Dogs are a great addition to your life and your family. However, they are also a very expensive household pet.

If you’re thinking about getting a new furry friend to have around the house, there are a few costs you need to take into consideration.

The price of purchasing dogs is variable from purebreds that can cost $4,000 or more, to rehoming an unwanted pet that can be picked up from the local vet or SPCA and costs nothing.

Then there are the expenses to meet the general needs of dogs. This includes a kennel, bedding, food and water bowls, toys/enrichment resources, and replacements.

You may need to install fencing at your house to ensure your dog is safe and secure.

Microchipping and de-sexing will cost around $300 and vaccinations around $150. Plus, there is the ongoing cost of flea and worm treatments which can cost over $200 per year. There may also be additional veterinary health relating to injuries or illness.

Then there is the ongoing cost of feeding your dog. This can be very expensive and is estimated at between $400-$700 a year, excluding any special treats.

There may also be additional costs depending on your dog’s breed, such as grooming which can be $40-$80 or a doggy boarding kennel for when you go away.

In line with New Zealand legislation, all dogs over the age of three months will need to be registered with their local council. This year the cost of registering a dog in Wairoa is $100 for a dog that is not classified as dangerous, menacing or a working dog. This is a recurring annual cost.

Another cost a lot of owners don’t factor in is the time you need to spend with your dog. Responsible dog owners need to take time out of their day to walk, feed, train and generally enjoy their dog’s company.

The NZ Companion Animal Council estimates the cost of a dog sets owners back by around $1,686 per year. This cost is always much higher in the dog’s first year. With the average life expectancy of a dog being 14 years, the cost of your furry friend over its lifetime will be around $22,000.

Dogs cost owners a lot of time and work. If you’re a busy person who works long hours or has a busy household, you are encouraged to consider all these factors before committing to a new pet.

New dogs owners need to decide whether they are financially and emotionally able to support their dogs.

28 April 2022

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