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Cost Of Owning A Dog

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Dr. Avery Langston

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Dog by State?

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Bringing a dog home is one of life's great joys, but it comes with a price tag that surprises many first-time pet owners.

According to Rover's 2025 True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report, annual dog ownership costs now range from $1,390 to $5,295, depending on breed, size, age, and location, an increase of up to 130% compared to 2020. Over a dog's lifetime, the average cost of care reaches approximately $34,550 for a 10-year-old dog, according to the same Rover 2025 report.

But here's what most guides don't tell you: where you live matters enormously. The cost of owning a dog in Massachusetts is roughly 35% above the national average, while owners in Idaho or Oklahoma can care for the same dog for significantly less.

State-level differences in veterinary fees, pet insurance premiums, food prices, and local service costs create wide financial variation across all 50 states.

This guide gives you the most complete, state-by-state breakdown of dog ownership costs available, covering everything from upfront acquisition fees to end-of-life expenses, so you can budget with confidence.

If you are a renter, you may also want to explore how an emotional support animal letter can legally eliminate pet deposits and pet rent under the Fair Housing Act.

What Is the True Cost of Owning a Dog?

Dog ownership costs fall into two broad categories: upfront costs paid once (or in the first year) and recurring annual costs that continue for the dog's entire life. The tables below are sourced from Rover's 2025 True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report and the ASPCA's annual pet care cost estimates, both publicly verifiable.

Upfront / First-Year Costs

Expense	Cost Range	Notes
Adoption from shelter	$30 – $455	Often includes vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip (Rover 2025; 19% decrease from 2024)
Purchase from breeder	$775 – $4,750	1,039% increase from 2024 (Rover 2025); add $1,380 for vaccines + spay/neuter
Initial vet visit + vaccines	$200 – $500	Puppies require multiple rounds; includes rabies, DHPP, Bordetella (ASPCA)
Spay/Neuter surgery	$75 – $600	Female dogs cost more due to procedure complexity (ASPCA)
Microchip	$25 – $60	One-time cost; often included in shelter adoption fee
Dog license/registration	$5 – $95/year	Required by most municipalities; renews annually
Starter supplies (crate, leash, collar, bed, bowls, toys)	$200 – $700	Varies by brand and dog size (Rover 2025)
Basic obedience training	$30 – $300	Group class vs. private sessions
TOTAL FIRST YEAR	$1,150 – $4,420	Source: Rover True Cost of Pet Parenthood 2025

Source: Rover True Cost of Pet Parenthood 2025 (rover.com/blog/press-release/cost-of-pet-parenthood-2025); ASPCA Pet Care Costs (aspca.org/adopt/pet-care/general-cat-care)

Annual Recurring Costs

Expense Category	Annual Cost Range	Notes & Sources
Food & treats	$655 – $1,905	Largest category; ~47% of budget (Forbes Advisor). Dry kibble vs. fresh food gap: up to $3,000/yr (Rover 2025)
Routine veterinary care	$75 – $730	1–2 wellness visits/year for healthy adult dog; up 11% in 2025 (Rover 2025)
Pet insurance (accident & illness)	$407 – $900	Insurify 2026 database; varies by state, breed, age, deductible
Flea, tick & heartworm prevention	$120 – $420	Up from $40–$200 in 2020 (Rover 2025). Year-round in warm climates
Grooming	$0 – $1,200	DIY: minimal. Professional: $50–$100/session every 6–8 weeks
Dog walking / boarding / daycare	$0 – $3,600+	Dog walking: $15–$30/30 min. Boarding: $40/night avg. Daycare: $25–$45/day (Rover)
Dental cleanings	$430 – $600	Up from $60–$80 in 2020 (Rover 2025). Recommended 1–2x/year
Toys & accessories	$50 – $730	Treats: $50–$730; toys: $35–$200 (Rover 2025)
TOTAL ANNUAL (range)	$1,390 – $5,295	Source: Rover True Cost of Pet Parenthood 2025

Sources: Rover True Cost of Pet Parenthood 2025 · Insurify 2026 Pet Insurance Database · ASPCA Annual Pet Care Costs

📌 Note: Important: These are national averages for a single adult dog. Your actual costs will vary based on state of residence, dog size and breed, and your lifestyle choices (professional grooming, dog walking, boarding frequency).

