Choosing a dog
How much does it cost to own a dog per year?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Budget roughly 900 to 2,200 EUR (800 to 1,900 GBP) a year for an average, healthy medium sized dog once the first year of setup costs has passed. That covers food, routine vet visits, parasite prevention, grooming, and basic supplies. Small dogs land toward the lower end and large or giant breeds toward the higher end, mainly because they eat more and need bigger doses of anything they take. Costs vary widely by country, so treat this as a starting range rather than a fixed figure.
What makes up the yearly total
Food is usually the biggest recurring line, running about 250 to 600 EUR (220 to 520 GBP) a year for a mid sized dog on a decent quality diet. Routine vet care, including an annual check-up and vaccinations, typically adds 150 to 350 EUR (130 to 300 GBP), and year round flea, tick, and worming prevention another 80 to 180 EUR (70 to 155 GBP).
On top of that, grooming, toys, bedding replacement, and a license or registration fee where one applies can add another 150 to 400 EUR (130 to 350 GBP). None of these figures include emergency vet care, which is why many owners set aside a separate buffer or look into insurance.
Why size changes the number so much
A 6 kg terrier and a 35 kg retriever do not eat the same portions, and the retriever's food bill alone can be two to three times higher over a year. Medications are often dosed by body weight too, so a larger dog's flea treatment or joint supplement costs more per dose even at the same brand and strength.
Turning this into a real budget
A practical approach is to divide your chosen yearly figure by twelve and set that amount aside monthly, even in months when nothing is due. That way a routine vet bill or a bag of food does not feel like a surprise expense, and you build a small cushion for the months when nothing goes wrong.
Key takeaways
- A medium sized, healthy dog typically costs 900 to 2,200 EUR (800 to 1,900 GBP) a year in ongoing expenses.
- Food, routine vet care, and parasite prevention make up most of the recurring cost.
- Larger dogs cost noticeably more to feed and medicate than small ones.
- Setting aside a fixed monthly amount smooths out irregular bills better than paying as they arrive.