The price of a new Akita dog can be difficult to pin down. If you are in the market for one, you will need to account for a variety of things – the cost of the dog or puppy itself, veterinary fees, training, food, supplies and the like. Our team has developed a calculator that helps you estimate your costs when it comes to buying, raising, and maintaining an Akita.
An Akita puppy is likely to cost between $600-$1,980 with the average price being $1,000. First-year expenses are around $4,415 and will be about $1,955/year (or $163/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning an Akita is $25,920.
These figures are based on a comprehensive list of essentials – supplies, training costs, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming costs, license registration and a microchip are included. Additionally, optional costs, such as medical procedures that may be necessary and insurance, as well as services like dog walking and dog boarding are not included. If you spay/neuter your Akita, buy pet insurance, send your dog to a boarding facility one week every year and need a dog walker every working day, your cost could rise between $63,835 and $134,480. This would put the overall average cost of maintaining an Akita at $95,835 throughout its lifetime.
Prices in the higher range are relevant for people buying high-end products and services and/or living in expensive areas, while the lower range will be more accurate for cheaper products and services and/or owners living in a less expensive area.
We have put together a comprehensive analysis of the expenses that come with raising an Akita puppy and adult dog. Moreover, at the end of this article you will find a cost calculator that will give you a much more accurate estimate as to how much it should cost you to buy and raise an Akita through the course of its lifetime.
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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.
Quick Links
- Puppy Cost
- Supplies Cost
- Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
- Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
- Food Cost
- Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
- Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
- Total Cost
- PetBudget Cost Calculator
How much does an Akita puppy cost?
Our team has perused through over 273 ads from reliable sources like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind to estimate the average price for Akita puppies under 6 months of age to be $1,000 per puppy. Roughly 80% of the puppies reviewed fell between $600 and $1,980. But note that some Akitas were priced as high as $4,500.
Puppy Prices | Range | Average Cost |
Akita | $600 – $1,980 | $1,000 |
When buying an Akita puppy, we strongly recommend doing some research to find a reputable shelter or breeder. This will have a major impact on your dog’s long-term health and well-being! Also, adoption can be a much more economical option, with adoption or rehoming fees typically ranging from $50-$500, depending on your location.
WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND AN AKITA PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 24 best places to find your perfect pet. You can also check our Akita breeders directory to find a breeder in your state.
Puppies Price Range | Ads Reviewed |
$300 – $1,000 | 171 |
$1,001 – $1,700 | 59 |
$1,701 – $2,400 | 25 |
$2,401 – $3,100 | 12 |
$3,101 – $3,800 | 5 |
$3,801 – $4,500 | 1 |
Total | 273 |
This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.
“As a veterinarian, I think it is ideal that Akita breeder’s breeding dogs be either evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding and throughout their breeding years: hip dysplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis (blood test), eye examination by an ophthalmologist yearly until 6 years of age, then every 2 years. Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).
Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.
Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.
Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.
Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.
Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.
Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.
Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.
Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.
Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.
The cost of supplies for an Akita
Having the right supplies can make welcoming your new Akita into your home that much easier. After sorting through more than 250 items across the best seller lists on Amazon, Walmart and PetSmart, the initial cost of supplies is likely to fall anywhere between $245 and $925. On average, your first-year cost should be around the $495 mark for such a large dog.
Supplies Prices | Range | Average Cost |
Food & Water Bowls | $10 – $40 | $20 |
Dog Collars (x2) | $10 – $40 | $20 |
Leash | $10 – $30 | $15 |
ID Tag with Phone Number | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Dog Bed (48″ or 60″) | $30 – $110 | $60 |
Dog Crate (48″ or 60″) | $50 – $165 | $90 |
Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) | $15 – $110 | $55 |
Pooper Scooper | $10 – $30 | $20 |
House Training Pads (75-100) | $15 – $45 | $25 |
Stains and Odors Removal Spray | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Toys | $50 – $155 | $90 |
First-Aid Kit | $15 – $50 | $30 |
Brush | $5 – $45 | $15 |
Shampoo | $5 – $20 | $10 |
Tooth-brushing Kit | $5 – $15 | $10 |
Toenail Clippers | $5 – $30 | $15 |
Things do get cheaper as your dog grows, with the cost for each subsequent year falling between $105 and $410. This puts the average cost for each year after the first one at $225. This includes the cost for items that need to be bought again, such as toys, a bed, shampoo, plastic bags, and a tooth-brushing kit.
