A Golden Retriever comes with several expenses that a future owner will want to budget. This includes vet fees, training costs, food-related expenses, supplies, grooming and much more. To help with financial planning as a family welcomes a Golden into their home, we have designed a detailed cost calculator.
A Golden Retriever puppy is likely to cost between $700-$2,000 with the average price being $1,000. First-year expenses are around $3,270 and will be about $1,945/year (or $162/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Golden Retriever is $22,720.
These figures account for essential expenses, such as supplies, training, medical costs, food, treats, grooming costs, license, microchip, and the like. Additionally, optional costs like insurance or dog walking services are not included. If you spay/neuter your dog, enroll in a pet insurance plan, use a boarding facility for one week every year and require a dog walker for 50 weeks of the year, the total cost of ownership is likely to rise to the $69,830 to $190,930 range.
The higher end of the price range is applicable for better quality products and services, particularly if you are living in expensive areas, with the lower end of the spectrum indicating prices in less expensive areas.
Below, we delve into these different costs, offer professional opinions from a dog trainer, two licensed veterinarians, a certified groomer as well as a dog walker and share tips on saving as you raise your Golden Retriever. At the bottom, you will also find a cost calculator that lets you apply your unique situation and requirements to generate a much more accurate, personalized estimate of the cost of owning and raising a Golden.
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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
What is the price of a Golden Retriever puppy?
Our team has combed through close to 2,000 ads from sources like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind, to find the average price of purchasing a Golden Retriever puppy to be $1,000, with 80% of prices ranging from $700 to $2,000. For some purebreds, the price goes up to $5,000.
| Puppy Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Golden Retriever | $700 – $2,000 | $1,000 |
Adoption might be a more affordable alternative, with rehoming fees ranging from $50-$500. And you would be saving an animal. If you are actively looking for a dog, we strongly recommend doing some research and finding a reputable breeder or shelter. This will make a big difference in terms of your Golden Retriever’s health and well-being.
WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A GOLDEN PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 28 best places to find your perfect pet.
| Puppies Price Range | Ads Reviewed |
| $175 – $875 | 608 |
| $876 – $1,575 | 989 |
| $1,576 – $2,275 | 220 |
| $2,276 – $2,975 | 85 |
| $2,976 – $3,675 | 30 |
| $3,675 – $5,000 | 2 |
| Total | 1,934 |
This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.
“As a veterinarian, I think it is important for Golden Retriever breeding dogs to be evaluated for the following conditions: elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, yearly eye examination by an ophthalmologist, cardiac evaluation by a cardiologist. 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 a Golden Retriever
Having the right supplies can make welcoming your new Golden Retriever 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 $215 and $855. On average, your first-year cost should be around the $450 mark for 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 (36″ or 42″) | $20 – $85 | $50 |
| Dog Crate (36″ or 42″) | $30 – $120 | $55 |
| 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 $95 and $385. This puts the average cost for each year after the first one at $215. 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 | $215 – $855 | $450 |
| Subsequent Years | $95 – $385 | $215 |
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.
Do Golden Retrievers need professional training?
Golden Retrievers are famous for being sociable, friendly, and easy to train for an experienced dog owner. Based on her experience as a dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., states that professional training is usually not necessary for this breed.
However, a few group training lessons could still be helpful for basic obedience and solving any potential behavioral problem. They usually range from $150-$200 for five weekly one-hour sessions.
| Training Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Golden Retriever | $0 – $200 | $100 |
A great way to get ready to welcome a dog into your house is by reading a dog training book beforehand. You can find good inexpensive ones online to find out more about dog behavior and the best ways to interact with them.
Get Ready to Become a Dog Parent with a Free Audiobook
It is primordial to be ready to raise a dog and develop an harmonious relationship between your furry friend and family members. I would not wait until I have the dog to start this process. See it as a parenting class.
The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
Zak George is a fantastic dog trainer and has the most popular training channel on YouTube. I have listened to this audiobook and could not recommend it enough. The great thing is you can listen to it at no cost with a 30-day Amazon Audible free trial. If you already have an account, make it your next pick.
