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Written by Fact checked
Are you wondering how much does it cost to own a dog? Owning a dog brings many Aussies great joy and companionship, and it’s estimated that around 61% of households in Australia do have a pet. However, it's important to know that pet ownership comes with responsibilities and expenses.
The cost of taking care of a dog in Australia will vary depending on the type of dog you get, and what its feeding and health needs are. You'll need to consider things like how much it costs to get a dog in the first place, what you'll spend on food, trips to the vet, and other things like grooming. This Savvy guide to the cost of dog ownership will help you understand these costs so you can plan for taking great care of your new furry friend.
If you’re thinking about getting a new puppy, or even adopting a slightly older dog, there’s a shopping basket of things you’ll need to make sure your new furry friend has all the items needed to have a happy home. Here’s some of the initial costs for new dog ownership:
Initial cost of purchase or adoption:
The cost of acquiring a dog will vary widely depending on whether you adopt a dog from an animal shelter, purchase a puppy from a breeder, or buy one online or through word of mouth. Purebred puppies bought from a breeder can cost anywhere from $1,000 up to $5,000 or more, depending on the breed of dog you are after, and the popularity of the breed.
Currently, smaller ‘designer’ dogs are the most popular type of puppies in Australia, so expect to pay over $2,000 for a non-shedding puppy such as a Cavoodle, Moodle or Groodle, or pugs and smaller French bulldogs.
Larger breeds are generally cheaper, with breeds such as Blue or Red Heelers, German Shepherds, Labradors and Border Collies available from $800 to $1,500. See below for more detailed information about the cost of adopting a dog from an animal shelter.
Vaccinations:
You'll need to vaccinate your dog against many common diseases such as distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. In total puppies require three sets of vaccinations, their first at six to eight weeks old. Your new puppy should have had its first vaccinations by the time its ready for its forever home.
However, you will be responsible for booster vaccinations, which are typically given at 10-12 weeks and then 14-16 weeks. Budget around $80 to $120 for each of these booster doses.
Microchipping: Microchipping is mandatory in most Australian states and will cost between $50 and $80. Many puppies are microchipped by their breeders before being offered for sale, so you may not have to pay for the cost of microchipping if you purchase from a reputable dog breeder.
Desexing: Desexing your dog is compulsory in many states of Australia, and highly recommended for all animals that are not being kept for breeding purposes. Most dogs will need to be desexed between six and eight months of age, and that may cost between $250 and $500. Spaying of female dogs is slightly more expensive than neutering male dogs.
Council registration fees: It is compulsory in all states and territories of Australia to register your dog with your local council. Dog registration fees vary across local councils, but range from $40 to $150 per year. There are usually discounts given for dogs that are desexed and microchipped.
Initial dog needs:
These are the items that you’ll need immediately for your new puppy once you bring him or her home:
After the initial expense of buying your dog, and getting it set up with a bed, collar and toys, you'll have ongoing costs associated with your dog ownership, including:
When you adopt a dog from an animal shelter, initial expenses such as desexing, microchipping and vaccination will already have been taken care of. However, you will be responsible for the ongoing cost of vaccinating your dog each year.
The cost of adopting a homeless puppy or dog from an animal shelter will vary depending on several factors, including the breed of dog, the shelter's location, and the services included in the adoption fee.
On average, adoption fees for puppies typically range from $450 to $1,200 or more, while fees for adult dogs may be a little cheaper. However, these fees can be higher or lower based on the shelter's policies and the dog's age, breed, and size.
For example, RSPCA Victoria advertises the cost of puppy adoption as between $600 and $1,000, with adult dog adoption costing $450 to $1,200.
The annual cost of dog ownership in Australia can range from $1,500 to $2,500 or more, depending on various factors such as your dog's size, breed, health, and lifestyle. It's essential to budget for this expense to ensure your dog receives proper care and attention.
Yes, most councils offer reduced dog registration fees for aged pensioners and those who receive Centrelink assistance for low-income. Contact your local council to find out what discounts are available in your area for pensioners.
Yes, different dog breeds have varying health, grooming, and dietary needs. Some breeds are prone to specific health issues which might lead to higher vet bills. For example, Labradors and German Shepherds are well-known for having hip dysplasia issues. Longer-haired dogs like Lhasa Apsos will require very regular clipping, possibly eight to ten times a year. Before adopting a particular breed, research its breed-specific costs to ensure it aligns with your budget.
Pet insurance is highly recommended for dog owners. It helps cover unexpected and potentially expensive veterinary bills, which can amount to thousands of dollars if your beloved pet gets injured or sick. Monthly premiums for pet insurance typically range from $20 to $60, depending on the level of coverage and the dog's age and breed.
Looking into pet insurance for your beloved furry friend? Whether you have a playful pup or a curious cat, you can compare pet insurance options from a range of providers and find the perfect coverage that suits your pet's unique needs and your budget.
Fetch Care Plan |
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Pet insurance we think you’ll love. 24/7 vet support + dental, physio and behaviour cover added (see PDS) all in one app.More details |
Petsy Most Popular 80% Cover $150 Excess |
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Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.More details |
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Fetch Premium Plan |
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Pet insurance we think you’ll love. 24/7 vet support + dental, physio and behaviour cover added (see PDS) all in one app.More details |
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Multi-award winning pet insurance designed with the help of vets.More details |
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Petsy Value Cover 80% Cover $500 Excess |
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Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.More details |
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Petsy Top Cover |
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Protect your furry friend with Petsy's pet insurance policy. Get a free quote.More details |
Disclaimer: Savvy is not advising or recommending any particular product to you. We provide general information on products for the purposes of comparison, but your personal situation or goals are not considered here. Although we try to make our comparisons as thorough as possible, we do not have information on all products on the market on our site.
Savvy earns a commission each time a customer buys a pet insurance policy through our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased from these brands directly, as all purchases are conducted via the individual pet insurance companies.
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