Dogs are beloved pets around the world and favorites of pet owners in Australia. Owning a dog has many benefits, including being more active and reducing stress. However, the biggest drawbacks are the price of buying or adopting a dog and the ongoing cost of caring for it.
Before making the final decision to own a pet, no matter where you are, you need to carefully consider whether you can afford it. This guide will tell you the average cost of a dog in Australia, both for initial expenses and recurring costs.
How much does a dog cost in Australia?
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Before going into the cost of all the responsibilities you have as a new pet owner, you need to go over the initial outlay for your new pet.
In general, adoptions are cheaper than going to a breeder. Rescues and shelters can charge up to $500, depending on the animal, its age and whether it had to be neutered or neutered or vaccinated up to date. You might also find someone who gives away puppies for free.
A breeder is much more expensive. They can charge anywhere between $500 and $5,000, if not more, in some cases. This changes depending on the breed of dog and the demand for the breeder’s services. The fee usually also covers a thorough medical history of the parents and the puppy, age-appropriate vaccinations and pedigree certificates.
However, it’s not just the initial costs of owning a dog that you need to keep in mind. You also need to consider the ongoing cost of food, vet visits, and other essentials, like collars, microchips, toys, and even registering your dog with your local council.
The average dog owner in Australia spends around $3,200 per dog over a year.
Additional costs to be expected
Remember that there are many more costs than the initial outlay, food, and basic supplies to consider. Most are ongoing throughout your dog’s life.
Boarding
Sometimes you have to leave your dog at home for a few days. Housing them in a kennel is often your only choice to ensure your dog is taken care of. Kennels can be expensive, especially for long trips.
Grooming
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Even if you don’t mind hiring a professional groomer for your dog’s grooming needs, it’s always helpful to have a few brushes on hand. You will need at least a good brush suitable for your dog’s coat, as well as nail clippers, a toothbrush and dog toothpaste.
Medical
Veterinary fees cover everything from routine checkups to unforeseen illnesses and accidents. Although pet insurance can help offset some of the costliest emergency surgeries, you should always budget for a policy that covers you and your dog.
Coaching
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If you’re a new dog owner or just need help correcting unwanted behavior, sometimes hiring a dog trainer is the best choice. Prices vary depending on the intensity of the training. Even if you train your dog yourself, you need to consider the cost of treats and training supplies.
What are the benefits of owning a dog?
The cost of a pet is a big issue for many people. But while there are a few downsides other than cost – like needing energy to keep up with a dog – most dog owners agree that the benefits far outweigh the downsides.
Dogs have a unique ability to encourage more activity. Taking them for daily walks and visiting dog parks for fetch play are great ways to get exercise in the summer. Dogs can also keep you more active during the quiet, slow winter months. While it can be tempting to stay warm indoors, banding together and enjoying the outdoors with your dog can be the perfect way to end a long week.
It’s not just physical benefits either. A 2016 study from Harvard Medical School found that a dog’s unconditional love and loyalty can help reduce loneliness and stress in some people.
How to choose a dog
Many people are afraid of owning a dog because of the initial costs of buying a dog from a breeder and then the ongoing costs of care. Here are some tips to help you decide if a dog is right for your home.
raise
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Space
When you decide to get a dog, it can be easy to hang on to the first ones you can think of. However, not all breeds are suitable for all families and homes. You need to choose a dog that matches your lifestyle. If you don’t have a lot of free time and enjoy lazy days at home, a low-maintenance, low-energy dog will be ideal.
Size is also something to consider. The bigger a dog is, the more food it will eat and the more you will spend on storing kibble.
Sometimes the most important factor to consider when it comes to getting a dog is the space you have. Small dogs take up much less space than a large breed, but many have a lot of energy that will need to be burned off. A house with a yard might be the best choice for energetic breeds – large or small – rather than a small apartment.
Should you go to a rescue or a breeder?
Although the recurring costs of owning a dog are more or less the same with purebred, designer or mixed breeds, the initial cost can vary. Often it is better to visit a shelter or rescue than to buy from a breeder. Not only are shelter dogs more affordable, but they are also the ones most in need of loving homes.
A rescue will also usually spay or neuter animals that come in through their doors, saving you the expense later.
The downside to rescues and shelters, however, is that you may not find the pedigree or designer breed you care about. You can still find a forever friend who will be just as loving as a pedigree or designer breed, but you won’t be able to join the pedigree show circuits. If you want a show dog, you will need pedigree papers from a reputable breeder.
Ultimately, the choice between a shelter and a breeder comes down to your budget, your preferences, and whether you want a show dog or a companion animal.
Conclusion
The initial cost of a dog in Australia can vary between $0 and $5,000, depending on whether you visit a shelter or a breeder. There are also ongoing costs that you need to consider throughout your dog’s lifetime. These include accessories, food, veterinary care, pet insurance, grooming supplies, and training.
Although dogs can be an expensive liability, they can encourage you to be more active and make an otherwise empty home feel welcoming. Before deciding to get a dog, however, you need to make sure you can afford the ongoing costs.
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