How much does a puppy cost? purchase & maintenance

The cost of a puppy can vary greatly depending on the breed and where you purchase it. In any case you should consider any potential costs before buying a puppy and you should always have some extra savings for eventual vet bills.

On average you should expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000. This includes the purchase price of the puppy, basic equipment, and minimum vet costs for check-ups, deworming, and vaccinations. If you prefer a certain type of breed, however, the purchase alone can cost up to $3000 and more (a lot more).

Maintenance costs should also be taken into consideration when purchasing a puppy. This includes food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and routine vet visits for check-ups, vaccinations, and other medical care. 

Depending on the size, breed, and age of the puppy, food costs can range from $30-$90 per month. Puppy food is usually more expensive than adult food and some puppies may need to eat two or three times a day. 

The costs for the basic set of puppy equipment, such as bowls, bed, grooming supply and a few toy will be $100 minimum and up to $500 (and more). This does not include any special acquirements such as clothes and costumes.