

“Consider puppy training as early as 4 months for basic commands and one one-on-one training around 6 months of age,” Dr. Vaid urges.

Consider a ‘wellness plan’

Many veterinarians offer puppy parents the option of signing up for a “wellness plan” or “care plan.” These are essentially a discounted monthly subscription that covers the costs of all (or many) “puppy needs,” such as vaccines, dewormers, exams, and pre-operative lab work. 

“I recommend investing in these plans for the first year of your puppy’s life to cut costs on routine exams and required vaccinations your puppy will need,” Dr. Vaid says.

Plan for emergencies

Hopefully, you’ll never need it. But it’s a good idea to think about how you’ll care for your puppy in the event of an emergency. 

Dr. Vaid recommends building an emergency fund of at least $1,000 to $1,500 to cover surprise expenses.

“Puppies are not trained yet, so they will get into things they shouldn’t and may need to go to the ER for eating toxins or ingesting a toy they got too excited about,” she says. If your puppy ingests a dangerous foreign object, like a toy or sock, the surgery required to treat the issue can cost over $3,000 [10].

“Aside from that, intestinal parasites, ear infections, and GI upset are all common ailments that can happen to puppies in their first year.”

Even if you don’t have the cash reserves to cover such costs, there are other solutions that can help you prepare for the unexpected. For example, with a dedicated pet care credit card like CareCredit, you can focus on your puppy’s health instead of worrying about the cost. CareCredit offers flexible financing options that let pet parents pay for out-of-pocket pet health care costs over time.*

How Much Does a Puppy Cost in the First Year FAQs

How much is a puppy’s first vet visit?

Your puppy’s first visit to the vet is likely to include an extensive exam, vaccine shots (depending on your puppy’s age and what they are due for), and parasite prevention. It generally costs between $100 to $200, though that may vary according to region and your pup’s unique health needs [11].

How much do puppy shots cost?

“Puppy vaccines range from $40-$60 [each],” Dr. Vaid says. Typically, puppies will need three doses of distemper/parvo combo, two doses of leptospirosis, and one dose of rabies to meet the core vaccine guidelines issued by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). [12] Depending on their risk level, some puppies may also benefit from two doses of flu and one of Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines, which are non-core.

How much does it cost to neuter a puppy?

The average cost to neuter a male puppy is around $315 [13]. 

How much does it cost to spay a puppy?

The average cost to spay a female puppy is around $465 [13].

When do puppies start eating food and drinking water?

“Puppies start eating food and drinking water around 4 weeks of age,” Dr. Vaid says. “They should not be separated from their pack/adopted until 6-8 weeks of age.”

References

1. Synchrony Study Reveals Pet Owners Spend As Much As $55,000 During A Pet’s Lifetime. Synchrony. Jan 2022. Retrieved from https://www.synchrony.com/contenthub/newsroom/synchrony-study-reveals-pet-owners.html
2. Selecting a Purebred Puppy. Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. Updated July 2024. Retrieved from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/selecting-purebred-puppy
3. Adoption fees. Animal Humane Society. Retrieved from https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/adoption-fees
4. Lifetime of Care Study. Synchrony. Jan 2022. Retrieved from https://petlifetimeofcare.com/
5. Plotts, Edwin. How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost? Here’s Everything You Need to Know. Pawlicy Advisor. Retrieved from https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/vet-visit-cost/
6. Kleszynski, Brittany. How Much Do Puppy Shots Cost? GreatPetCare. March 2025. Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/new-dog/how-much-do-puppy-shots-cost/
7. Hanson, Mel. The Cost of Microchipping a Dog. Spots. Jan 2022. Retrieved from https://spots.com/microchip-cost/
8. Gibeault, Stephanie. Know the True Cost of Owning a Dog. American Kennel Club. Updated June 2023. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/know-true-cost-owning-dog/
9. Schifano, Joseph. How Much Is Dog Grooming: Understanding Grooming Costs. The Academy of Pet Careers. August 2023. Retrieved from https://www.theacademyofpetcareers.com/blog/how-much-is-dog-grooming/
10. Pets Best Claim Data, 1/2022 – 12/2022. Pets Best. Retrieved from https://www.petsbest.com/coverage/surgery-coverage
11. Elfenbein, Hanie. Puppy’s First Vet Visit: New Pet Parent’s Checklist. February 2024. Retrieved from https://www.greatpetcare.com/wellness/11-questions-to-ask-at-your-puppys-first-vet-visit/
12. 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines. The American Animal Hospital Association. Retrieved from https://www.aaha.org/resources/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/
13. Dog Spay vs Neuter: Age Guidelines, Benefits and Costs. CareCredit WellU. June 2024. Retrieved from https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/pet-care/dog-spay-vs-neuter/

*Subject to credit approval. See carecredit.com for details.

This information is shared solely for your convenience. Neither Synchrony nor any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, make any representations or warranties regarding the products described, and no endorsement is implied. You are urged to consult with your individual veterinarian with respect to any professional advice presented.