New owner advice

Realistic monthly cost for a medium dog in 2025 — trying to budget before we commit

chris_apartment·11 days·673 views

Renting, no kids. Estimating for a 30–45 lb dog: food, vet (wellness), preventatives, daycare 1x week, toys, grooming.

Chicago prices. What do you actually spend all-in, not best-case Pinterest budget?

2 replies

lucia_m· 11 days

Two dogs, HCOL-ish suburb: ~$180–220/mo baseline without emergencies. Big spikes = dental, sudden limp, boarding. Daycare here is $35–45/day — we use 4–8 days/mo when work travel picks up.

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jenna_ok· 10 days

Single beagle, OKC area: ~$110/mo food+preventatives, vet $40/mo averaged (wellness plan), toys/treats stupid category $25. No daycare.

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