The lifetime cost of owning a dog totals more than £20,000, according to new research conducted pet food brand ProDog Raw.
The company’s researchers analysed publicly available data on the cost of various products and services for small, medium and large dogs across their respective lifetimes, to determine how much owners can expect to pay when caring for their dog. Factors considered in the research included food, pet insurance, vet bills and grooming costs, as well as toys, poo bags and dog beds.
The research found that medium dog breeds, such as Border collies, beagles and springer spaniels cost the most on average, at £22,905 during their lifetime, while large dogs such as Great Danes, Newfoundlands and St. Bernards came in at a slightly lower cost of £21,351, mostly due to their shorter lifespan. Toy and small breeds were found to be the cheapest dogs to own, costing £18,414 on average during their lifetime.
The ongoing cost of living crisis remains a concern for many dog owners, with 68% agreeing that it is more expensive to look after their pet in 2022 compared to 2021, according to RSPCA research, with the organisation reporting a 17% increase in abandonments from 2020 to 2021 and a 24% increase in 2022.
ProDog raw hopes that its research will help to educate those thinking about buying or adopting a dog about the true cost and level of responsibility, in an effort to decrease abandonment numbers.
Heidi Maskelyne of ProDog Raw said: “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas. We’ve all heard that saying before, but as Christmas draws near and costs continue to rise, those planning on buying or adopting a puppy need to consider the real cost of owning a dog now more than ever. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear that the number of animal abandonments is rising, and while this can be due to various reasons, statistics tell us that a predominant cause for concern is the affordability of a pet.
“We conducted this research in the hope that it will give people useful insight into the responsibility of owning a dog, as well as sharing some key resources with those who are already struggling with rising costs. We understand more than most that owning a dog is one of the most rewarding aspects of life, but ensuring that a dog has a happy and healthy life is no easy task and one that should be considered very carefully.”
Additional detail from the study can be reached here.