The Cost of Owning a Dog by State: Full 50-State Breakdown

Pet ownership costs vary by state for several interconnected reasons: local cost of living, regional veterinary pricing, pet insurance market competition, density of pet service providers, and climate (which affects parasite prevention spending). The estimates below apply BEA Regional Price Parity indices to Rover 2025 and Insurify 2026 national baselines — the same transparent methodology used by federal economists to compare cost of living across states.

Methodology: BEA Regional Price Parity index (bea.gov) applied to Rover 2025 annual cost baselines (food, vet, services) and Insurify 2026 pet insurance state-level quote database. Costs represent a single adult dog, standard care, no major medical emergencies.

Cost Tiers: Low = under $1,600/yr | Moderate = $1,600–$1,900/yr | High = $1,900–$2,200/yr | Very High = $2,200+/yr

Most Expensive States for Dog Ownership

Rank	State	Est. Annual Cost	Key Cost Driver
1	Massachusetts	$2,275 – $2,900	Highest overall cost of living; 35.78% above national average (Rover 2025)
2	Hawaii	$2,198 – $2,800	Island supply chains drive up all goods and services
3	New York	$2,164 – $2,750	NYC metro vet costs among highest nationally; premium services
4	California	$2,000 – $2,700	Highest dog vaccination costs in U.S.; high vet fees
5	Delaware	$2,000 – $2,864	Dog food costs $200+ more/year than most states
6	Washington	$1,900 – $2,500	Highest estimated lifetime dog cost: $97,752 (Rover)
7	Minnesota	$1,800 – $2,400	High service costs; cold climate increases some expenses
8	Wisconsin	$1,750 – $2,300	Above-average food and veterinary costs
9	Ohio	$1,700 – $2,200	Dense urban areas drive up service pricing
10	Connecticut	$1,700 – $2,200	New England cost of living premium

Most Affordable States for Dog Ownership

Rank	State	Est. Annual Cost	Key Savings Factor
1	Idaho	$1,232 – $1,500	Below-average cost of living; BEA RPP well under national average
2	Oklahoma	$1,200 – $1,435	Low food costs; highly competitive pet insurance market
3	North Dakota	$1,200 – $1,450	Low population density = lower service prices
4	South Dakota	$1,200 – $1,450	Rural state with minimal premium pet service markup
5	Arkansas	$1,200 – $1,500	Lowest vet visit costs regionally; below-average food prices
6	Mississippi	$1,300 – $1,500	Low cost of living translates to affordable pet care
7	Kansas	$1,403 – $1,600	16% below U.S. average; competitive vaccine pricing
8	Louisiana	$1,300 – $1,450	Low pet insurance premiums; ~$395–$550/year
9	Nebraska	$1,280 – $1,650	Rural Midwest pricing keeps costs manageable
10	West Virginia	$1,250 – $1,600	Low RPP; affordable food and vet pricing