You will learn everything you need to know to raise, train, and care for your dog: from choosing the right puppy, training techniques, picking supplies, finding a vet, selecting the right food, handling behavioral issues, and much more. You can listen and learn so much about raising a dog while going to work, running errands, exercising, etc. This audiobook can definitely make a difference.
If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.
“Golden Retrievers are family friendly dogs who are great with children and other pets. They enjoy adventures, snuggling and are easy to train.”
Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
Medical costs to consider for a Golden
Licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, shared her knowledge and experience to establish the medical expenses related to raising a Golden Retriever. The following figures can obviously vary depending on many factors such as location but still give a reliable and trustworthy picture of what a Golden owner should expect.
| Medical Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| First Year Vet Cost | $425 – $795 | $610 |
| Spay/Neuter (optional) | $50 – $450 | $250 |
| Gastropexy | $200 – $400 | $300 |
| Adult Year Vet Cost | $425 – $825 | $625 |
Vet cost for a Golden Retriever puppy
According to Leslie Brooks, DVM, a Golden Retriever puppy will require at least three vet visits through their first year ($65-$170 each time), with the first visit being at 8 weeks of age. This will include all the essential: physical exam, essential vaccines, fecal examination to make sure no deworming is needed as well as heartworm and flea prevention first three doses.
She would also advise purchasing heartworm and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year. They each cost around $10-$15 per month for a puppy.
Moreover, your pup may require some additional vaccines that depend largely on lifestyle and activity. If your Golden spends a lot of time camping or hiking and is generally exposed to wildlife and standing water, Leptospirosis vaccine ($15-25) can be recommended. If your dog is boarded or kept in a kennel for extended amounts of time, Influenza vaccines may be necessary ($70-$90 including a booster shot). Additionally, if your dog goes camping, hiking or lives in a wooden area or on a farm, it will be more exposed to ticks, and Lyme shots are strongly recommended ($60-$80 including the booster shot).
The yearly costs will therefore range from $425-$795.
A neuter (male) or spay (female) procedure on a Golden, generally cost $150 to $450. Depending on the location, it is possible to find low cost clinics that will charge as low as $50-$100.
As Goldens tend to be large, deep-chested dogs, Leslie Brooks recommends a Gastropexy procedure, which usually costs $200-$400 when performed at the time of sterilization. It is an efficient way to help prevent the stomach to twist on itself (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus or GDV) which is life threatening and would require an expensive surgery to be corrected.
Medical expenses for the following years
According to veterinarians like Leslie Brooks, DVM, for each subsequent year, you should make an annual trip to the vet for an exam, vaccines, heartworm test and blood work (for middle aged and senior dogs) to find potential hidden problems. This should run you $125-$265 depending on location.
Dr Brooks also recommends following through with heartworm and flea prevention medication, which usually cost around $100-$150 and $200-$250 for the year, respectively for a Golden.
The lifestyle vaccines, Leptospirosis ($15-$25), Influenza ($35-$45) and/or Lyme ($30-$40) may also require annual booster shots. Finally, if your Golden Retriever is regularly in contact with other pets or shows inconsistent stool quality, a fecal examination ($40-$50) will be recommended.
Golden Retriever potential health issues
The table below introduces some of the potential health problems a Golden owner might have to deal with during his dog’s life according to licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks.
| Health Problem | Likelihood | Treatment Cost Estimate |
| Arthritis | High | $50 – $400 per month |
| Hip Dysplasia | High | $500 – $13,000 |
| Cancer (different types) | High | $500 – $10,000 |
| Allergies | High | $100 – $2000 per year |
Arthritis: the monthly cost estimate is for various pain medications, joint supplements, physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, etc. depending on severity of the pet’s condition. If the Retriever just needed joint supplements and pain medication, the price would probably be closer to $50-$100/month.
This price range for hip dysplasia is very wide because of the variety of treatment options an owner may pursue. Conservative treatment including pain management and physical therapy is usually the cheapest alternative ($500-$2,500 per year), while total hip replacement costs about $5,000-$6,500 per affected hip.
