Updated: There is a new version of this article here: What does it cost to have a dog? Try our cost calculator!
Most people probably realize that it’s not just the purchase price you have to pay – buying and owning a dog comes with a number of other expenses. That’s why it’s a good idea to be aware of these before you decide to welcome a new family member.
In addition to ongoing costs for dog food, leashes, water bowls, brushes, grooming products, a dog bed, and so on, there are also expenses for vets and insurance, and the prices for these vary depending on where in the country you live.
A medium-sized pedigree dog costs around SEK 13,000 to buy. On top of that come costs for vaccination, insurance, training courses, food, poop bags, and accessories. You should therefore expect to spend about SEK 3,000–7,000 per year. (In general, a small dog is cheaper than a large one.)
Some breeds need to be hand-stripped or clipped once a year, while others need grooming several times a year. This can cost anything from a few hundred kronor to over a thousand each time. That’s why you should review your finances before buying a dog or puppy, to make sure your budget can handle these extra expenses.
On top of that, there are other possible costs such as dog daycare, which on average costs SEK 100–200 per day depending on the size of the dog.
The bottom line is that having a dog is expensive, but many people feel it’s worth every krona. That’s also why it’s wise to have insurance for your dog. About 80–90 percent of all Swedish dogs are insured. It’s good to have help in case your dog gets sick or has an accident.
We have chosen to partner with the insurance provider Trygg Hansa, which offers a wide range of insurance policies for dogs of all breeds. You can take out insurance from the time your puppy is 6 weeks old until it turns 8 years. At Trygg Hansa, you can compare and choose dog insurance based on your needs, see what’s included, and quickly get a price quote tailored to your dog.
