The Real Cost of Owning A Dog in Germany
- Team @ Rescute
- Oct 2
- 6 min read
Bringing a dog into your life is exciting, rewarding, and full of joy—but it also comes with real financial responsibilities that many first-time owners don’t fully expect. From the upfront decision of adopting versus buying, to ongoing expenses like food, insurance, and vet care, the costs can add up quickly if you’re not prepared.
With a little planning and some smart money-saving strategies, dog ownership doesn’t have to be expensive. In this guide, we’ll break down the costs of owning a dog in Germany—and share practical tips on how to keep expenses under control without cutting corners on your pup’s well-being. Whether you’re budgeting for your very first dog or simply looking to lower your current costs, you’ll find plenty of useful insights here.
Table of Content
Initial Costs of Dog Ownership
Where you get your new dog is the biggest money decision you'll make at the beginning. The first few weeks are when expenses add up quickly—from deciding where your new companion comes from to buying all the gear they’ll need. Before you bring home that wagging tail, it’s worth understanding the initial costs so you can budget wisely and avoid surprises.
Acquiring a dog: Buying Vs Dog Adoption
When it comes to the initial costs of dog ownership, the biggest money decision you’ll make is where your new pup comes from. If you decide to buy from a registered breeder—especially for a popular breed like a Golden Retriever—you’re looking at anywhere from €1,000 to €2,500. It doesn’t even include the gear your dog will need.
The cheaper (and honestly, kinder) option is adopting from a local Tierheim, or animal shelter. They usually just ask for a small protection fee of around €200 to €350, and the best part is that this often covers the basics like the first set of vaccinations, microchipping, and deworming. That alone can save you a few hundred euros right off the bat.
Equipment & Supplies for Your New Dog
Of course, you’ll also need to get the essentials—things like a bed, bowls, leash, car crate, and toys. Depending on what you pick, that can set you back anywhere from €100 to €300 or more.
A smart way to save? Go second-hand. Puppies grow fast and chew through just about everything, so splurging on brand-new gear isn’t always worth it. Check local online groups or marketplaces for things like transport crates, comfy beds, or jackets—you’ll often find great deals on items that are barely used, and your pup won’t know the difference.
Mandatory Annual Dog Ownership Costs in Germany
There are two yearly costs for dog owners in Germany that you simply can’t avoid—but with a little know-how, you can definitely keep them as low as possible.
The Hundesteuer (Dog Tax)
The dog tax, or Hundesteuer, is a city fee that every dog owner has to pay, and the amount depends on where you live. In smaller towns, it might be as low as €50, while in Berlin it’s around €120—and some cities charge even more.
One easy way to save money here is by sticking to just one dog, because many places double the tax if you own a second pup. And here’s a tip if you’re adopting: ask your local city office whether they offer a tax discount for the first year after adopting from a Tierheim. Many do, which can give you a nice little financial break.
Liability Insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung)
Dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung) is another must-have in most German states. If your dog causes an accident or injures someone, you’re on the hook for the costs—and we’re not talking small bills, but amounts that can reach hundreds of thousands of euros. This insurance protects both you and your wallet.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be expensive. By shopping around and comparing offers online, you can find solid coverage for as little as €35 to €50 a year. Just make it a habit to check prices once a year—you’ll be surprised at how much you can save.
Variable & Recurring Monthly Expenses
This is the part of dog ownership where being smart with your spending can really add up. A few small changes here can save you hundreds of euros every single year.
Food & Treats (The Largest Variable Expense)
Food and treats are hands down the biggest monthly cost for most dog owners, averaging around €74 per month. The exact number depends on your dog’s size and the type of food you buy.
There are plenty of ways to cut this cost without cutting quality. One simple trick is to shop smart by buying in bulk. Buying big bags of good-quality food is almost always cheaper than grabbing smaller ones, so stocking up in bulk is the way to go.
Another money-saver is making homemade treats instead of buying pricey training snacks. Cheap and healthy alternatives like cooked rice, plain oats, or small carrot pieces work just as well—and your dog will love them. Finally, the easiest saving strategy of all: don’t overfeed. Measure carefully, feed according to their activity level, and you’ll not only save money but also keep your dog healthier, which means fewer vet bills down the road.
Veterinary Costs (Planned & Emergency)
Vet visits are one of those costs every dog owner has to plan for—but emergencies can be a real shock to your wallet.
In Germany, vets follow the official fee schedule (GOT), which means they can legally charge up to four times the standard price for emergencies. On top of that, there’s a mandatory €50 emergency fee. Regular checkups are pretty manageable at around €35–€60 each, but when something serious happens—like a broken bone or complicated surgery—you could be facing bills anywhere from €800 to €2,500 in one go.
So how do you keep those costs under control? One option is to get surgery insurance. Full pet health insurance can be pricey, but if you’re comfortable paying for routine visits yourself, surgery-only insurance is much cheaper at around €10–€30 a month. That way, you’re protected if a big accident or emergency ever happens.
Another smart strategy is simple: prevention. Keeping your dog healthy with a balanced diet, proper exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight will help you avoid many vet visits in the first place. And here’s a pro tip—brush your dog’s teeth daily! Dental work is surprisingly one of the most expensive vet costs, and a little daily care can save you hundreds down the line.
Grooming, Training & Care Services
Many of these costs can be kept super low if you’re willing to do a little DIY. With some basic tools and a bit of learning, you can often handle grooming, training, and even pet care yourself—and keep that money in your pocket.
Grooming: A trip to a professional groomer can run you anywhere from €30 to €70 each time. Instead, grab a good-quality brush and learn to clip your dog’s nails at home (your vet can give you tips if you’re unsure). It takes a bit of practice, but the savings add up fast.
Training: Dog school can be pricey, and the truth is you don’t always need it right away. Thanks to the internet, there are tons of free resources that can help you teach basic commands at home. Once your pup has the fundamentals down, you can decide later if you want to invest in advanced classes.
Dog Sitting: Hiring a professional dog sitter usually costs €20 or more per day, and that can add up quickly if you travel often. A budget-friendly alternative is to set up a “dog swap” with friends, neighbors, or fellow dog owners—you watch their dog when they’re away, and they return the favor. Not only is it free, but your dog gets cared for by someone familiar, which is usually less stressful for them too.
Final Thoughts
Owning a dog is one of life’s greatest joys, but it also comes with financial responsibilities that shouldn’t be overlooked. From adoption fees and equipment to yearly taxes, insurance, and those unexpected vet visits, the costs can add up faster than you think. The key is being prepared and making smart choices—like adopting instead of buying, shopping second-hand, and taking a DIY approach to grooming and training when possible.
At the end of the day, dogs give us unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship that money can’t buy. By planning ahead and managing expenses wisely, you’ll be able to focus less on the bills and more on enjoying the happy, healthy years with your four-legged friend.
