{"id":10044,"date":"2022-01-07T11:44:34","date_gmt":"2022-01-07T11:44:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/blog\/uncategorized\/how-much-does-a-dog-cost\/"},"modified":"2023-03-30T10:45:07","modified_gmt":"2023-03-30T10:45:07","slug":"how-much-does-a-dog-cost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/new-puppy\/getting-your-puppy\/how-much-does-a-dog-cost\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does a Dog Cost? Initial and Lifetime Expenses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>So you really want a dog? You\u2019ve wanted one for as long as you can remember &#8211; your very own furry best friend to love and cuddle. They don\u2019t answer back, love you unconditionally and can join you for long countryside walks, hey\u2026you don\u2019t have to convince us the joy they bring is immense &#8211;&nbsp; you may be ready &#8211;&nbsp; but is your bank balance?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone talks about how much owning a horse costs but not really dogs, loads of people have them\u2026 it can\u2019t be that expensive surely?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/app.adjust.com\/1lehyg83?fallback=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.zigzag.dog%2Fus%2F%3Futm_source%3Dwebsite%26utm_medium%3Din_article%26utm_campaign%3Din_article_CTA&#038;redirect_macos=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.zigzag.dog%2Fus%2F%3Futm_source%3Dwebsite%26utm_medium%3Din_article%26utm_campaign%3Din_article_CTA\">Avoid costly training mistakes &#8211; Download Zigzag! <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seriously, dogs can be expensive, in the article below we\u2019ve broken down all of the things you need to know about the cost of dog ownership, and how much it might set you back over their lifetime. We think you may be surprised, but forewarned is forearmed right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So firstly, and here\u2019s a bit of legal info &#8211; to look after a dog properly, you need to make sure you meet the 5 freedoms of animal welfare, in the UK these are laid out by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in the animal welfare act 2006 and they are:-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Space &#8211; <\/strong>Need for a suitable environment&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Food &#8211; <\/strong>Need for a suitable diet and access to water&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Happiness &#8211; <\/strong>Need to be able to exhibit normal behavior patterns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Home &#8211; <\/strong>Need to be housed with, or apart, from other animals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Health &#8211; <\/strong>Need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So the answer to \u2018How much does it cost to own a dog?\u2019 is probably \u2018more than you think\u2019!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/michael-kucharski-AZBMRWyfN6c-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"puppy on a hammock\" class=\"wp-image-2429\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/michael-kucharski-AZBMRWyfN6c-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/michael-kucharski-AZBMRWyfN6c-unsplash-scaled-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/michael-kucharski-AZBMRWyfN6c-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/michael-kucharski-AZBMRWyfN6c-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/michael-kucharski-AZBMRWyfN6c-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/michael-kucharski-AZBMRWyfN6c-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@intacts?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Michael Kucharski<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does a dog cost over their lifetime?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, here\u2019s the nitty gritty \u2026..&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Small dog breeds:<\/strong> At least \u00a34,600 up to potential lifetime cost of \u00a325,000&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medium dog breeds: <\/strong>At least \u00a37,000 up to potential lifetime cost of \u00a327,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Large dog breeds: <\/strong>At least \u00a35,700 up to potential lifetime cost of \u00a330,800<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The estimated figures above are a minimum cost, and you could easily end up spending a lot more, depending on what you buy them and how much you spend on their ongoing care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/app.adjust.com\/1lehyg83?fallback=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.zigzag.dog%2Fus%2F%3Futm_source%3Dwebsite%26utm_medium%3Din_article%26utm_campaign%3Din_article_CTA&#038;redirect_macos=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.zigzag.dog%2Fus%2F%3Futm_source%3Dwebsite%26utm_medium%3Din_article%26utm_campaign%3Din_article_CTA\">Care for your puppy&#8217;s training needs with our app! <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve broken it down for you below into all the areas of expense you might need to consider when owning a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Firstly &#8211; how much does it cost to buy a dog or puppy?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Purchase cost can be split into two groups, whether you buy a puppy or dog from a rescue and rehoming center, or if you buy a puppy from a breeder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Puppies and dogs from rescue centers typically cost around \u00a3200, and most will come vaccinated, microchipped, and either <a href=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/puppy-health\/new-puppy-health\/dog-neutering-and-spaying\/\">neutered<\/a> or with a voucher for neutering. You can see our article on the cost to neuter a puppy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Purebred puppies vary wildly in price, depending on the breed, and also where you are geographically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve created a list of the top 10 dog breeds in the UK 2020 as well as the range of prices you\u2019d expect to pay for a puppy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Scrollable table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Breed<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Average Cost of a Puppy UK&nbsp;<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Average Cost of a Puppy USA<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1. Labrador Retriever<\/td><td>\u00a31,948<\/td><td>$800<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2. French Bulldog<\/td><td>\u00a32,389<\/td><td>$2800<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3. Cocker Spaniel<\/td><td>\u00a32,230<\/td><td>$800<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4. British Bulldog<\/td><td>\u00a32,995<\/td><td>$2500<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5. Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired)<\/td><td>\u00a32537<\/td><td>$850<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6. English Springer Spaniel<\/td><td>\u00a31602<\/td><td>$850<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>7. Golden Retriever<\/td><td>\u00a31578<\/td><td>$1000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>8. German Shepherd<\/td><td>\u00a31589<\/td><td>$800<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>9. Pug<\/td><td>\u00a31001&nbsp;<\/td><td>$1175<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier<\/td><td>\u00a31316<\/td><td>$2000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What else might I need to buy or pay for when I buy a puppy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Microchipping&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As of 2015 all dogs sold in the UK must now be microchipped, and puppies sold must be microchipped before they leave their breeder. The exception to this is very small toy breed puppies who may need microchipping at a later date due to them being too small to chip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have to factor this in then microchipping will cost between \u00a310 and \u00a320, or roughly $15-30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Vaccinations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/puppy-health\/new-puppy-health\/puppy-vaccinations\/\">Vaccinations help protect your dog<\/a> from: parvovirus, canine distemper, leptospirosis and infectious canine hepatitis, and are important preventative healthcare. It means your dog won\u2019t be at risk of catching this disease and they also won\u2019t pass them on,&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also have your dog vaccinated against rabies and kennel cough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your puppy vaccinations will take place from around 8 weeks of age, the first round at between 8-12 weeks and then a follow up set 2-4 weeks after the first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Puppy Vaccinations cost anything from \u00a335-65 for both sets, depending on where you live and your vet\u2019s fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your dog will need booster vaccinations, Annual boosters around \u00a335-40, some vaccine makers are now suggesting dogs receive boosters every 3 years after the initial puppy course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also choose to titre test your dog, if you don\u2019t want to vaccinate so frequently, this is where a blood sample from your dog is checked for antibodies against the core vaccines; parvovirus distemper and hepatitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Titre testing costs around \u00a390.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you titre test or not it is still advisable to give your dog the leptospirosis vaccine annually as this does not last longer than 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/freestocks-t8SxccV0Agw-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"puppy asleep in owners arms\" class=\"wp-image-2431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/freestocks-t8SxccV0Agw-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/freestocks-t8SxccV0Agw-unsplash-scaled-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/freestocks-t8SxccV0Agw-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/freestocks-t8SxccV0Agw-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/freestocks-t8SxccV0Agw-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/freestocks-t8SxccV0Agw-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@freestocks?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">freestocks<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other puppy essentials costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Well let\u2019s have a run through of essentials you\u2019ll need to welcome a happy and healthy puppy to your home<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Collar and ID tag <\/strong>&#8211; it\u2019s UK law that all dogs must wear a collar with ID tag. The ID tag should have your name and address on, and a telephone number is always useful.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lead <\/strong>&#8211; you\u2019ll want to be able to walk your dog and keep them safe right? We created a handy review of the <a href=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/puppy-training\/lead-training\/best-puppy-training-leads\/\">best puppy training leashes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Crate or playpen &#8211; <\/strong>Really useful to have especially for puppies, but not easy on the purse strings. By the way, here\u2019s our review of the <a href=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/new-puppy\/puppy-essentials\/best-puppy-crates\/\">best puppy crates<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A Harness <\/strong>&#8211; not totally essential but far kinder for your puppy to wear than just a collar, we\u2019ve listed a few of our favorite puppy harnesses here.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A bed for your dog <\/strong>&#8211; or perhaps a throne? Our dogs love <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3GIi4Yc\">these raised beds by HiK9. We&#8217;ve<\/a> also got a handy review of other favorite beds for you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Food and water bowls <\/strong>&#8211; these can be as fancy as you like, with a simple set of ceramic or stainless steel bowls, or a swish drinking fountain if that\u2019s more your bag.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Toys<\/strong> &#8211; the list is endless. We compiled a list of our favorites here, including best puppy chew toy, interactive toys and training toys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A car harness, pet carrier or tailgate guard <\/strong>&#8211; these will keep your dog safe when travelling, as well as prevent any distractions for the driver.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wormers and flea treatments<\/strong> &#8211; At first your puppy will need frequent worming. Want to learn more about worms, I mean, who wouldn\u2019t? <a href=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/puppy-health\/parasites\/how-often-worm-puppy-vs-dog\/\">Read more in our guide on how often to worm your puppy.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vaccinations <\/strong>&#8211; as described above, you\u2019ll want your puppy to at least have the initial vaccinations, and then consult with your vet as often you\u2019ll need boosters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Professional training advice<\/strong> &#8211; hey we have an app for that! You may also want to take your puppy to in person puppy classes, we have an article about finding a good puppy training class, as well as finding a good trainer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve also got an article on <a href=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/new-puppy\/puppy-essentials\/what-do-you-need-for-a-puppy\/\">everything you should need for your puppy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ongoing costs of owning a dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because it isn\u2019t just a one time set up fee!