The Annual Cost of aPuppy Is More Than the National Average forTwo Months' Rent There's nothing cheap about getting a puppy. Adoption fees, food and water bowls, a crate,treats, and more, total an average of $1,487. And that's just the first day of puppy ownership! That price includes spay/neuter surgery,microchipping, and vaccinations. Although, many adoption agencies make sureall that stuff is taken care of before adoption. The average monthly expense on food, treats,basic medication, and toys is $153 a month. Dog-walkers, especially in more expensivecities, can run you about $25 per half-hour. Then there are the irregular expenses: checkups, pet insurance, training, teeth cleaning, grooming. All in all, the annual cost ofhaving a puppy is $3,370.