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What does the first year really cost?

The sticker price is the smallest part. Your first year adds one-off setup, a full vaccine course, desexing and routine vet care on top of the adoption or purchase fee. Pick your pet and where it is coming from for the ASPCA's first-year estimate - amounts are in US dollars.

Rescue fees are usually low and often include first vaccines and desexing. Breeder prices swing hugely by breed and bloodline.
All figures are the ASPCA's 2021 estimates in US dollars, and its dog figure is not split by size. Treat them as rough ballparks - local prices vary widely.
Estimated first-year total - the ASPCA's estimate in US dollars

What is inside:

Get ready

These are rough starting estimates, not a budget you can bank on. The first year is nearly always the most expensive one - one-off setup, full vaccine course and desexing land together. Emergencies and pet insurance are extra, and local prices vary widely. This is a planning tool, not financial or veterinary advice.

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One-off setup gear

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