Complete 50-State Cost Table

State	Annual Food Cost	Annual Vet Cost	Pet Insurance/yr	Est. Annual Total	Cost Tier
Alabama	$655–$870	$180–$280	$407–$560	$1,250–$1,600	Low
Alaska	$960–$1,200	$290–$450	$520–$700	$1,950–$2,600	Very High
Arizona	$750–$960	$240–$360	$450–$600	$1,500–$2,000	Moderate
Arkansas	$610–$820	$170–$260	$390–$530	$1,200–$1,500	Low
California	$960–$1,300	$350–$550	$580–$800	$2,000–$2,700	Very High
Colorado	$870–$1,100	$300–$440	$480–$650	$1,700–$2,300	High
Connecticut	$920–$1,200	$320–$480	$510–$690	$1,700–$2,200	High
Delaware	$960–$1,250	$330–$490	$520–$700	$2,000–$2,864	Very High
Florida	$740–$960	$250–$380	$430–$590	$1,250–$1,600	Moderate
Georgia	$720–$940	$240–$370	$420–$570	$1,300–$1,700	Moderate
Hawaii	$1,050–$1,400	$380–$560	$560–$760	$2,200–$2,800	Very High
Idaho	$590–$800	$175–$265	$380–$510	$1,232–$1,500	Low
Illinois	$820–$1,050	$280–$420	$460–$620	$1,500–$2,000	Moderate
Indiana	$660–$860	$200–$310	$400–$550	$1,300–$1,700	Moderate
Iowa	$640–$840	$195–$300	$395–$540	$1,250–$1,650	Low
Kansas	$620–$820	$185–$285	$388–$530	$1,403–$1,600	Low
Kentucky	$630–$830	$185–$290	$390–$535	$1,250–$1,650	Low
Louisiana	$660–$860	$190–$295	$395–$550	$1,300–$1,450	Low
Maine	$840–$1,080	$290–$430	$470–$640	$1,600–$2,100	High
Maryland	$900–$1,150	$310–$460	$500–$670	$1,700–$2,300	High
Massachusetts	$980–$1,300	$370–$560	$540–$730	$2,275–$2,900	Very High
Michigan	$720–$940	$240–$370	$420–$570	$1,400–$1,850	Moderate
Minnesota	$820–$1,050	$280–$420	$460–$630	$1,800–$2,400	High
Mississippi	$600–$800	$170–$265	$385–$525	$1,300–$1,500	Low
Missouri	$650–$850	$190–$295	$395–$540	$1,300–$1,700	Moderate
Montana	$700–$910	$215–$325	$410–$560	$1,400–$1,800	Moderate
Nebraska	$640–$840	$190–$295	$392–$535	$1,280–$1,650	Low
Nevada	$800–$1,020	$270–$400	$450–$610	$1,500–$2,000	Moderate
New Hampshire	$880–$1,130	$300–$450	$480–$650	$1,650–$2,200	High
New Jersey	$940–$1,230	$330–$490	$510–$690	$1,800–$2,400	High
New Mexico	$700–$910	$215–$330	$410–$560	$1,350–$1,800	Moderate
New York	$950–$1,280	$350–$530	$530–$720	$2,164–$2,750	Very High
North Carolina	$700–$910	$225–$345	$415–$565	$1,350–$1,800	Moderate
North Dakota	$600–$800	$180–$275	$385–$525	$1,200–$1,450	Low
Ohio	$720–$940	$240–$365	$420–$570	$1,700–$2,200	High
Oklahoma	$590–$790	$170–$260	$375–$510	$1,200–$1,435	Low
Oregon	$800–$1,020	$265–$400	$445–$605	$1,300–$1,550	Moderate
Pennsylvania	$800–$1,030	$270–$405	$450–$610	$1,500–$2,000	Moderate
Rhode Island	$870–$1,120	$295–$440	$470–$640	$1,600–$2,100	High
South Carolina	$670–$880	$200–$310	$400–$545	$1,300–$1,700	Moderate
South Dakota	$600–$800	$178–$272	$383–$522	$1,200–$1,450	Low
Tennessee	$680–$890	$210–$320	$405–$555	$1,300–$1,750	Moderate
Texas	$700–$910	$220–$335	$410–$560	$1,350–$1,800	Moderate
Utah	$750–$970	$240–$365	$430–$585	$1,450–$1,950	Moderate
Vermont	$850–$1,090	$290–$435	$465–$635	$1,600–$2,100	High
Virginia	$830–$1,060	$280–$420	$455–$620	$1,600–$2,100	High
Washington	$880–$1,130	$310–$460	$490–$665	$1,900–$2,500	High
West Virginia	$630–$830	$185–$285	$388–$530	$1,250–$1,600	Low
Wisconsin	$760–$980	$255–$385	$435–$595	$1,750–$2,300	High
Wyoming	$680–$890	$215–$330	$408–$558	$1,350–$1,800	Moderate

Methodology: BEA Regional Price Parity (bea.gov) applied to Rover 2025 annual baselines and Insurify 2026 state-level insurance data. All figures represent estimates for a single adult dog, standard care, no major veterinary emergencies. Actual costs vary by breed, urban vs. rural location, and individual lifestyle.

Regional Cost Patterns: What's Driving the Differences?

Regional dog ownership costs vary widely across the United States, and the differences are not random. Housing markets, labor costs, insurance regulations, and local veterinary pricing all influence what pet owners ultimately pay. States with higher wages and stricter business regulations typically see elevated service and medical expenses.

Urban density also drives up grooming, boarding, and dog walking rates. Meanwhile, rural states often benefit from lower overhead and reduced insurance premiums. Climate and geography further affect recurring costs like parasite prevention and supply pricing.

Understanding these regional patterns helps explain why the same dog can cost thousands more per year depending on location.

Northeast: The Most Expensive Region

If you live in New England or the Mid-Atlantic corridor, expect to pay a significant premium on virtually every aspect of dog ownership. Veterinary costs are highest in this region. Pet insurance premiums are also elevated, and professional services like grooming and dog walking reflect the region's high labor costs.

