What is included in setup costs?

The one-off items most households buy before or soon after the puppy arrives: crate, bed, harness and lead, bowls, initial training classes and a general allowance for toys, chews and the things that get replaced.

Should I include neutering?

Only if you have discussed timing with your vet. Add it to the veterinary allowance if it falls within the first year for your dog.

Puppy First-Year Cost Calculator

The first year with a puppy front-loads the spending. Equipment, vaccinations, neutering decisions, training classes and a run of replaced chewed items all land before the routine costs settle down.

Use this calculator to separate the one-off setup costs from the monthly running costs and to see a realistic first-year total. Every figure is editable, and the itemised checklist doubles as a shopping list.

Currency

Every figure below is entered and shown in this currency. Nothing is pre-filled and nothing is converted between currencies, so the figures you enter stay exactly as you enter them.

Show figures in

Your dog

Choosing a breed fills in the size band and shows the typical monthly range from the breed guide.

BreedOptional

Expected adult size

Setup costs

One-off spending before or soon after the dog arrives.

Purchase or adoption feeOptional

The breeder price or rescue adoption fee. Enter 0 if it does not apply or is not known yet.

CrateOptional

The price of the crate you intend to buy.

BedOptional

The price of the bed you intend to buy. Washable covers save money later.

Harness and leadOptional

Puppies outgrow harnesses, so budget for more than one.

Other setup costsOptional

Bowls, toys, chews, stair gate, car restraint and the things that get replaced.

Training classesOptional

The price of a local course. Enter 0 if you are not planning classes.

Monthly costs

FoodOptional

Check the feeding guide and the price of the food you intend to use.

InsuranceOptional

Premiums vary with breed, age, address and cover, so enter a real quote rather than an estimate.

Walking or daycareOptional

Walks or daycare days per week multiplied by the local rate. Enter 0 if not needed.

Treats, chews and replacementsOptional

Puppies get through more than adults. Enter 0 if you would rather not budget for it.

Grooming frequency

Home grooming onlyProfessional visit every 12 weeksProfessional visit every 8 weeksProfessional visit every 6 weeks

Annual allowances

First-year veterinary allowanceOptional

Vaccination course, checks and parasite control. Add neutering if your vet advises it this year.

Contingency

Contingency on monthly costsOptional

Optional buffer for the unexpected, as a percentage of monthly spending.

Questions

Questions about this tool

What is included in setup costs?: The one-off items most households buy before or soon after the puppy arrives: crate, bed, harness and lead, bowls, initial training classes and a general allowance for toys, chews and the things that get replaced.
Should I include neutering?: Only if you have discussed timing with your vet. Add it to the veterinary allowance if it falls within the first year for your dog.

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Puppy First-Year Cost Calculator

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Puppy First-Year Cost Calculator

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