Cancer: the cost really depends on the type of cancer (the most common being lymphoma for Golden Retrievers) and if an owner pursues aggressive therapy and all the recommended treatments, versus if they elect to just keep the pet comfortable with medications
Allergies (food or seasonal/environmental): this depends if the pet has allergies throughout the year or just 1-2 flare ups per year. It would also depend on the owner’s decision to proceed with allergy testing and injections. Note that the pet may also need to be fed prescription food, which can easily be as high as $100 per month.
“Golden Retrievers are at a higher risk of developing some form of cancer during their lifespan, which can be very expensive to treat ($5,000-$10,000) depending on the type of cancer and how aggressive it is.”
Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
A second veterinarian opinion on Golden Retrievers
We have also consulted with another licensed-veterinarian, Mendi Baryzk, DVM, to share her knowledge when it comes to the medical costs of a Golden Retriever.
Preventive care for the first year (puppy)
| Strongly Recommended | Cost Estimate |
| Exam & Vaccinations (3 to 4 sets) | $150 each set |
| Fecal Test (2 times) | $45 each |
| Heartworm Prevention | $10 monthly |
| Flea and Tick Prevention | $23 monthly |
According to Dr. Baryzk, medical preventive care will cost around $870 for the puppy’s first year if we add up all the strongly recommended expenses.
| Optional | Cost Estimate |
| Castration (male) | $250 |
| Spay (female) | $350 |
| Gastropexy (at the time of sterilization) | $300 |
| Gastropexy (alone) | $900 |
Preventive care for adults each year
| Strongly Recommended | Cost Estimate |
| Annual Exam & Vaccinations | $250 |
| Heartworm Test | $35 |
| Heartworm Prevention | $10 monthly |
| Flea and Tick Prevention | $23 monthly |
For an adult dog, yearly basic preventive care expenses will be about $681 at her clinic.
| Optional | Cost Estimate |
| Heartworm Tick-Borne Disease Test | $75 |
| Blood Work & Urinalysis | $200 |
| Dental Cleaning (0 to multiple extractions) | $300 – $1,200 |
| Radiographs to Screen for Cancer | $500 |
Most common health issues
| Golden Retriever | Treatment Cost Estimate |
| Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis | $1,200 – $2,400 annually |
| Chronic Recurrent Ear Infections | $600 – $900 annually |
| Epilepsy | $800 annually |
| Hypothyroidism | $700 annually |
| Cancer | $1,200 annually – $10,000+ |
“While Golden Retrievers are endlessly happy and great family pets, they have one of the highest incidences of cancers compared to other dog breeds.”
Mendi Baryzk, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
Pet insurance price
Some dog owners will get pet insurance for their dog. Know that the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry report put the average price of accident and illness coverage plans for dogs at $565. If you opt for an accident-only plan, expect to pay around $190 per annum.
These prices will obviously vary a lot depending on many factors and you will need to contact insurance companies or brokers to get a more precise estimate.
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 a Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are large and grow to be 65 lb. on average (usually 55 to 75 lb.). They will need quite a lot of food and owners can expect to spend $155-$310/year for a puppy and $140-$450/year for an adult dog. In fact, a puppy will eat around 200 lb. of dry food during the first year and adult Golden Retrievers can be expected to consume about 290 lb. annually.
These cost estimations were made using prices of some of the most popular brands including Purina, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo.
| Yearly Food Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Puppy | $155 – $310 | $230 |
| Adult Dog | $140 – $450 | $265 |
Most dog owners will also feed their furry friend treats daily. They can be as expensive if not more than dog food itself. Once again, this is based on prices from PetSmart, Amazon, and Walmart best sellers.
| 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
The following table compares the price of 200 lb. of puppy dry food from four popular brands.
| Puppy Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
| Purina – Puppy Chow | 36 lb. | 6 | $27.78 (Walmart) | $166.68 |
| Purina One – Smart Blend Puppy | 16.5 lb. | 13 | $21.98 (Walmart) | $285.74 |
| Pedigree – Puppy | 36 lb. | 6 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $154.98 |
| Blue Buffalo – Puppy | 30 lb. | 7 | $44.08 (Amazon) | $308.56 |
An adult Golden Retriever owner will need to buy around 290 lb. of dry food every year.
