Owning a dog is more than just the initial purchase price. Monthly and recurring costs add up, especially in India. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses and a sample budget to help you plan.
Typical Monthly Cost Breakdown (India)
Below are rough estimates. These vary depending on breed, size, location, and quality of supplies.
| Expense | Small / Medium Breed | Large / High-maintenance Breed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Food / Nutrition | ₹500 – ₹2,000 | ₹1,500 – ₹4,000+ | Premium food costs more. |
| Treats / Snacks | ₹100 – ₹500 | ₹300 – ₹1,000 | Occasional treats, chews |
| Preventive Care (flea, tick, deworming) | ₹100 – ₹300 | ₹200 – ₹600 | Monthly or seasonal treatments |
| Health / Vet Visits | ₹200 – ₹1,000 | ₹500 – ₹2,000+ | Routine checkups, minor illness visits |
| Grooming / Hygiene | ₹300 – ₹1,000 | ₹500 – ₹2,000+ | Bath, brushing, nail trims |
| Miscellaneous (toys, cleanup, accessories) | ₹200 – ₹500 | ₹300 – ₹1,000 | Leash, toys, poop bags, bedding |
| Estimated Total / Month | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 | ₹3,000 – ₹10,000+ | Depending on level of care |
These figures align with surveys of pet spending in India which mention ranges from ₹500 to ₹2,000 for food for small/medium breeds and more for larger ones.
Also, hidden or irregular costs include vaccinations, spaying/neutering, emergency care, or genetic screenings.
First-Year / One-Time Expenses
In the early stages, you’ll also face setup costs:
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Purchase / adoption cost of puppy
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Initial vaccinations, vet check, microchipping
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Crate, bed, bowls, leash, collar
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Basic training, puppy proofing your home
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Registration (municipal, KCI)
These may aggregate to several thousand rupees upfront.
Tips to Control Costs
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Buy food in bulk or via cheaper reliable brands (without compromising nutrition)
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Do basic grooming at home where possible
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Preventive care is cheaper than treating major illness
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Choose breeds whose maintenance cost is lower (short coat, fewer breed issues)
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Save a buffer or emergency fund for unexpected vet bills