Total Supplies Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year | $245 – $925 | $495 |
Subsequent Years | $105 – $410 | $225 |
Other equipment, such as a muzzle, clothing, play pens and fences are not included here. Rather, it accounts for essential supplies. To help save on some of these items, second-hand stores, local pet shops and popular websites might be worth considering.
Check our Dog Supplies Guide and get tips to choose the right items for you and your dog (bowls, collar, leash, bed, and crate size, etc.). Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.
If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200.
Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.
Should you train your Akita?
Our expert animal behaviorist and dog trainer recommends that an Akita gets ample professional training. Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., suggests private lessons for positive leadership as well as for crate training and group lessons for obedience and socialization purposes (with other people and dogs outside the home).
Training should run you anywhere between $900-$1,200 for 7 to 9 private lessons plus $150-$200 for five 1-hour group lessons.
Training Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Akita | $1,050 – $1,400 | $1,225 |
Dog training books are affordable and will also help you come to terms with the basics of raising and training an Akita dog.
“Akitas are intelligent and good for active adults. They are intelligent and like to be in charge. Training helps teach leadership.”
Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
All about medical costs for an Akita
After consulting with our licensed veterinarian, Leslie Brooks (DVM), we have put together an estimate of the medical costs when raising an Akita. Usually, you will be looking at the $640 range to cover veterinary costs for the first year, with an additional cost around $575 for spay/neuter and gastropexy procedures.
Medical cost for every subsequent year will be close to $750 on average. These costs can vary depending on location and the dog’s health among other things.
Medical Cost | Range | Average Cost |
First Year Vet Cost | $425 – $855 | $640 |
Spay/Neuter (optional) | $50 – $500 | $275 |
Gastropexy (optional) | $200 – $400 | $300 |
Adult Year Vet Cost | $475 – $1,025 | $750 |
Vet cost for an Akita puppy during the first year
Experts like Leslie Brooks recommend at least three trips to the vet through the course of the puppy’s first year, with the first visit coming in at roughly 8 weeks of age. Each trip should fall in the $65-$170 range. These visits will cover physical exams, fecal examination, vaccines, heartworm prevention, and flea prevention.
She also recommends pursuing heartworm and flea prevention after those three visits, which can cost $75 to $120 and $85 to $150 for the rest of the year.
Additionally, your Akita puppy may require some vaccines that depend largely on lifestyle and activities:
- Leptospirosis, if the Akita is exposed to wildlife or taken on camping and hiking trips often ($15-$25 and sometimes already included in the visit).
- Influenza if the dog is boarded or kept for long periods in a kennel and if the daycare or kennels require it due to intermittent influenza outbreaks ($70-$90 for two doses).
- Lyme if exposed to ticks especially when camping, hiking, or living in a wooded area or on a farm ($60-$80 for two doses).
As your Akita puppy grows, a neutering or spaying procedure may be considered. This falls in the $150-$500 range, depending on the clinics in your locality (some low-cost clinics spay or neuter dogs for $50-$100). Usually, spay procedures (female) are more expensive.
Leslie Brooks also recommends performing a gastropexy procedure at the same time for larger dogs, such as Akitas, as this helps reduce the risk of Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) later and prevents complications in the future. Usually, such a procedure falls in the $200 and $400 range. GDV is when the dog’s stomach twists on itself and is a life-threatening condition that must be corrected with surgery.