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Monthly costs also need to be factored in when you think about how much your new bundle of joy is going to have a dent in your finances &#8211; these include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you choose to feed a dry kibble, wet food, raw or home cooked. This can vary in price depending on what you want to feed your dog, and what your dog likes to eat. We have a <a href=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/puppy-health\/feeding\/puppy-nutrition-guide\/\">nutrition article here for you<\/a>, and don\u2019t forget our dog food calculator in the Zigzag app.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Treats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Essential for ongoing training and teaching your puppy all of the things you\u2019d like them to do. Read all about why <a href=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/puppy-health\/feeding\/puppy-rewards-and-treats\/\">we use treats and rewards when training our puppies<\/a>, oh and if you\u2019re stuck for ideas of which ones to buy we\u2019ve got some pointers for you in our <a href=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/puppy-health\/feeding\/puppy-nutrition-guide\/\">healthy puppy treats<\/a> article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chews<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Puppies chew a lot, and even adult dogs will need to chew. Choose safe chews such as cereal or vegetable chews that don\u2019t splinter and won\u2019t hurt your puppy. If you have a strong chewer we love <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/31XrLDr\">buffalo horns<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3s73jtX\">yak chews<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pet health insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prepare for the unexpected.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter how careful we are with our dog\u2019s safety, they can get into all kinds of mishaps. Certain breeds may also be prone to certain health conditions, so it\u2019s a good idea to get pet health insurance. It means you don\u2019t need to worry about racking up huge bills at the vets, and gives you peace of mind that if your dog becomes sick you\u2019re covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Voted as Pet Insurance Provider Of The Year in the 2021 Moneyfacts Consumer Awards, Bought By Many also offers lifetime cover, meaning your pet is covered for life, and you won\u2019t get conditions not covered in the years after a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is especially useful if your pet develops a condition such as Diabetes or Allergies, for which they may need ongoing treatment for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/boughtbymany.com\/pet-insurance\/\">Bought by Many provides tailored and personalized plans to suit all budgets<\/a> &#8211; they cover medical care as well as training and behavior help &#8211; because your dog\u2019s health should also include their mental wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New toys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you seen the size of the dog toy market, it\u2019s huge! Why? Because dogs LOVE to play, so treat them to some new toys every now again. They adore novelty and exploring new things &#8211; don\u2019t we all love nice things? \ud83d\ude42&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poo bags<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Doesn\u2019t need too much explanation, we think you get the idea, what goes in must come out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/app.adjust.com\/1lehyg83?fallback=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.zigzag.dog%2Fus%2F%3Futm_source%3Dwebsite%26utm_medium%3Din_article%26utm_campaign%3Din_article_CTA&#038;redirect_macos=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.zigzag.dog%2Fus%2F%3Futm_source%3Dwebsite%26utm_medium%3Din_article%26utm_campaign%3Din_article_CTA\">The same can be said for training! Our app can help with that! <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also want to think about all of those other things you might want for your puppy such as new blingy collars, winter coats and even doggy life jackets!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kennels and dog sitters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You also need to consider your lifestyle and how this will affect the cost of your dog. Who will look after your puppy while you go to work? Who will look after your dog when you go on holiday? Unless you have very accommodating friends or relatives, these are all costs that need to be thought about ideally, before you bring your puppy home. To give you the jist kennels while you go on holiday can be \u00a330 per night (or more), that&#8217;s a whopping \u00a3420 on top of the cost of a 2 week holiday!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/jametlene-reskp-guFQZcuRGOE-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"fluffy puppy lying down in the grass\" class=\"wp-image-2430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/jametlene-reskp-guFQZcuRGOE-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/jametlene-reskp-guFQZcuRGOE-unsplash-scaled-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/jametlene-reskp-guFQZcuRGOE-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/jametlene-reskp-guFQZcuRGOE-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/jametlene-reskp-guFQZcuRGOE-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/jametlene-reskp-guFQZcuRGOE-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@reskp?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Jametlene Reskp<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For help with training, lifestyle, nutrition and more, why not <a href=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/#how-it-works\">download the Zigzag app<\/a> &#8211; we have a <a href=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/experts\/\">team of qualified experts<\/a> to answer all of your questions about raising your puppy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So you really want a dog? You\u2019ve wanted one for as long as you can remember &#8211; your very own furry best friend to love and cuddle. They don\u2019t answer back, love you unconditionally and can join you for long countryside walks, hey\u2026you don\u2019t have to convince us the joy they bring is immense &#8211;&nbsp; &#8230; <a title=\"How Much Does a Dog Cost? Initial and Lifetime Expenses\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/new-puppy\/getting-your-puppy\/how-much-does-a-dog-cost\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How Much Does a Dog Cost? Initial and Lifetime Expenses\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":9266,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[87],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-getting-your-puppy"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Much Does a Dog Cost? What to Expect | Zigzag<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Many expect initial puppy costs, but the overall cost of a dog throughout their lifetime often isn&#039;t considered. 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