DogOwnerToolkit

Calculator

How much does a dog really cost in the UK?

A realistic, pounds-and-pence look at monthly, yearly, and ten-year dog ownership costs using UK pricing.

Adjust the sliders and dropdowns to see how size, age, insurance, grooming, and walking change your monthly spend. Totals are estimates to help you budget before you commit.

Inputs

Insurance cover

Insurance is a major driver of predictability. No insurance means you self-insure emergency costs.

Location

Used to add a modest uplift to labour-heavy services like grooming and walking.

Results

Estimated costs

Monthly total

£138.32

Annual total

£1,659.84

10-year planning view

£16,598.40

Breakdown (per month)

Rounded to pounds and pence
Food
£55.00
Insurance
£28.00
Routine vet & parasite control
£20.16
Grooming
£20.16
Walking or daycare
£0.00
Misc (toys, replacements)
£15.00

Notes

  • London and South East uplift of 12% is applied to vet care, grooming, and walking/daycare only.
  • Figures exclude emergencies, dental work, training packages, and upfront costs such as adoption fees or crates.
  • Totals are rounded to pounds. Real quotes can vary widely by breed, postcode, and pre-existing conditions.
  • This tool is for planning only — speak with your vet, trainer, or insurer for advice on your situation.

How to reduce costs without cutting welfare

  • Buy food in larger bags or subscribe for discounts, but keep an eye on storage and expiry dates.
  • Ask insurers about co-pay options to balance premiums with unexpected costs — skipping insurance entirely is risky.
  • Book routine vet care and grooming in quieter periods to secure better slots and sometimes lower prices.
  • Swap some paid walks for trusted friends or neighbours, but always agree expectations and insurance cover.
  • Budget separately for training and emergency vet care so you are not caught out by behaviour or accident costs.

Assumptions & disclaimer

We publish the exact inputs so you can sanity check whether they fit your household.

  • Food per month: small £35, medium £55, large £80.
  • Insurance per month: none £0, basic £28, lifetime £55.
  • Routine vet and parasite care per month: puppy £22, adult £18, senior £28.
  • Grooming per month: minimal £5, occasional £18, regular £45.
  • Paid walking/daycare per month: none £0, some £120, frequent £260.
  • Miscellaneous toys/replacements per month: small £12, medium £15, large £18.
  • Location uplift: London & South East +12% on grooming, routine vet, and walking/daycare.

This is a planning tool, not financial advice. Prices change quickly and vary by breed, postcode, and health history. Get real quotes from vets, insurers, groomers, and walkers before committing to a dog.

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