Veterinary expenses for the subsequent years
After the first year, an annual trip to the vet is recommended, and falls in the $125-$265 range. This includes a thorough examination to make sure there are no complications with regards to your dog’s health, vaccines, a heartworm test, and blood work (to detect any hidden medical condition for middle aged and senior dogs) if needed.
Leslie also recommends following through with heartworm and flea prevention medication, which usually cost around $125-$250 and $225-$350 for the year, respectively.
The optional vaccines presented above may also require annual booster shots ($15-$45 each). Additionally, a fecal examination may be required if the pet is regularly exposed to other dogs or wildlife or has inconsistent stool quality, so expect to pay an additional $40-$50 for the procedure.
Most common health problems for an Akita
The table below presents some potential health problems for Akitas as well as a cost estimate to treat them according to Leslie Brooks, DVM.
Health Problem | Likelihood | Treatment Cost Estimate |
Hypothyroidism | Medium | $350 – $800 |
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture | High | $150 – $3,500* |
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) | Medium | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Autoimmune Skin Disorders | Medium | $500 – $2,500 |
* $2,000-$3,500 total for surgical repair of cranial cruciate ligament rupture. This is usually the ideal treatment recommendation; however, diagnostics prior to surgery, such as x-rays and blood work would be additional costs of $200-$400. 50% of dogs who tear a ligament in one knee, will eventually tear the ligament in their other knee, which would require a duplicate of the costs mentioned above.
If the owner elects to avoid surgery, and just provide pain management, physical therapy, and rest instead, the cost should be $50-$300 per month for 3-4 months. It takes longer for the dog to get back to his normal activity level and will likely develop more severe arthritis in the knee later, with associated costs, if this route is taken.
“For an Akita, a big budget concern is keeping aside some money in case they develop certain autoimmune skin disorders that need to be treated life long and can be expensive to diagnose and initially get under control.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
Pet insurance price (optional)
On average, insurance will cost $565 yearly as per the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report. This is for both accident and illness coverage. $190 is the average price for accident-only plans. This is particularly important to know, as it can help offset potentially expensive costs later, and provides an easy way to budget pet care expenses.
It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.
If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.
As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.
When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursements percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start
The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.
Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.
The cost to feed an Akita
Considering adult Akitas can easily weigh 100 lb. (usually 70 to 130 lb.), your food-related expenses can be calculated after combing through prices across best-selling brands available. On average, an Akita puppy is likely to consume close to 370 lb. of food, putting the average first-year cost at $415.
An Adult Akita generally needs close to 410 lb. of dog food, bringing your average cost for each subsequent year around $380. Note that there is a huge price gap between cheap and premium dog foods and the final cost will greatly depend on the chosen brand.
Yearly Food Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Puppy | $285 – $575 | $415 |
Adult Dog | $205 – $630 | $380 |
We have also estimated the yearly cost of treats for large-sized dogs reviewing the price of the 27 best sellers on Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon.
Treats Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Yearly Treats | $125 – $715 | $345 |
This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.
Four dog food brands compared
An Akita puppy will eat around 370 lb. of food during the first year. Note that it can vary depending on many factors including the dog’s level of activity and its size.
Puppy Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Purina – Puppy Chow | 36 lb. | 11 | $27.78 (Walmart) | $305.58 |
Purina One – Smart Blend Puppy | 16.5 lb. | 23 | $21.98 (Walmart) | $505.54 |
Pedigree – Puppy | 36 lb. | 11 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $284.13 |
Blue Buffalo – Puppy | 30 lb. | 13 | $44.08 (Amazon) | $573.04 |
An adult Akita will eat close to 410 lb. of food every year. Again, it will depend on the variables mentioned above as well as the dog’s age.
