How much should you budget for puppy health costs in the first year?

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Blaireaumagnifique6177 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

We're seeing lots of new puppies on the forum at the moment, so I thought it might be useful to share the costs you need to budget for in the first year, as it often ends up being more expensive than you'd think:

- microchipping (usually already sorted by the breeder or rescue centre)

- initial vaccinations and boosters (several jabs over the first few months)

- worming, flea and tick treatments all year round

- neutering or spaying if you're planning on it

- and the hardest part to plan for: the unexpected (tummy bugs, parasites, minor accidents...) which can easily run into several hundred pounds

Personally, I ended up comparing pet insurance to have a safety net for any surprise bills, rather than having to pay out a lump sum when something happens. How about you? How did you organise your budget for the first year? Did you take out insurance or do you put some money aside each month?

Translated from French
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    Vicugnajeune6411 Icon representing the flag French
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    It took me ages to find a pet insurance policy that actually offers decent cover for dental work and chronic conditions. Those are usually the things that are poorly covered. One provider I found is really good value for money, especially for puppies.
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    Picco85 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi again

    So, for a health budget in the first year, I’m looking at an average of around £1,300

    ♦️Expenses covered by the seller

    • microchipping (usually already done by the breeder/rescue)

    • initial vaccinations + boosters (several injections during the first few months)

    ♦️Unnecessary, but optional

    • worming and flea/tick treatments all year round. Selling a Bravecto for £35 for 2 months is wrong, if not outright robbery.

    ♦️The final step (definitely not a requirement for males)

    • neutering, if you’re planning on it

    ♦️Health / natural extras

    • rabies, distemper £15/£20

    • Full blood tests (you need to find a vet who doesn't charge too much). Can go up to £350

    • Health issues inherent to puppies. Fevers, allergic reactions, digestive problems, etc.

    Translated from French
    Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    I’ve never really looked at the annual costs properly; I have a rough idea but that's about it. Given how much I have to shell out, I reckon I’m probably better off not knowing 😅 but it certainly costs a fair bit, that’s for sure.
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    P
    Picco85 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi everyone,

    I keep a spreadsheet of all my expenses, year by year and category by category. I have two male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (aged 5 and 2).

    The first year cost nearly £3,400, including the £1,500 adoption fee (not including insurance).

    • Starter gear (leads and harnesses, books, mats, and all the grooming and hygiene kit).

    • Various medical supplies for home check-ups (shout out to the medical supply shops).

    • Initial vet visits (vets are basically cash machines... no two practices seem to charge the same for any procedure).

    • Food (2 months of dry food, then switched to a strictly home-cooked diet).

    For my second dog, it cost me around £1,700 because the adoption fee was lower. Everything I had bought for the first one was used for the second.

    Otherwise, I’d recommend waiting until the puppy has actually arrived before buying certain things, such as:

    • Crates: mine preferred staying in the bathroom rather than in that cramped thing.

    • Dog beds: they’ve never actually slept in one. Plus, they cost a fortune.

    • Toys: they play with them for 5 minutes and then they're done with them.

    • Insurance: given how unfavourable the terms and conditions often are, I recommend making a very well-informed decision. They are rarely in the customer's favour.

    Nowadays, I handle the routine care, the grooming, and the cooking for the dogs myself.

    Translated from French
    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    You’ve already mentioned the main expenses. It’s also important not to forget food, training, accessories (lead, harness, bedding, toys...) and any potential pet sitting or boarding costs. Whether it’s through insurance or a dedicated savings pot, the key is to plan for the unexpected so you can act quickly if your puppy falls ill or gets injured.

    Best wishes,

    Victoire

    Translated from French

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