The Real Cost of Dog Parenthood in Canada (2025 Edition)
Bringing a dog into your life is a joyful experience—but it's also a financial commitment that requires thoughtful planning. Rover's 2025 report sheds light on the expenses Canadian dog parents can anticipate, helping you prepare for the journey ahead.
💰 Upfront Costs: Starting Your Journey
Getting started with a new dog involves more than just adoption or purchase fees. You’ll need essentials like a bed, leash, bowls, toys, and grooming tools. Add to that the initial vet visit, vaccinations, microchip, and spay/neuter surgery, and it’s easy to see how the first few weeks can get expensive.
These are one-time costs—but they lay the foundation for your dog’s health and comfort.
Initial expenses when bringing a dog home:
Adoption fees: $135–$735
Breeder costs: $1,550–$3,750
Spay/neuter surgery: $770–$990
Microchip & ID: $15–$90
Initial vet exam: $115–$150
Vaccinations: $155–$655
Preventative medications: $15–$295
Essential supplies (bed, leash, bowls): $260–$865
Grooming tools: $165–$315
Food & treats: $60–$300
Cleaning supplies: $40–$135
Pet license: $10–$50
Toys: $5–$50
Note: Adoption often includes spay/neuter, microchipping, and initial vaccinations, making it a cost-effective option.
📅 Annual Expenses: Ongoing Care
Once you’ve settled in, the costs shift to recurring care. Every year, expect to spend money on quality food, annual vet checkups, flea/tick and heartworm prevention, grooming, toys, and replacements for worn-out supplies.
Medium and large dogs often cost more due to their size—they eat more, need stronger gear, and sometimes require more expensive medication or grooming.
Planning can make these annual costs more manageable.
Yearly costs for dog essentials:
Small breeds: $965–$2,500
Medium breeds: $2,500–$3,500
Large breeds: $3,500–$4,020
Monthly breakdown: Approximately $80–$335, covering food, routine vet visits, grooming, and supplies.
🐶 Lifetime Costs: The Big Picture
When you commit to a dog, you’re looking at 8–15 years (or more) of care. Lifetime costs vary by breed and size, with large dogs being the most expensive over time. These totals include everything from routine care to aging-related needs like joint supplements or special diets.
Seeing the full picture reminds us: dogs aren’t short-term companions—they’re lifelong family members.
Estimated total over your dog's lifetime:
Small breeds (10–15 years): Up to $17,343
Medium breeds (10–13 years): $33,250–$35,639
Large breeds (8–12 years): Up to $53,935
Factors influencing costs include breed, size, health conditions, and lifespan.
⚠️ Additional Expenses: Planning for the Unexpected
Not every cost is predictable. Emergency vet visits, dental care, or last-minute boarding can hit your budget hard. These costs aren’t always talked about, but they’re very real. Setting aside an emergency fund or getting pet insurance can offer peace of mind and prevent financial stress during tough moments.
Even healthy dogs can surprise you with the occasional “ate-something-they-shouldn’t-have” emergency!
Potential extra costs:
Emergency vet visits: $1,525–$6,680
Dental cleanings: $300–$700 per session
Professional grooming: $50–$100 per session
Dog walking/daycare: $15–$40 per day
End-of-life care: $1,145–$4,350
Tip: Consider pet insurance or a dedicated savings fund to manage unforeseen expenses.
🧾 Budgeting Tips: Making It Work
Plan: Create a monthly budget for pet expenses.
Prioritize needs: Focus on essentials like nutrition and healthcare.
Shop smart: Look for deals on supplies and consider subscription services.
Emergency fund: Set aside funds for unexpected costs.
Remember, the love and companionship of a dog are priceless, but being financially prepared ensures a happy life for both of you.
For more detailed information, visit Rover's full report on the cost of dog parenthood in Canada