Dogs bring joy, companionship, and love, but owning a dog does come with a price tag. Apart from the initial cost of a dog, and initial purchases such as dog crates, a leash, and a collar, etc. But there are also ongoing costs with owning a dog, such as food, toys, veterinarian visits, etc. You might have additional costs that are related to the breed of dog you have, for example, high grooming costs or the need to hire a certified behavioral specialist if you're struggling to train your puppy.
However, you can keep costs low if you are creative and with some careful planning. You can still provide a loving and enriched life for your dog with everything they need without spending more than you need to. So, whether you’ve had a dog for a long time or you're about to welcome a new puppy into your home, there are many ways to cut back on costs.
In this article, we take a look at 10 ways to save money when you own a pet dog and to reduce pet costs.
The first obvious way to keep costs down is to adopt a dog and purchase a dog from a shelter. Shelters often ask for a modest adoption fee to cover costs, but the fee usually includes all the vaccinations, microchip, and your dog will likely be spayed or neutered. Many people sadly have to surrender their dog, especially with rising housing costs, and you can offer a 2nd chance to a dog that is looking for a new family and home.
For any dog owner, one of the ways to save money is to purchase high-quality dog food in larger bags or bulk quantities. This can really add up in savings over a year. You could try warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club, or sign up for subscription services that offer discounts for repeat deliveries. You can find offers with bulk purchase on subscription at online shops like Amazon. Just make sure you store the food correctly and check the dates carefully to ensure you maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on toys for your dog. They do need mental stimulation, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on store-bought toys. Many dog toys don't actually last very long for some dogs as well. You can get strong, long-lasting toys, but your dog could get bored with these quickly anyway, so you could find yourself constantly buying new toys to maintain your dog's attention.
You can make dog toys from things you already have at home, like old t-shirts, towels, tennis balls, or empty plastic bottles. Keep your dog's attention by rotating toys, and be sure to make sure any homemade toys are safe and free of choking hazards.
You can sign up for loyalty or subscription programs, cashback apps, or referral bonuses available from many pet stores or online stores. You can also look into Apps like Chewy, PetSmart, or Petco, which often have rotating deals, coupons, and discounts that can help you reduce costs. You can also sign up for email alerts or browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten to automatically find coupon codes when you shop online. These small reductions in costs can all add up over the year.
Professional grooming can be a really significant cost, especially if you purchase a dog breed with particular grooming needs to keep their coat in top condition. It can cost anywhere from $40- $100 per grooming session, depending on the breed and services. So, you can see how this can really increase! You can learn from tutorials on YouTube and buy grooming kits online that will soon pay for themselves. If you teach yourself basic grooming, such as brushing, nail trimming, bathing, and even haircuts, you can save hundreds annually.
Veterinarian bills can really eat into your budget, especially if your dog develops a health condition that could have been prevented. It is a good idea to keep up with routine care for your dog, such as regular checkups, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and dental care. This might seem like an expense you could miss now, but it is best to keep up with all these regular preventative care as they will help avoid more expensive treatments later. You could ask your vet if they offer wellness plans or preventative care packages that spread costs out over the year.
Another way to take care of your dog proactively is to spay or neuter early. It not only prevents accidental puppies, which would be a significant cost for you to care for, but it can also reduce the risk of certain cancers and behavioral issues, which will save you money in the long run. Many shelters and nonprofit organizations offer low-cost or even free spay or neuter services, so it’s worth doing some research to see what’s available in your area.
Try training your dog yourself, for example, look on YouTube, there are some great videos online from professionals that can help you save money, as formal training from a professional dog trainer can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. There are affordable online courses and books to help you teach your dog everything from basic commands to advanced tricks—all while strengthening your bond. However, if you are struggling with training your dog, reach out to a professional.
If you travel regularly, you will want to take a look at how to save money with pet boarding, as this can get expensive quickly. You can consider asking trusted friends or family to help, or if you need to find a sitter, try using apps like Rover or Wag. Or you might want to consider pet-sitting swaps with other dog owners in your neighborhood. If your dog gets to know a regular sitter, it can be less stressful when you go away.
You might want to try to save money by considering pet insurance. Although it can seem like quite a large monthly expense, it can be a money-saver in the long run, especially if your dog faces an emergency or develops a chronic condition. You will need to compare policy prices and details carefully, compare coverage, exclusions, and reimbursement rates across different providers. You can look at your best options through websites like Pawlicy Advisor or PetInsuranceReview.com.
You don’t need to spend an excessive amount of money to keep a dog, and for them to have a healthy, happy, and enriched life. Your dog cares most about being with their family and being loved. There are lots of ways to save money when you own a pet dog, from bulk buying food to grooming at home and even making DIY toys.
Many people are struggling with rising costs, so it’s worth trying to keep costs down so you don’t have to take that heartbreaking decision in the future about whether or not you have to surrender your dog. By making a few cost savings, you can have a long, happy, and affordable future with your beloved pooch!
05 November, 2025