The biggest costs and expenses of owning a pet are the initial dog purchase or adoption, vet visits which could cost between $700-$1,500 a year, depending on your dog and where you live, excluding emergencies or medications your vet may prescribe. Food which is another variable expense since if you do get a quality subscription food, make homemade food or by lower quality kibbles the costs of food can range dramatically. Grooming is another large cost but is breed dependent. I groom my own pets at home but larger longer haired dogs can even do to a DIY pet wash with a dryer. another cost that should not be overlooked is pet sitting or daycare. If you need such services it can be almost as much as sending your child to private kindergarten.