Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time in anyone’s life, but many prospective pet owners overlook the long-term financial commitment. Not being able to afford the commitment down the line is a leading cause of dogs being abandoned, so it’s a very important part of starting out the journey with a responsible mind set. 

In a recent survey conducted by Paction, 67% of dog owners admitted they did not calculate the ongoing costs of dog ownership before welcoming their furry friend. This lack of planning can lead to financial strain and, in unfortunate cases, even pet surrenders.

The Sticker Shock: First-Year Expenses

The first year with a pup often comes with unexpected financial surprises. Between vaccinations, spaying/neutering, microchipping, training, quality supplies, and potential insurance, the costs quickly add up. Pet insurance alone can range from $60 to $400 per month, depending on coverage. If you are going to invest in insurance, doing so early is the way to go. Investing in quality essentials from the start—such as a supportive bed, durable leash, and engaging toys—can help prevent costly issues down the road.

The Hidden Costs Over a Lifetime

While upfront expenses are well-known, it’s the ongoing and emergency costs that catch many pet owners off guard. Veterinary emergencies and dental procedures can be significant, and pet insurance plays a crucial role in financial protection. One dog owner shared their experience in a Paction Paw Print cautionary tale:

"I never imagined pet insurance would be such a big topic for my husband and me. After losing our first pup and facing a massive vet bill, we learned the hard way. When we got our next dog, we made sure we were covered."

Why Cost Estimates Vary So Much

A 2019 Global News article highlighted a wide range of annual dog ownership costs in Canada—from $1,646 to $14,820 per year. This massive gap stems from factors such as the humanization of pets, premium product options, and individual spending habits. How much you spend depends on your lifestyle and whether you opt for high-end services or budget-friendly alternatives.

The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator for Canadians

Unfortunately, Canadians have had limited tools to accurately estimate the cost of dog ownership—until now. Paction’s Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator is designed to provide the most precise cost estimate for 2025, helping pet owners plan realistically. By factoring in essential expenses, potential splurges, and emergency costs, it gives a well-rounded picture of what to expect financially.

Once you’re content financially, the next most important decision is to choose the right breed for your lifestyle. A decade-long commitment deserves careful consideration. Try Paction’s Breed Matchmaker too!

What is Paction?

Paction centralizes the online dog-search process and to enable prospective pup parents to make more informed decisions before committing to a dog. On the platform, Canadians looking to get a dog can find reputable breeders. The Paction platform provides an accountability-based platform for breeders to showcase the meaningful aspects of their breeding programs with a standardized online presence.

Paction educates prospective pup parents to make a more informed decision when choosing a breeder. Paction enables those looking for dogs to explore listings and profiles from reputable breeders and facilitates the workflow around the process of bringing home a dog including secure payments.

Meet Paction’s Co-founder, Brooke

As do most entrepreneurial spirits, Brooke has a very diverse professional background.  She obtained her PhD in Neurobiology from the University of Toronto in 2013, has owned her own businesses, and has worked on similar projects bringing two sides of a market together on a tech platform. Brooke became a fur momma for the first time in 2021 and has since spent copious amounts of time obsessing about the experience of pup parenting. In the process of getting her dog, she identified all of the problems throughout the dog rehoming process for both reputable breeders and for consumers looking to become pup parents. These experiences have all contributed to the genesis of Canada’s new pup platform, Paction!