| Adult Food Brands | Quantity per Bag | Number of Bags / Year | Unit Price | Total Price |
| Purina – Dog Chow | 50 lb. | 6 | $22.98 (Walmart) | $137.88 |
| Purina One – Smart Blend | 40 lb. | 8 | $40.36 (Walmart) | $322.88 |
| Pedigree – Adult | 50 lb. | 6 | $25.83 (Walmart) | $154.98 |
| Blue Buffalo – Adult | 30 lb. | 10 | $44.98 (Amazon) | $449.80 |
Additionally, dog food is perishable, but can be stored for extended periods of time. So, consider bulk-purchasing food for your dog to save money. You should also consult with your veterinarian to decide the most appropriate diet for your Golden Retriever.
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. | 6 | $73.99 (PetSmart) | $443.94 |
| Large Adult | 35 lb. | 9 | $68.99 (PetSmart) | $620.91 |
This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.
Golden Retriever grooming cost
According to Corryne Smith, certified dog groomer, Golden Retrievers could be groomed by their owners as their coat would be easy enough to maintain for most. A grooming kit that allows you to groom your Golden Retriever at home can be found for anywhere between $25 and $290, with an average cost of $75, depending on the equipment required (Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon for example).
An owner that does not want to do it himself or does not have the time should have the dog professionally groomed up to 8 times a year. For a Golden, each visit to a grooming salon should cost between $60 and $120.
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.
| Yearly Grooming Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| Golden Retriever | $0 – $960 | $480 |
Additional costs to consider
| Additional Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
| Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
| Dog Walking (per walk) | $20 – $50 | $35 |
| Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
License
On average, the cost of a license in the U.S.A ranges between $10 and $20. It could be slightly higher if your dog is not spayed or neutered. In many states and territories, it is against the law to have an unlicensed dog, so we highly recommend getting your Golden Retriever licensed as early as possible. In the unfortunate event that your dog is lost in the future, a license will also make locating it that much easier.
Microchip
Microchips play a crucial role in the identification of your dog. Many states require pets to be microchipped, making it a necessity depending on where you live. This can run you $25-$50 on average.
Dog walking
If you cannot walk your dog during the day, Tamaria Reddick, a well-reputed dog walker and dog sitter, would recommend hiring a dog walker for a daily 1-hour walk, as Golden Retrievers need a lot of exercise and outdoor time. A 1-hour walk usually costs between $20 and $50 ($15 to $25 for 30 minutes) depending on your location.
But you must be aware that those costs add up very quickly if you need a dog walker five days a week all year long. To find a dog walker in your area and validate the price, you can use apps like Rover or Wag. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive.
Traveling
If you are traveling for an extended period, you will also need to consider the price of pet-services, such as dog boarding (or dog sitting). Prices vary depending on location, the time of the year and the level of service but you can reasonably expect to pay somewhere between $25 to $85 per day of dog boarding.
During particularly busy times, such as the holiday season, we recommend booking such services in advance, as you are likely to get better rates, while also guaranteeing a safe and secure place for your dog to stay. The most affordable and sensible option, however, is to see if any family and/or friends might be comfortable with hosting your dog, as this drastically cuts your costs.
Apart from these types of services, taking your dog with you is also an option. These days, many airlines and train companies can make provisions for dogs provided you submit a request ahead of time. The cost varies drastically and can only be assessed on a case-by-case basis, as it depends on several variables such as location, destination, mode of transport, etc.
Yearly and monthly cost of a Golden Retriever
How much is a Golden puppy during the first year?
