Dogs make great companions, but they come with certain living costs, like any other pet. If you’re preparing to move with your four-legged best friend, you might wonder how your future geographic region will affect your budget. Check out the most and least affordable states for dog owners to better understand what you might pay each year to raise a healthy, happy pup.
Typical Annual Expenditures for Dog Owners
Even if you don’t prefer to spoil your canine companion with tons of toys, there are a few expenses most dog owners share. Your annual pet-related expenditures likely include things such as:
- Checkups at the veterinarian
- Monthly or bimonthly food purchases
- Monthly flea, tick and heartworm medication
- Grooming appointments
- Boarding facility fees
You won’t need to pay all those expenses simultaneously, which might make managing your dog’s living fees easier. You may only need to cover the price of their rabies vaccine every one to three years, depending on the dose. However, you could also groom your pup at home to save money. The most important thing is knowing what your dog’s living expenses might cost each year based on the averages where you move.
Least Affordable States for Dog Owners
Learn more about the least affordable states for dog owners based on recent research conducted by Wethrift, an online discount code platform. The study considered various factors pet parents should consider, including cost-of-living adjustments plus standard associated costs like food, health insurance and vet appointments.
Massachusetts: $2,275.97 Per Year
Massachusetts tops the list of most expensive states for pet parents. People spend an average of $2,275.97 annually on dog-related costs. Whether you live in Boston or Williamstown, prepare to pay more expensive fees to keep your pup content and healthy.
It’s worth noting that you could reduce your yearly pet fees by keeping your dog with loved ones instead of boarding facilities when traveling. Any annual average will always be flexible to each pet parent’s preferences.
Hawaii: $2,198.30 Annually
If you’re one of the 62% of dog owners moving for the sake of their pups, remember to prioritize your financial well-being, too. Pet parents in Hawaii pay $2,198.30 each year to care for their dogs, regardless of which island they call home. Some of that total comes from overseas shipping expenses, so it may not fluctuate too much even if your region gets more pet supply stores or vet offices.
New York: $2,164.24 Every Year
New York has diverse rural and urban areas but is still in the top three least affordable states for dog owners. At only $34.06 cheaper than Hawaii, there isn't much of a difference between second and third place. It’s essential to keep in mind, regardless of if you want to live with your pup in New York City or Bath.
Most Affordable States to Own a Dog
You might be among the lucky pet parents moving to the most affordable states for dog owners without even realizing it. The lower totals include the same pet-related costs as the states above, so you won’t have to add any standard expenses to the average affordability findings.
Kansas: $1,403.40 Per Year
Residents of Kansas benefit from low expenses regarding things like rent. They also get to adopt pets in the most affordable state to own a dog. If you move there, you’ll likely spend an average of $1,403.40 yearly on your pup, nearly $1,000 less than in Massachusetts.
Your eventual cost of living might be low, but don’t forget to factor in other expenses if you’re researching pet fees for an upcoming move. If you’ll drive to your new home and stay somewhere overnight, remember that pet hotel fees can cost up to $100 or more each night. Compare rates early to avoid surprise fees.
Louisiana: $1,432.04 Annually
If gumbo and multicultural cities call your name, you might be among the many people living in Louisiana. It’s also the second-most affordable place to live with a dog. You could spend your days riding airboats through marshes together without worrying about how you’ll cover your pup’s next vet visit. It depends on your income and which city you call home.
Oklahoma: $1,435.09 Each Year
The vast fields in Oklahoma are only one reason dog parents might consider moving there. It’s also an easy place to afford a pup. The average annual fees associated with dogs add up to only $1,435.09, which is $31.69 more than you’d pay in Kansas. It might be the encouraging news you need to start looking for real estate or comparing rent prices.
Eliminate the Dog-Related Sticker Shock of Your Next Move
Once you’ve discovered the most and least affordable states for dog owners, you can better prepare for your next big move with your four-legged best friend. Understanding annual averages sheds light on what your financial life could look like in the coming years. It makes all the difference when choosing where you can comfortably live with your pup.