Massachusetts dog owners spend an average of $2,275 per year, approximately 35% above the national average (Rover 2025). If you're a renter in this region, an ESA letter can waive pet deposits and rent that often run $500–$2,000 annually.

West Coast: High Costs, High Standards

California, Washington, and Hawaii round out the most expensive states for dog ownership. California holds a unique distinction for high dog vaccination costs. Hawaii's island geography means virtually all pet supplies must be shipped in, inflating costs across the board.

Washington State has the highest estimated lifetime cost for dog ownership. Oregon bucks this regional trend, landing among the more affordable western states, a good option for budget-conscious dog owners exploring ESA protections.

South: Affordable and Accessible

The South consistently ranks among the most budget-friendly regions for dog owners. Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana offer some of the lowest vet and insurance costs in the country.

Warm year-round weather in Florida reduces seasonal gear spending but means year-round spending on flea and tick prevention. Renters in these states can still benefit significantly from ESA housing protections under the Fair Housing Act to eliminate pet fees.

Midwest: Middle of the Road

Midwestern states present a mixed picture. Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio sit above the national average due to above-average service costs in major metro areas.

However, rural Midwest states like Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska consistently rank among the most affordable. Renters in states like Minnesota or Ohio should be aware of their specific ESA housing protections, which can meaningfully offset higher regional costs.

Breaking Down Each Cost Category: What You'll Really Spend

Understanding total cost starts with examining each expense category individually. Dog ownership expenses fall into three primary groups: upfront setup costs, recurring annual essentials, and unexpected or long-term medical care. While food and routine vet visits form the financial baseline, insurance, grooming, training, and boarding can significantly increase yearly totals.

Certain costs remain predictable, but others vary widely based on breed size, age, and health risks. Location further influences pricing within every category. Breaking these components down gives you a clearer picture of where your money actually goes.

Dog Food and Treats ($655 – $1,905/year)

Food is consistently the single largest annual expense for dog owners, accounting for approximately 69% of pet product budgets according to Rover's 2025 report. In 2025, food costs range from $655/year for a small dog eating quality dry kibble to $1,905/year for a large dog on a premium fresh-food diet — up dramatically from $200–$1,000 in 2020.

The geographic variation is stark. Delaware dog owners spend over $200 more per year on food than those in most other states (Rover 2025). Switching from a fresh-food diet to quality dry food alone can save up to $3,000 per year — a 78% reduction (Rover 2025). Your emotional support dog's dietary needs should be factored into any state-level budget estimate.

Veterinary Care ($75 – $730/year for routine; up to $5,000+ for emergencies)

Routine wellness checkups occur once or twice annually for healthy adult dogs and cost between $75 and $730 per year. However, this can escalate rapidly. A serious illness or surgical emergency can run $500 to $5,000+. Veterinary costs increased 11% from 2024 to 2025 (Rover 2025), outpacing general inflation significantly.

Dental care is a frequently overlooked veterinary cost. Dental cleanings range from $430 to $600 per session in 2025 — up from just $60–$80 in 2020 (Rover 2025). Many dogs also face chronic conditions that require ongoing veterinary management.

Pet Insurance ($407 – $900/year)

Pet insurance exists on a spectrum. Accident-only plans cover injuries and run $14–$25/month.

Accident-and-illness plans — the most common choice — cover chronic disease (diabetes, heart disease, cancer), hereditary conditions (hip dysplasia), surgeries, and diagnostics. They run $22–$75/month. Comprehensive plans including wellness coverage run $55–$105/month (Insurify 2026).

Key insight: States with higher vet costs have higher premiums. Oklahoma and Louisiana have some of the lowest premiums; Massachusetts, Hawaii, and California have the highest. Pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, food, or supplements.

Grooming ($0 – $1,200/year)

Grooming costs depend entirely on your dog's breed and coat type. At-home grooming for short-haired breeds costs nearly nothing. Professional grooming for breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus, or Goldendoodles ranges from $50–$100 per session, every 6–8 weeks, totaling $400–$1,200 annually.

In New York City or Los Angeles, grooming services routinely cost 40–60% more than equivalent services in rural Tennessee or Kansas.

Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention ($120 – $420/year)

Parasite prevention is a non-negotiable annual cost. Flea and tick prevention runs $120–$420/year depending on dog weight and product used — up from $40–$200 in 2020 (Rover 2025). Heartworm prevention adds $35–$125/year. In warm, humid climates (Southeast, Hawaii, Gulf Coast), year-round prevention is essential and monthly costs are unavoidable.

