The cost of ownership of a labrador
The first question you may ask is “How much is a puppy?”
Owning a Labrador is a joyful and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to understand the financial commitment before bringing a puppy into your home. The cost of owning a dog in the UK can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the breed, size, and health of the dog, as well as your lifestyle and location. Below, we explore the various costs associated with dog ownership, including initial expenses, ongoing monthly costs, and unexpected expenses, to help you make the most informed decision when looking for your next puppy. Most importantly we draw your attention to the benefits of bringing a well-bred, fully health screened puppy from a licenced breeder into your home versus a lower-cost puppy from an unknown breeder or rescue center.
At Glasybont Gundogs we have recorded the costs associated with the lifetimes of our dogs over the last 30 years. We have done this primarily to ensure that we can budget correctly for providing them the most fulfilled lives, but also to carefully plan the breeding in order to produce labradors that have the lowest veterinary costs over their lifetimes.
Some headline numbers before we dig into the details:
- Average lifespan of a pedigree Labrador is 12.6 years (Kennel Club data)
- Average lifetime cost averaged out per day of the Glasybont Labrador purchased at 8 weeks of age is £2.07
- Average lifetime cost averagedout per day of the pet-trained Glasybont Labrador purchased at 6 months of age is £2.87
A simple comparison to use would be buying a new, well-engineered car from a reputable dealer with a comprehensive warranty knowing you will not have to spend much money on repairs for many years, versus buying a second hand car with no service history and no warranty knowing there will be a significant risk of needing to spend a large amount of money on repairs, or even replace the car within a few years.
It’s simply a question of how much risk you are willing to take with what will hopefully become an integral and well-loved member of your family for over a decade…
INITIAL COSTS
Before you even bring a dog home there are several one-time costs to consider. These initial expenses can add up quickly, but they are necessary to ensure that your new pet is well-equipped and ready for a happy life with you and your family.
- Purchase Price or Adoption Fee
The first cost you’ll encounter is the price of the dog itself. If you choose to buy from a breeder, the cost can range widely depending on if the breeder is licenced, if the parents are fully health tested, and if the mating has been carefully planned to give the best possible genetic and health outcomes. For example, a pedigree dog from a reputable licenced breeder should cost anywhere from £2000 to over £3,000.
In the UK, if a person sells a dog under 6 months of age, they must be the registered owner and breeder of the mother of the litter. Unless the total litter is sold for under £1000 the breeder must be licenced to comply with law and all regulations for breeding.
In short, if you are paying more than £200 for a puppy then the breeder should provide you with evidence that they are licenced.
On the other hand, adopting a dog from a rescue center is generally more affordable, with fees typically ranging from £150 to £300. But with a rescue dog you have no information about the dog’s past or any indication of its future with regards to its health, behavioural traits, or associated future costs.
- Vaccinations and Microchipping
Once you have your dog, you’ll need to ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Initial vaccinations usually cost between £50 and £100. Microchipping is a legal requirement in the UK and typically costs around £15 to £30; all of which a licenced breeder will do for you prior to taking charge of your new puppy.
- Neutering/Spaying
If your dog isn’t already neutered or spayed, you should budget for this procedure if you are not planning on breeding. The cost can vary depending on the size and gender of the dog, but generally it ranges from £600 to £1500 depending on the procedure.
- Essential Equipment
To ensure your dog is safe and comfortable in their new home, you’ll need to purchase some essential items. Here at Glasybont, we recommend:
- Crate or carrier: £30 to £150
- A Dog bed: £40 to £100
- Collar and lead: £10 to £50
- Food and water bowls: £5 to £30
- Toys: £10 to £50
TOTAL INITIAL COSTS: When you add up the purchase or adoption fees, vaccinations, microchipping, neutering, and essential equipment, the initial cost of owning a dog can range from £500 to £3,500 or more. This is an important factor to consider when asking, “How much is a dog?” The initial outlay is just the beginning, and understanding the ongoing costs is crucial for long-term planning.
