Lifetime cost of owning a dog can reach £21,000, research finds

The average lifetime cost of owning a dog is almost £21,000, according to a new study by raw food company Pro Dog Raw.

The cost of ownership varies according to the dog’s size, as the research found that the average lifetime cost of a dog weighing less than 15kg is £18,414; between 15kg-25kg it is £22,905; and for dogs over 25kgs, the average cost reaches £21,351.

Grooming and vet bills are among the biggest costs, with owners who need to or choose to have their dog professionally groomed can expect to pay out an average cost of £5,862 during the dog’s lifetime.

Healthcare costs were found to reach £4,012 on average, with large dog breeds costing the most at £4,348 during their lifetime. The research took into account initial puppy vaccinations, booster vaccinations, microchipping, neutering, flea and worming treatment to work out the average.

The products that were found to cost the least were items such as bowls, identification tags and leads/collars.

Meanwhile, picking up a dog’s poop will cost owners £507 on average during its lifetime, while tucking them into a cosy bed each night will cost an average of £760, the study added.

Looking at food, owners can expect to pay £4,256 across their dog’s lifetime for dry food and £4,711 for raw food.