Is It Really That Expensive to Have a Dog in London? Here’s What I Found

Have you ever thought that having a dog, especially in a city like London, is just too expensive? That’s exactly what I used to believe when I had my dog, Marvin. Recently, I decided to run the numbers to find out if that’s actually the case, and my findings might surprise you!

How Much Does It Really Cost to Own a Dog in London?

Do you know how much you’re currently spending on your dog? Or, if you don’t have one, do you have any idea how much it might cost? Take a moment to think about it, and leave a guess in the comments. Meanwhile, I’ll walk you through everything you should plan for when owning a dog in London.

In this post, we’ll be looking at the differences between owning a big dog versus a small dog. I’ve always believed that a larger dog is much more expensive, so I decided to break it down.

The Basics: Dog Food

There are four common types of dog food:

1. Kibble (dry food)
2. Wet food (usually canned)
3. Raw food (usually frozen, requiring storage space)
4. Cooked food (fresh but not raw)

For a large dog, raw food can cost around £5 per day, or £150 per month. You’ll also need a large freezer to store it. I used to feed Marvin raw food, and while I loved it, there was a lot of waste, which made me rethink its value. Wet food is similar in cost, though it requires larger quantities because it’s mostly water.

I was shocked by the cost of cooked food, which averages around £7 per kilogram. I couldn’t find exact feeding recommendations for cooked food, but I estimated that it’s on par with raw food, around £5 per day.

Finally, kibble stood out as the most affordable option. A good quality kibble costs around £1.40 per day, making it the most budget-friendly option for large dogs.

For small dogs, the costs are noticeably lower. Raw food can cost as little as £2.50 per day, and both wet and cooked food are also significantly cheaper due to the smaller portions required.

Pet Insurance: What You Need to Know

Pet insurance can range dramatically—from £150 per year up to £1,500, depending on the coverage and your dog’s size. Most of the plans I looked into covered the essentials, but there are two major factors to consider:

1. Lifetime coverage: Some policies will only cover a condition for one year, while others cover the condition for the dog’s entire life. If your dog develops a chronic condition, lifetime coverage is crucial.
2. Claim impact: Some policies increase in cost after you make a claim, which could deter you from claiming when you need to. Look for a plan that doesn’t raise your rates after a claim.

For a large dog, pet insurance can cost up to £1,500 per year, while for a small dog, it’s around £1,200.

Vet Bills: The Scary Part

Vet bills are one of the most intimidating costs of owning a dog, especially in London. Here’s what I found:

• Consultations at independent vets range from £65 to £75, while chain vet clinics might charge around £35 for a shorter session.
• Vaccinations cost around £95 for puppy shots and £70 for annual boosters.
• Flea treatments are expensive, ranging from £21 to £25 depending on your dog’s size.
• Spaying or neutering costs anywhere from £350 to £500.

There are also options like subscription-based vet care, which can cost between £20 and £33 per month, covering various treatments and check-ups. This can be a cost-effective way to handle routine care.

Grooming, Sitters, and Other Costs

Grooming is another expense that can add up, especially for dogs with longer coats. Grooming for a small dog ranges from £35 to £65, while for a large dog, it can be between £65 and £80. I used to groom Marvin myself, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing that, this is a cost to plan for.

If you’re planning holidays, you’ll also need to budget for pet sitters. For 30 days of pet sitting, I estimated around £1,200. This allows for time off without worrying about your dog’s care.

Don’t forget treats and chews, which can range anywhere from £10 to £100 per month, depending on how fancy you want to go. I personally keep it on the lower end because I work with discounts in dog training.

Training Costs: Essential for Every Dog

Training is essential, whether you’re getting a puppy or a rescue dog. A basic puppy class is a must, and even for a rescue, regular one-on-one sessions with a trainer can help tremendously. I offer training services, including puppy consultations and home visits to help with common issues like housebreaking and behavior correction.

Final Numbers: How Much Will You Really Spend?

After crunching the numbers, I was surprised that the costs were lower than I had anticipated. For a large dog, the maximum yearly cost I calculated was around £2,900, and for a small dog, it was around £2,300. This includes food, vet bills, grooming, and insurance. I had originally expected costs to be closer to £4,000 per year, but with some smart choices, it’s possible to stay well within budget.

I hope this breakdown helps you get a clearer picture of what it truly costs to own a dog in London. Next time, we’ll dive into the different breeds I’m considering and how they fit my lifestyle. Let me know in the comments what you think—is it more or less than you expected? See you next time!