Puppy First-Year Cost Calculator

Bringing home a puppy? Find out what your first year will really cost — in about 30 seconds.

1. How big will your dog be (full grown)?

2. What will you feed?

3. Pet insurance?

4. Training?

5. Do you already own the basic gear (crate, bed, bowls)?

What goes into the first-year cost?

The first year is the most expensive year of dog ownership — you're paying for one-time setup (gear and initial vet care) on top of the ongoing costs you'll have every year. Here's how to keep each part sensible:

Setup gear — spend where it counts. See our New Puppy Checklist and best crates guide.
Food — the biggest ongoing cost. Our puppy food guide and fresh food comparison help you choose.
Health — vaccinations, parasite prevention and check-ups. See the vaccination schedule and whether insurance is worth it.
Training — you can do a lot yourself: potty training, basic commands, and more.

Free printable for shelters, rescues & vets

A one-page, plain-English breakdown of first-year costs — designed to go straight into an adoption folder. No signup, free to print and share.

Download the PDF ↓

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⚕️ This calculator is a general planning guide, not financial or veterinary advice. Costs vary widely by region, breed, and individual dog.