Adult Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags/Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Purina – Dog Chow | 50 lb. | 9 | $22.98 (Walmart) | $206.82 |
Purina One – Smart Blend | 40 lb. | 11 | $40.36 (Walmart) | $443.96 |
Pedigree – Adult | 50 lb. | 9 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $232.47 |
Blue Buffalo – Adult | 30 lb. | 14 | $44.98 (Amazon) | $629.72 |
Generally, it works out cheaper as you get much better deals if you purchase dog food in bulk. Although it is a perishable commodity, it can be stored for long periods of time, making bulk purchases a very practical option. It is also a good idea to consult your vet as to what food would be the most appropriate for your Akita.
Example for a more expensive premium brand
Royal Canin – Size Health Nutrition | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
Large Puppy | 35 lb. | 11 | $73.99 (PetSmart) | $813.89 |
Large Adult | 35 lb. | 12 | $68.99 (PetSmart) | $827.88 |
This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.
Akita grooming cost
According to Corryne Smith, certified groomer, Akitas are large dogs that should be professionally groomed about 6 times a year unless their owner grooms the dog at home. In fact, this breed is fairly easy to maintain and most people should be able to do it themselves if they choose to.
On average, your yearly cost should range between $0 (if you take care of the grooming) and $480. This is based on a per-session price in a salon that ranges between $60 and $80.
Yearly Grooming Cost | Range | Average Cost |
Akita | $0 – $480 | $240 |
Professional grooming generally includes a bath and shampoo, hair removal if necessary, brushing and styling, ear, teeth, and eye cleaning as well as nail trimming. The price of grooming services varies depending on the dog size, coat condition, health and age, dog behavior and the services requested.
Generally, grooming kits can be found for anywhere between $25 and $290, with an average cost of $75 (Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon for example), depending on the equipment you require .
Additional costs to consider for an Akita
Additional Costs | Range | Average Cost |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
Dog Walking (per walk) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
License
On average, licenses for a dog fall between $10 and $20 in the U.S.A. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, this cost could be a little bit higher. Across the U.S.A, you might get into legal problems if you have an unlicensed dog, so we strongly suggest licensing your Akita as early as possible. It also makes locating your dog easier in any sort of emergency, making it even more important.
Microchip
Microchips help create a unique identification for your dog, allowing them to be on common medical and emergency databases. Many states require dogs to be microchipped, so you will likely need to spend $25-$50 for your Akita.
Dog walking
Tamaria Reddick, a well-reputed dog walker and dog sitter says that Akitas are energetic dogs. If you cannot take your dog out during the day, she recommends hiring a dog walker for 30-minutes sessions, as it is imperative that your Akita gets ample exercise and spends enough time outside. These 30-minute walks usually range from $15 and $25 each, ($25-$50 for a 1-hour walk).
These costs can add up if you need a dog walker throughout the year, so take that into consideration when planning for the expenses that come with a dog. Dog walkers can be found on apps like Rover or Wag. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive.
Traveling
It is highly inadvisable to leave an Akita alone, particularly if you are traveling over days or weeks. In the case that you must leave your dog somewhere, dog boarding services are generally available and accessible. Expect to pay anywhere between $25-$85 per day, depending on location and time of year.
During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, be sure to book dog boarding or sitting services in advance, as you are likely to get much better prices. Affordable alternatives include looking to see if any friends/family would be open to hosting your dog, as these prices can add up very quickly.
Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time though, so make sure to plan your trips early. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables, so make sure to plan when traveling with your Akita.
Yearly and monthly cost for an Akita
The cost of a puppy during the first year
On average, the first-year cost associated with buying and raising an Akita puppy is around $4,415 and you can expect your costs to fall anywhere between $2,765 and $7,000. Moreover, most of your major expenses will be necessary early on during the puppy’s first year.
First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Puppy | $600 – $1,980 | $1,000 |
Supplies | $245 – $925 | $495 |
Training | $1,050 – $1,400 | $1,225 |
Medical | $425 – $855 | $640 |
Food & Treats | $410 – $1,290 | $760 |
Grooming | $0 – $480 | $240 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
First Year Total | $2,765 – $7,000 | $4,415 |
Additionally, you may incur some of the optional costs listed below.
