Key Findings
Yorkshire Terriers (56%), Labrador Retrievers (44%), and Poodles (39%) top our 'naughty list' for first-year behavioral issues.
Nearly one in five dog owners use a pet camera to monitor their pups, spending over 50 hours annually watching them.
With over $400 in average unexpected vet bills in their dog's first year, 27% of owners skip routine vet visits to reduce expenses.
Over two in three dog parents have gone into credit card debt in the past year to afford vet bills.
The top three most expensive states to own a dog are California, Massachusetts, and Washington.
There’s nothing quite like the bond between dogs and their humans. But while they bring plenty of love and laughter, caring for a dog is a big responsibility, especially in the first year. We uncovered the highs, lows, and lessons learned from first-time dog owners to help future pet parents feel more prepared to bring home their puppy.
To better understand what new dog owners go through (and what they wish they knew ahead of time), we surveyed 1,000 Americans. We analyzed national cost data to uncover the most common challenges, biggest expenses, and how much it costs to raise a dog in your state.
What Puppy Parenthood Looks Like
Dog owners can face many different challenges in their puppy's first year, from difficulties teaching commands to potty training struggles and unexpected behavioral issues such as begging for food. But with a bit of patience, consistency, and the right support, these early hurdles can lead to a strong bond and a well-adjusted pup.
Nearly half of new dog owners cite potty training (49%) and teaching commands (48%) as the toughest parts of the first year of their puppy's life, followed by behavior problems (38%) and finding time for consistent training or socialization (33%). Chewing furniture or belongings was the most common behavioral issue (58%), while half of all owners dealt with jumping and separation anxiety. Certain breeds had their struggles: German Shepherd owners were 36% more likely than Australian Shepherd owners to say their pup jumped on people. Meanwhile, Labrador Retriever parents were 31% more likely than Golden Retriever parents to report separation anxiety.
Over one in four dog owners (26%) mentioned begging for food as a behavioral issue during their pup’s first year, with the number rising to over one in three (35%) among Dachshund owners. While some of this comes down to training, diet can also play a role. Choosing a well-balanced, satisfying dog food that supports healthy digestion and satiety may help reduce persistent begging, especially in breeds prone to food-related behaviors.
The Costs of Puppy Destruction
From chewed-up furniture to rising repair bills, many dog owners find themselves spending more time and money managing the mess than they expected during the first year.
The first year with a puppy can come with unexpected costs and household wear and tear for many dog owners. A staggering 86% of dog owners say their dog caused damage during their first year, with repairs costing an average of $294. Over one in five (21%) say unexpected home repairs were the most significant surprise expense of dog ownership. The most commonly destroyed items include household supplies (41%), furniture (40%), and personal items like sunglasses or headphones (32%).
Some breeds were especially prone to mischief. Yorkshire Terriers topped the list for behavioral issues, with 56% of owners reporting problems, most commonly separation anxiety. Labrador Retrievers followed at 44%, with jumping on people being the most frequent issue. Poodles came in third for overall behavior struggles, with the most common problem being house training. While Golden Retrievers may not have topped the list of naughtiest breeds, they did top the list of highest reported unexpected repair costs, with their owners reporting having spent $388 from their pup chewing on belongings.
To try and minimize these damages, nearly one in five dog owners now use a pet camera to keep a closer eye on their pups. Gen Z leads the way with 23% of those surveyed saying they’ve set one up. Golden Retriever owners also spend the most time watching their dog cameras, averaging 101 hours per year, compared to just 49 hours for Australian Shepherd parents. Whether you're tracking behavior or just checking in, a dog camera can offer peace of mind. It could even potentially save a pair of shoes or two.
The Financial Reality of Dog Ownership
Many dog owners are finding that the price of pet care adds up fast. As expenses climb, some are ending up in debt while others are cutting back on preventive care to handle the costs.
Caring for a dog is deeply rewarding, but for many pet parents, it comes with costly and often surprising expenses. Over half of all owners (53%) report struggling to afford their pup in the past year. Two in three dog owners say they’ve gone into credit card debt to cover unexpected vet bills, which average more than $400 during their dog’s first year. To afford these bills, pet parents are even relying on payment plans, personal loans, or even Buy Now, Pay Later services, which are used by about one in eight Gen Z dog parents. On top of that, 43% of dog owners have used savings or emergency funds to cover their vet bills.