Dog Walking, Boarding, and Pet Sitting ($0 – $5,000+/year)

Professional dog walkers typically charge $15–$30 per 30-minute walk. Daily dog walking for working owners in a major metro can cost $300+/month or $3,600+ annually. Overnight boarding averages $40/night nationally.

Doggy daycare averages $25–$45/day (Rover 2025). These service costs are highly location-dependent — Manhattan, San Francisco, or Seattle will cost 2–3x more than rural Midwest cities.

Dog Training ($25 – $2,000+/year)

Training is most significant in the first year. Group obedience classes run $30–$80 per session over 6-week curricula. Private sessions cost $100–$200 each. Basic dog commands training is often the starting point for new dog owners. If your dog will serve as an emotional support animal, emotional support dog training is a worthwhile investment.

How Dog Size Affects Your Annual Costs

Dog size is one of the strongest predictors of annual ownership costs. Larger dogs eat more, require bigger beds and crates, need larger medication doses, and often incur higher surgical and anesthesia costs.

The lifetime cost data below comes from Rover's 2025 True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report; the annual cost data uses AKC historical benchmarks adjusted for 2025 inflation.

Dog Size	Weight Range	Est. Annual Food Cost	Est. Annual Vet Cost	Lifetime Cost Range (Rover 2025)
Small	Under 20 lbs	$200 – $655	$700 – $1,200	$16,440 – $25,000
Medium	20 – 60 lbs	$400 – $1,000	$800 – $1,500	$29,500 – $33,700
Large	60 – 90 lbs	$600 – $1,300	$900 – $2,000	$35,000 – $45,000
Giant	90+ lbs	$900 – $1,905	$1,200 – $3,000+	$45,000 – $52,075+

Sources: Rover 2025 True Cost of Pet Parenthood Report (lifetime costs); AKC Dog Cost Survey (size-based annual benchmarks, adjusted for 2025 inflation via BLS CPI); ASPCA Pet Care Cost Estimates.

Note: AKC's survey-based figures ($3,321 giant breeds / $1,831 small breeds annually) were collected in 2004 and serve as a directional benchmark. Rover's 2025 annual range ($1,390–$5,295) reflects current market pricing. Consider breed-specific health vulnerabilities — for example, healthiest dog breeds generally carry lower lifetime veterinary costs than breeds with known hereditary conditions.

Hidden and Unexpected Dog Ownership Costs to Budget For

Beyond the standard budget items, experienced dog owners know to plan for costs that rarely appear in basic guides:

Property damage: Chewing, scratching, and accidents can damage furniture and flooring — especially common with puppies and high-energy breeds. Budget $100–$500/year for replacement or repair.
Pet deposits and pet rent: Many rental housing situations charge pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$100/month). Over a year, pet rent adds $300–$1,200 to ownership costs. Renters with a qualifying condition may be able to eliminate these fees entirely with a valid ESA letter.
Dog license renewal: Annual renewal fees of $5–$95 are required in most cities and counties.
Emergency veterinary care: Even with insurance, out-of-pocket emergency expenses can reach $500–$2,000 after deductibles. Maintaining a pet emergency fund of $1,000–$2,000 is strongly advisable.
End-of-life care: Euthanasia services run $50–$300, while cremation averages $100–$400.
Travel with your dog: Pet fees for hotels ($25–$150/night) and airline cargo fees ($125–$200 one-way) add up for traveling dog owners.
Tariff-driven price increases: 52% of dog owners are concerned that tariffs on imported goods will further increase pet care costs, particularly for food, medications, and toys (Rover 2025).

Reducing the Cost of Dog Ownership: ESA Letters and Housing Savings

For individuals with qualifying mental health conditions, an Emotional Support Animal letter can meaningfully reduce the financial burden of dog ownership, specifically in housing. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords are required to provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with emotional support animals, which typically means waiving pet deposits and monthly pet rent fees that can otherwise add $500–$2,000+ annually.

To qualify, you need a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) who has evaluated your condition. The evaluation determines whether your dog provides necessary emotional support for a diagnosed condition. Can a primary care physician write an ESA letter? This is a common question worth exploring if you have an established relationship with your doctor.

It's important to note that ESA letters are not the same as service dog certifications — they protect your right to housing with your dog, but do not grant access to all public spaces. Can apartments charge for emotional support animals? Understanding what landlords can and cannot do helps set the right expectations.

