How Much Does It Cost to Own a Dog in India? A Complete Breakdown
By Mayank Agarwal | Published on 25th June 2025 | 2 min read
Thinking of bringing a furry friend home? While the love and companionship a dog brings is priceless, being a responsible pet parent in India means being prepared for the costs both expected and unexpected. In this post, we break down the realistic monthly and yearly expenses of dog ownership in India.
One-Time Costs
1. Buying or Adopting a Dog
- Adoption (Recommended): ₹0 – ₹5,000
- Buying a Breed Dog: ₹5,000 – ₹1,50,000+
(Labradors, Beagles, Golden Retrievers are common mid-range breeds)
Adopting not only saves lives but reduces your upfront cost.
2. Initial Setup
| Item | Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Vaccinations (first year) | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Spaying/Neutering | 3,000 – 12,000 |
| Crate/Bed | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Bowls, Leash, Collar, Toys | 1,500 – 4,000 |
| Grooming Kit (Brush, Shampoo) | 1,000 – 2,000 |
Total One-Time Cost: ₹8,500 – ₹25,000+
Monthly Expenses
1. Food
- Puppy food (branded): ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
- Adult dog (15–30kg): ₹2,500 – ₹5,000
- Homemade food is cheaper but may need supplements.
2. Healthcare
- Routine checkups: ₹300 – ₹600/month
- Flea/tick protection: ₹200 – ₹400/month
- Vaccines (spread yearly): ₹150 – ₹400/month (avg)
3. Grooming
- At-home: ₹200/month
- Professional: ₹800 – ₹2,000 per session (monthly/quarterly)
4. Training (Optional but recommended)
- Basic obedience: ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 (once or spread over 2–3 months)
5. Other Recurring Costs
| Item | Cost (₹/month) |
|---|---|
| Treats & Toys | ₹300 – ₹700 |
| Insurance | ₹300 – ₹800 |
| Boarding/Walker | ₹500 – ₹2,000 |
Annual Summary (Average Mid-Range Dog)
| Category | Estimated Annual Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Food | 36,000 – 60,000 |
| Health & Vaccines | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Grooming | 2,400 – 12,000 |
| Misc. (Toys, Treats, Services) | 5,000 – 12,000 |
| Insurance | 4,000 – 10,000 |
| Total | ₹53,000 – ₹1,04,000+ |
Tips to Manage Costs
- Adopt, don’t shop – reduces initial costs and supports a cause
- Buy in bulk for food and grooming items
- Learn basic grooming to reduce professional fees
- Invest in pet insurance early to reduce surprise costs
- Track expenses monthly with a simple app or spreadsheet
Final Thoughts
Owning a dog in India can cost anywhere between ₹4,000 to ₹10,000 per month depending on the breed, lifestyle, and care level. But the emotional return? Priceless.
Are you ready to bring home a lifelong friend?
Let us help you budget, track expenses, and offer trusted pet services all in one place.