Optional First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Spay/Neuter | $50 – $500 | $275 |
Gastropexy | $200 – $400 | $300 |
Insurance | $350 – $780 | $565 |
Dog Walking (30 minutes per day) | $15 – $25 | $20 |
Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
With additional services, including medical procedures such as a spay or neuter procedure, pet insurance and other miscellaneous services, such as dog walking (five times a week for 42 weeks) and boarding services (assuming the dog is boarded for a week), these amounts can add up easily, putting your expenses in the $6,690-$14,525 range through the course of the puppy’s first year.
Potential First Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $3,365 – $8,680 | $5,555 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $6,690 – $14,525 | $10,035 |
Akita yearly and monthly cost after the first year
The costs that come with raising an Akita do go down after the first year. For each subsequent year, supplies, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming services and license renewal will run you anything between $920 and $3,280, with an average cost of $1,955. This comes down to a monthly cost range of $77-$273, with an average of $163.
Adult Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
Supplies | $105 – $410 | $225 |
Medical | $475 – $1,025 | $750 |
Food & Treats | $330 – $1,345 | $725 |
Grooming | $0 – $480 | $240 |
License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
Adult Year Total | $920 – $3,280 | $1,955 |
Estimated Monthly Cost | $77 – $273 | $163 |
With insurance and additional services included, such as dog walking (five times a week for 50 weeks) and boarding (assuming the Akita is boarded for a week), the average cost rises to $7,800. This puts the yearly cost in the $5,195-$10,905 range.
Potential Adult Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
With Insurance | $1,270 – $4,060 | $2,520 |
With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $5,195 – $10,905 | $7,800 |
Total cost of owning an Akita
On average an Akita lives 12 years (usually 10 to 13 years). Using the figures and factors explained above, we can estimate the total cost of owning and raising an Akita to fall between $12,885 and $43,080, with the average cost being $25,920.
Total Cost of Ownership (12 years) | Range | Average Cost |
Akita | $12,885 – $43,080 | $25,920 |
Adding spay/neuter and gastropexy procedures as well as a pet insurance the average cost of ownership will be around $33,275 and will range between $17,335 and $53,340. Finally, with 30-minute professional walks five times a week all year long (except for two weeks) and a week of dog boarding, the total cost of ownership can be as high as $63,835 to $134,480 averaging $95,835 for the 12 years spent with the Akita dog.
Potential Total Cost of Ownership (12 years) | Range | Average Cost |
With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $17,335 – $53,340 | $33,275 |
With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $63,835 – $134,480 | $95,835 |
Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.
PetBudget Akita cost calculator
The cost of an Akita – A summary in 7 questions
1- How much is an Akita puppy?
On average an Akita puppy will cost $1,000 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $600 and $1,980. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.
2 – How much are dog supplies?
A new owner can expect an initial investment between $245 and $925 in supplies when welcoming an extra-large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $105 and $410. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.
3 – Does an Akita need training and how much will it cost?
Having an Akita professionally trained is usually recommended (both private and group training) and should cost around $1,050 to $1,400. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience, socialization, crate training, and positive leadership.
4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for an Akita?
Preventive medical care should amount to around $425 to $855 for an Akita puppy during the first year and around $475 to $1,025 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $150 to $500 and $200 to $400 respectively).
5 – How much food does an Akita eat and how much will it cost?
An Akita puppy will eat around 370 lb. and an adult close to 410 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $285 and $815 for a puppy and $205 to $830 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.
6 – How often should an Akita be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?
Grooming an Akita is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $60 to $80 depending on the dog and services needed.
7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?
In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.
A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.
Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.
A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.
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Other breeds you might like
Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.
To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing an Akita, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with raising an Akita. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.
References and Resources
- Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
- Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
- Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
- Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
- The American Kennel Club
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
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