Concerned about fake ESA letter scams? There are unfortunately many fraudulent services online. Always verify that the provider connects you with a state-licensed mental health professional who conducts a genuine evaluation — not an online registry or certification without clinical oversight.

How to Save Money on Dog Ownership Without Compromising Care

Evidence-based strategies to reduce annual costs:

Switch from fresh/raw food to high-quality dry kibble — saves up to $3,000/year (Rover 2025). Consult your vet before changing your dog's diet.
Compare pet insurance quotes annually — competitive shopping across at least 3 providers saves 20–40% on premiums.
Use community organizations and nonprofits — for discounted vaccinations and spay/neuter services. Many humane societies offer low-cost clinics.
Purchase medications from licensed online pharmacies vs. vet office markup. Ask your vet for a written prescription.
Adopt from a shelter — adoption fees often include vaccines, microchip, and spay/neuter, saving $500+ vs. a breeder. Adoption fees dropped 19% in 2025 (Rover 2025).
Learn basic at-home grooming for your breed — YouTube tutorials and the right tools pay for themselves fast. Great for low-maintenance small dog breeds.
Build a pet emergency fund of $1,000–$2,000 — to avoid high-interest financing for unexpected vet bills.
If you qualify, obtain a legitimate ESA letter to waive pet deposits and pet rent in housing — potentially saving $500–$2,000+ per year. Understand what a valid ESA letter looks like before applying.

In conclusion, owning a dog is incredibly rewarding, offering companionship, emotional support, and proven mental health benefits. But responsible ownership requires realistic financial planning that extends far beyond the initial adoption fee.

In 2025, annual dog ownership costs range from about $1,390 in lower-cost states to more than $5,295 in higher-cost areas. Over a lifetime, total expenses can fall between $16,440 and $52,075 or more, depending on breed, health, and location. First-year costs are typically the highest due to upfront supplies and medical expenses.

With careful budgeting, costs can be managed without sacrificing quality care. For renters who qualify, an emotional support animal (ESA) letter may eliminate pet deposits and monthly pet rent under the Fair Housing Act — potentially saving thousands. Ultimately, your dog values consistency and care far more than how much you spend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most expensive state to own a dog?

Massachusetts is consistently among the most expensive states for dog ownership, with annual costs averaging $2,275 to $2,900 — approximately 35% above the national average (Rover 2025).

Hawaii ESA laws, New York ESA laws, and California ESA laws follow closely. Delaware has historically ranked highest in some food cost analyses, with dog food running $200+ more per year than most states.

What is the cheapest state to own a dog?

Idaho and Oklahoma consistently rank as the most affordable states. Idaho owners typically spend around $1,232 per year on core dog ownership costs.

Oklahoma has some of the lowest lifetime ownership costs in the country. Kansas, North Dakota, and Arkansas are also among the most budget-friendly states, with annual costs running 15–20% below the national average.

Can an ESA letter help reduce the cost of having a dog?

Yes, in one important area: housing. Under the Fair Housing Act, individuals with a qualifying emotional support dog are entitled to reasonable accommodations in housing, which typically means waiving pet deposits and monthly pet rent. These waivers can save $500 to $2,000+ per year.

What dog breeds are the most expensive to own?

The most expensive dogs to own are typically large or giant breeds with known health vulnerabilities, such as Great Danes, Newfoundland dogs, French Bulldogs (respiratory and birthing complications), Saint Bernards, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Breeds requiring professional grooming — such as Standard Poodles and Giant Schnauzers — also carry higher lifetime costs.

What are the most overlooked costs of dog ownership?

The most commonly underestimated dog ownership costs include: dental cleanings (now averaging $430–$600 per session, up from $60–$80 in 2020); pet rent in rental housing ($25–$100/month); property damage from chewing or accidents; end-of-life care including euthanasia and cremation; travel-related pet fees; and the compounding effect of inflation, dog ownership costs have risen up to 130% since 2020 (Rover 2025).

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Avery Langston

Dr. Avery Langston is a licensed clinical therapist with more than 12 years of professional experience in emotional support animal (ESA) assessments, mental health counseling, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. With a strong foundation in clinical psychology and a passion for mental-health education, Avery has guided thousands of individuals through the ESA qualification process while promoting emotional healing and stability. As a senior content contributor for RealESALetter.com, Avery focuses on writing accurate, accessible, and legally informed articles on ESA rights, housing protections, and mental wellness. Her mission is to help readers understand their ESA benefits clearly and confidently, backed by real clinical expertise.

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