Ongoing Monthly Costs
Now that you’ve welcomed your new companion into your home, it’s time to consider the ongoing costs of dog ownership. These monthly expenses will be a significant part of your budget for the duration of your dog’s life.
- Food
The cost of dog food varies depending on the size of your dog and the quality of the food you choose. On average, you can expect to spend between £20 and £60 per month on dog food. Premium or specialised diets may cost more, but providing high-quality nutrition is essential for your dog’s health and longevity. At Glasybont we find that our dogs thrive on a regular diet (as described in our blog on nutrition) and we budget £30 per month per adult dog.
- Regular Veterinary Care
Even after the initial vaccinations, your dog will require regular veterinary check-ups, which may include annual vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and dental care. Routine veterinary visits help maintain the optimal heath of your dog, and costs can range from £10 to £30 per month. It is also wise to set aside some money each month for unexpected veterinary expenses not covered by insurance.
- Grooming
Grooming costs depend on the breed of your dog and whether you choose to groom them yourself or hire a professional. Some breeds require more regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free. Labradors rarely require the services of a professional groomer as long as you regularly brush the dogs coat to assist with the natural shedding of hair.
- PET Insurance
While it might seem like an optional expense. Pet insurance is highly recommended as it can prevent financial strain if your dog becomes ill or gets injured requiring one-time high vet bills. The cost of pet insurance can vary significantly depending on the level of cover and the breed of your dog, but you should expect to pay between £20 and £50 per month. This is one of the first recurring costs you’ll encounter, but it’s essential to consider as it can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
At Glasybont we choose not to insure our dogs, but rather to put aside a sum each month to cover any vet bills. In our experience, any vet bills other than associated with neutering or breed costs are generally incurred within the last 6 months of the dog’s life. At this point most insurers will not cover the dog due to its advanced age.
Instead, our insurance is the expert planning we put into the breeding and comprehensive health screening that we do – all before you even take your new puppy home.
- Dog Walking and Daycare
If you work long hours or are frequently away from home, you may need to consider dog walking or daycare services. Dog walking typically costs between £10 to £15 per walk, while doggy daycare can range from £30 to £50 per day. These services ensure that your dog gets the exercise, mental stimulation, and socialisation they need, even when you’re not around.
TOTAL MONTHLY COSTS: So, how much does a dog cost per month? On average, you can expect to spend between £50 and £70 per month on your dog’s care and well-being. This estimate includes food, regular veterinary care, pet insurance, and grooming, but can vary depending on your dog’s specific needs and your lifestyle. Additional costs, such as dog walking or daycare, can significantly increase your monthly budget.
Unexpected Costs
While it’s important to budget for the expected monthly costs of owning a dog, it’s equally crucial to prepare for the unexpected. Dogs can unexpectedly develop health issues, require emergency veterinary care, or need surgery, all of which can result in significant costs.
- Veterinary Emergencies
Even with pet insurance, there are often excess fees and limits on coverage that mean you could still face substantial out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a veterinary emergency. Surgery, diagnostic tests, or treatment for chronic conditions can quickly add up, sometimes costing thousands of pounds.
- Replacement of Damaged Items
Puppies are often known for their tendency to chew on furniture, shoes, and other household items. While this behaviour can be managed with training over time, there’s always the possibility that you’ll need to replace damaged items, adding to the overall cost of ownership. Choosing to have a pet trained labrador significantly mitigates this risk!
Owning a dog is a long-term commitment, both emotionally and financially. Understanding the costs involved is crucial to ensuring that you can provide a stable and loving home for your pet throughout their lifetime. From the initial purchase price or adoption fee to the ongoing monthly expenses, the question “How much is a dog?” encompasses much more than just the upfront cost. It’s about being prepared for the responsibility and ensuring that your dog’s needs are met; both now and in the future.
By carefully considering all of these factors, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about bringing a dog into your life, ensuring that both you and your new companion enjoy a happy and healthy relationship for many years to come.