The average cost of raising a Golden Retriever for the first year falls within the $1,655 to $5,905 range, with an average cost of $3,270. Most of these expenses will happen early and will hardly be avoidable, as they are essential to the health and well-being of your Golden Retriever.
| First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| Puppy | $700 – $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Supplies | $215 – $855 | $450 |
| Training | $0 – $200 | $100 |
| Medical | $425 – $795 | $610 |
| Food & Treats | $280 – $1,025 | $575 |
| Grooming | $0 – $960 | $480 |
| License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
| Microchip | $25 – $50 | $40 |
| First Year Total | $1,655 – $5,905 | $3,270 |
Potential additional expenses include sterilization, dog insurance and services like dog walking and dog boarding.
| Optional First Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| Spay/Neuter | $50 – $450 | $250 |
| Gastropexy | $200 – $400 | $300 |
| Insurance | $350 – $780 | $565 |
| Dog Walking (1 hour per day) | $20 – $50 | $35 |
| Dog Boarding (per day) | $25 – $85 | $40 |
Assuming you spay/neuter your dog, require the services of a dog walker 5 days a week for 42 weeks (1-hour walks), enroll in an insurance plan and use a boarding service for 1 week of the year, your first year cost is likely to rise into the $6,630 to $18,630 range.
| Potential First Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $2,255 – $7,535 | $4,385 |
| With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $6,630 – $18,630 | $12,015 |
Adult Golden Retriever yearly and monthly costs
For each adult year, a Golden Retriever will require $795-$3,355 in essential expenses, depending on your locality as well as the pet-related businesses that are accessible to you. On a monthly basis we are talking costs in the $66-$280 range or $162 on average.
| Adult Year Costs | Range | Average Cost |
| Supplies | $95 – $385 | $215 |
| Medical | $425 – $825 | $625 |
| Food & Treats | $265 – $1,165 | $610 |
| Grooming | $0 – $960 | $480 |
| License | $10 – $20 | $15 |
| Adult Year Total | $795 – $3,355 | $1,945 |
| Estimated Monthly Cost | $66 – $280 | $162 |
Assuming you use a dog walker every weekday for 50 weeks, maintain your insurance enrollment and send the dog to a boarding facility for 1 week, you can expect to spend as high as $6,320-$17,230 every year ($527-$1,436 every month).
| Potential Adult Year Cost | Range | Average Cost |
| With Insurance | $1,145 – $4,135 | $2,510 |
| With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $6,320 – $17,230 | $11,540 |
Golden Retriever cost of ownership
Golden Retrievers have an average life expectancy of 11 years (usually 10 to 12 years). This puts the overall cost of ownership in the $9,605 to $39,455 range using the figures outlined above. On average, an owner can expect to spend $22,720 over the years.
| Total Cost of Ownership (11 years) | Range | Average Cost |
| Golden Retriever | $9,605 – $39,455 | $22,720 |
Using the same additional costs scenarios introduced in the previous sections of the article (spay/neuter, insurance, dog walking and dog boarding), you will be looking at total cost of ownership range of $69,830 to $190,930, with an average overall cost of $127,415 for 11 years.
| Potential Total Cost of Ownership (11 years) | Range | Average Cost |
| With Spay/Neuter and Insurance | $13,705 – $48,885 | $29,485 |
| With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding | $69,830 – $190,930 | $127,415 |
Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.
PetBudget Golden Retriever cost calculator
The cost of a Golden Retriever – A summary in 7 questions
1- How much is a Golden Retriever puppy?
On average a Golden Retriever puppy will cost $1,000 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $700 and $2,000. 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 $215 and $855 in supplies when welcoming a large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $95 and $385. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.
3 – Does a Golden Retriever need training and how much will it cost?
A Golden Retriever could be trained by an experienced dog owner and usually do not need professional training on top of that. But like any breed, the dog would still benefit from a few group classes for basic obedience which should cost between $150 and $200 on average.
4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Golden Retriever?
Preventive medical care should amount to around $425 to $795 for a Golden Retriever puppy during the first year and around $425 to $825 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $150 to $450 and $200 to $400 respectively).
5 – How much food does a Golden Retriever eat and how much will it cost?
A Golden Retriever puppy will eat around 200 lb. and an adult close to 290 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $155 and $445 for a puppy and $140 to $625 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.
6 – How often should a Golden Retriever be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?
Grooming a Golden Retriever 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 8 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $60 to $120 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 a Golden Retriever, 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 a Golden Retriever. 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
- Mendi Baryzk, 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
This article is original content from PetBudget.