How Dog Owners Manage Costs
To manage costs, nearly two in three dog owners are cutting back on care that could help prevent those expensive emergencies in the first place. Dental cleanings (52%), pet insurance (43%), training classes (37%), and routine vet visits (27%) are all on the chopping block. Millennials in particular are feeling the squeeze on their wallets, with one in five forgoing regular checkups to save money. While cost-cutting might feel necessary in the short term, investing in foundational health like quality dog food or nutritious puppy food can go a long way in supporting your dog’s wellbeing and potentially avoiding bigger bills down the line.
What It Costs to Own a Dog: State by State
The cost of dog ownership doesn't just depend on their breed; it also depends on your ZIP code. From vet visits to daycare, pet care expenses vary widely across America, and some states are significantly more budget-friendly than others.
Dog ownership comes with a wide range of expenses, and where you live can make a big difference to those costs. To find out which states are the priciest (and most affordable) for pet parents, we analyzed data from Rover and Care Credit, ranking all 50 states based on six key cost factors: veterinary care, dog walking, doggy daycare, pet sitting, boarding, and pet insurance. California took the top spot as the most expensive state to own a dog, while Kansas came out as the most affordable. With inflation continuing to impact pet owners, understanding these cost differences can help families better plan their budgets or look for new ways to save.
Top 3 Most Expensive States to Own a Dog
1. California
Score: 100.00
California ranks as the most expensive state overall for dog ownership.
Most expensive for dog walking ($25) and doggy daycare ($50)
Second most costly for veterinary care ($110)
In the top five most expensive for all categories
2. Massachusetts
Score: 95.51
Massachusetts takes the second spot thanks to high costs across the board.
Third highest for doggy daycare ($45)
Third highest for pet insurance ($59)
Third highest for dog boarding ($60)
3. Washington
Score: 94.26
Washington rounds out the top three with consistently high service rates.
Most expensive for dog walking ($25)
Third most costly for doggy daycare ($45)
Third most expensive for dog boarding ($60)
Top 3 Most Affordable States to Own a Dog
1. Kansas
Score: 0.00
Kansas is the most affordable state for dog owners.
Lowest cost for veterinary care ($76)
Second lowest for dog walking ($15)
Third lowest for pet sitting ($35)
2. Mississippi
Score: 3.37
Pet care costs in Mississippi are among the lowest nationwide.
Third lowest cost for pet insurance ($42)
Third lowest for doggy daycare ($26)
Sixth lowest for dog walking ($17)
3. Oklahoma (tie)
Score: 7.12
Oklahoma is tied for the third most affordable state for dog ownership.
Tied for the third-lowest cost for pet insurance ($42)
Fifth lowest cost for doggy daycare ($28)
Sixth lowest cost for dog boarding ($35)
3. Arkansas (tie)
Score: 7.12
Arkansas shares the third spot with Oklahoma in affordability.
Tied for the third-lowest cost of pet insurance ($42)
Third-lowest cost of veterinary care ($77)
Fourth lowest cost of pet sitting ($38)
Thankfully, no matter where you live, there are innovative ways to cut costs. Two-thirds of dog owners say they save money by grooming their pets at home. At the same time, 59% recommend early training to avoid costly behavioral issues down the line and 43% say they order their dog food in bulk. Ordering your dog food in bulk or setting up autoship with Tractor Supply can save you 5% on every order, and many locations also offer access to convenient, affordable pet wash stations to reduce grooming costs.
Navigating Your First Year of Dog Ownership
Owning a dog is a big commitment, and the first year often comes with a steep learning curve, but a little preparation can make a big difference. Nearly half of experienced dog owners (46%) say researching the breed before adopting helped them understand what to expect. Others recommend setting aside emergency funds for unexpected expenses (34%), focusing on socialization during the first six months (34%), and making time for daily mental stimulation (31%) to help prevent unwanted behaviors. And 24% say it’s worth bracing yourself for some interrupted sleep during those early potty training days.
Whether you're getting ready to bring home a puppy or just trying to make it through the first year, support and guidance can go a long way. For more practical tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you through every stage of dog ownership, visit Life Out Here from Tractor Supply. Whether you’re looking for training help, grooming advice, or recommendations on puppy food and gear, it’s a great place to start.
Methodology
To explore the dog owners' experiences during their first year, we surveyed 1,000 Americans. This sample size provides a 95 percent confidence level with a low 3 percent margin of error. Because this exploratory research relied on self-reported data, respondents may have biases, and discrepancies may exist between their answers and their actual experiences. Additionally we gathered data from Rover and Care Credit to create a comprehensive ranking based on six cost factors to uncover the most expensive states to own a dog.
Fair Use Statement
Now that you have all this information about first-year dog owners and the cost to own a dog in your state, feel free to share it! We ask that you credit Tractor Supply for the data and link back to this study page.