How Much Does It Cost to Keep a Dog Per Month?

Keeping a dog is a joyful and heart warming experience, but it also comes with regular expenses that every pet parent should know. In India, the monthly cost of owning a dog usually falls between ₹2,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the dog’s size, breed, health, and the kind of lifestyle you choose for them. Understanding these costs helps you plan better and ensures your dog gets proper care without putting sudden pressure on your budget.




Food is the biggest part of most dog owners monthly spending. Small dogs like Pugs or Indies eat much less, while larger breeds like Labradors or German Shepherds require more food every day. If you choose premium food, your cost goes up, but it often results in better digestion, stronger immunity, and fewer clinic visits. Some pet parents also prefer home cooked meals, which can reduce costs but require more time and balanced nutrition.




Grooming is another regular expense that changes depending on your dog’s fur. Short fur dogs are easy to manage and don’t need professional grooming often. But long fur breeds like Shih Tzus, Golden Retrievers, and Huskies need regular trimming, bathing, and brushing to avoid infection and skin problems. Even if you do basic grooming at home, you still need shampoo, brushes, wipes, and nail clippers, which slowly add to the monthly budget.




Health care is an unavoidable part of dog ownership. Even a healthy dog needs routine checkups, deworming, tick prevention, and yearly vaccinations. Some months may not require spending, but it is always safe to keep aside a small amount because dogs can suddenly fall sick due to infections, allergies, or stomach issues. This small emergency fund prevents stress when something unexpected happens.





Treats and toys may look like optional expenses, but they play an important role in keeping your dog mentally active and emotionally happy. Treats help in training and good behaviour, while toys stop boredom and destructive habits. Dogs often chew toys to relieve stress, and toys need replacement from time to time, especially for strong chewers. These small purchases quietly increase the total monthly cost without you noticing.






Apart from the obvious expenses, there are many small extras that come with dog ownership. Some pet parents hire dog walkers or trainers, which increases the monthly budget. You may also spend on poop bags, cleaning sprays, transport, boarding when you travel, or replacing things your dog accidentally damages. These costs differ from family to family but still play a part in overall monthly spending.


Owning a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it becomes truly enjoyable when you understand the financial responsibility behind it. When you know how much it costs every month, you can plan better, avoid surprises, and give your dog a comfortable, healthy, and loving life. A little preparation goes a long way in making your bond stronger and stress-free.


Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!

1. Is keeping a dog expensive in India?
   It can be affordable if you plan well and choose food and care that fits your budget. The cost rises mainly with large breeds and premium services.
2. Which dog breeds are cheapest to maintain?
   Indie dogs and small breeds usually have lower food, grooming, and health costs, making them easier for most families to afford every month.
3. Does feeding good food reduce vet expenses?
   Yes, healthy food strengthens your dog’s immunity and digestion, which means fewer stomach issues and fewer visits to the vet.
4. Which hidden costs should I expect every month?
   Cleaning supplies, travel to the clinic, replacing toys, and small health issues are usually forgotten but add up to the real monthly budget.