7 Top Dog Care Costs for Pet Owners to Budget For

5. Grooming Expenses

Grooming costs for your dog will depend on how often you take your pup in and the type of care they require. For example, long-haired breeds need daily brushing, a bath every four to six weeks, and a haircut every 10 to 12 weeks. The timelines are different for dogs with short hair, silky hair, curly hair or thick undercoats.⁷

Grooming can involve more than your dog’s fur — it might also include nail trimming, ear cleaning and teeth.⁸ You may expect to pay between $12 and $30 for a dog nail trim.⁹

While it may feel like a splurge, regular grooming helps keep your dog comfortable, reduces the risk of skin and ear infections and helps catch small health issues⁸ that could become bigger (and potentially more expensive) problems.⁸

Tip: You may be able to save a bit of money if you learn how to clip your dog’s hair around their face or trim their nails between grooming visits.

6. Dog Food Costs

Take a trip to any pet store and you’ll see numerous options — from budget to premium — for what to feed your dog: standard dry kibble, canned wet food and freeze-dried fare in the aisles; human-grade, raw, gently cooked or freeze-dried foods in the refrigerators. There are also specialized or prescription diets for dogs with diabetes, kidney conditions, weight issues and other medical needs.¹⁰

Though there are many dog food options on the shelves, not every food is suitable for every dog. Key factors like size (a Great Dane requires much more than a shih tzu), life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and breed or activity level (a highly active border collie versus a more sedentary bulldog) all affect what diet is appropriate.¹¹

Tip: Buying your dog food in bulk (even if you have to freeze it) or through a subscription service may help bring the costs down. You can also sometimes find lower prices at reputable online pet food sources, even prescription food (you just have to upload the script from your veterinarian). There are also plenty of healthy, whole food treats you can give your dog that may be more cost-effective than branded dog treats — apples, bananas, plain yogurt (freeze them into cubes!) and more.

7. Dog and Puppy Training Expenses

From basic puppy obedience to advanced behavior modification, training is a worthwhile investment in your dog’s future. Costs vary widely from group classes to private, one-on-one sessions, but the payoff is significant. Investing in training early may save money (and headaches) down the road by preventing destructive behavior, reducing property damage and creating a confident pet.¹²

Training used to be solely in-person, but today there are online training programs and mobile apps that offer flexible and engaging ways to build skills and strengthen the bond between you and your pup.¹³

When sorting through the training options, look for someone with experience and formal training (dog training isn’t regulated, but there are reputable credential organizations), who uses positive reinforcement methods and whose style and general personality you like.¹⁴

Tip: Start training early at home and mix in free resources like local puppy meet-ups. Sometimes local trainers or humane societies may offer free socialization classes or introductory training sessions.

Preparing Financially for a Dog’s Lifetime

The Synchrony 2025 Pet Lifetime of Care Study found that the yearly cost of care for a dog has risen from $1,591 in 2022 to $2,770 in 2025. This is due to a variety of reasons, but partially because owners are investing more in their dogs’ health and wellness than ever before. Yet 50% of pet owners surveyed faced an expense that caused immediate concern, and 29% worried about future unexpected expenses.¹

While these numbers may feel shocking, the goal isn’t to scare you — it’s to highlight the importance of planning ahead financially, and to help you prepare for expenses so you're not left scrambling if the unexpected happens.

A few ways to prepare for routine and unexpected pet costs may include:

• Budgeting monthly for pet costs
• Building a pet emergency fund
• Considering a pet health-specific credit card for emergencies
• Exploring pet insurance/wellness/discount plans (some employers now offer these as part of their benefits package)
• Keeping up with preventive care to reduce the risk of emergencies or high-cost procedures
• Staying consistent at home with training and exercise to prevent behavior or health issues in the future

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Understanding the top costs of dog ownership, including veterinary visits, surgery costs, emergency care, ongoing medical treatments, grooming, food and training — is a first step in making sure you’re prepared for the realities of pet care.¹ Proactive planning can help you manage financial stress and focus on what matters most: giving your dog the healthiest, happiest life possible.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs 

The CareCredit credit card provides a convenient way to pay for your dog’s vaccinations and other health and wellness expenses, including exams, medications and products at providers in the CareCredit network.** Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos. Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian that accepts CareCredit to help keep your pet healthy and happy for a lifetime of love.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, Headspace and more.