What is the average cost of owning a dog?

The average cost of owning a dog depends on the age of the dog and the breed. The approximate cost of the first year of care for the dog ranges from $1,314 for a small dog and $1,843 for a large dog, as of 2015.

The cost of owning a dog includes food, health care, grooming, obedience class and spaying or neutering. Important health care costs to factor in when owning a dog includes regular vaccinations, heartworm medications, deworming, basic blood tests and flea medications. When preparing to own a dog, it's important to plan ahead to ensure the dog gets the proper care it needs. For any kind of pet owned, it's crucial to set money aside for emergency situations that might arise.