How much are Goldendoodles? Common “Cents” Tips
Are you considering adding a fur baby to your life and wondering how much a Goldendoodle costs? You’re not alone.
According to the American Pet Products Industry (APPA), over 65% of US households own pets. That’s up from 56% in 1988. Millennials are opting for a canine companion over other traditional milestones such as homeownership. With the high cost of starting a family and more college debt than previous generations, the financial scales are tipped in favor of choosing a furry friend first. Plus, millennials have grown up with dogs as part of the family. As a result, dog ownership is a natural choice.
The other large demographic group—baby boomers—are equally enamored with dogs and are filling the “empty nest” with a furry best friend. And many folks—from millennials through boomers—are choosing the
loveable,
friendly,
slightly derpy
Goldendoodle.
The true cost of “Goldendoodlehood”
As the mom of two millennials and one furry “kiddoodle” named Chloe, I’m anticipating the day my own children bring home a little fur baby.
But I’m also patiently waiting for my “grandfurkids.” I know that the true cost of owning a Goldendoodle (or any dog) goes beyond the shelter’s adoption fee or the payment made to a reputable breeder.
To get a better grasp on how much a Goldendoodle costs, I decided to add up the “doodles and cents” of raising a Goldendoodle. Here’s my financial version of “what to expect when you’re expecting a Dood.”
How much does a Goldendoodle cost?
To begin with, soon-to-be dog moms or dads who are planning for a Goldendoodle may want to get an idea of the average price range.
I’d estimate the cost of adopting a Goldendoodle from a reputable Goldendoodle breeder to be around $1000 to $3000. If adopting a Goldendoodle from a reputable shelter or rescue group, I’d estimate about $200 to $1000.
For a complete list of rescues that focus on doodles, retrievers, and poodle mixes visit 14 Goldendoodle Rescues: Your Resource Guide.
This is the first “Goldendoodle cost” that many people think of when considering adding a four-legged friend to the pack. But as you’re budgeting for a Goldendoodle, the adage “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” definitely applies. Loving, caring for, and financially providing for your Goldendoodle includes the initial fee along with long-term investments—veterinary care, grooming, dental procedures, etc.—for the lifetime of your fur baby.
Related: What is a Goldendoodle: 100 Doodle Owners Describe the Heart and Soul Behind the Doodle Dog
The “doodles and cents” behind caring for a Goldendoodle: 10 tips for budgeting
What can you expect as far as financial outlays over the course of your Goldendoodle’s lifetime? Here are 10 financial commitments to budget for as you and your dog enjoy a lifetime of companionship:
1. The bigger the dood, the bigger the food budget
Dog food and treats are probably the most obvious ongoing cost associated with caring for a Goldendoodle. According to a pet statistics article from the Insurance Information Institute, dog food is the third-largest basic annual expense. Food and treats combined run about $300 a year. Since Goldendoodles range in size from mini Goldendoodles (around 25 pounds) to oversized lap sitters (80+ pounds), it’s safe to say, “the bigger the Dood, the bigger the food budget.
2. Anticipating the cost of veterinary care
After food and treats, veterinary care is probably the next most obvious ongoing cost associated with caring for a Goldendoodle. According to the same pet statistics article mentioned above, basic annual expenses for surgical vet visits are $474. Routine vet visits run an average of $257 annually.
During your puppy’s first year, plan for vaccinations and veterinary care. Helpful hint: if you’re looking for a vet in the U.S. or Canada, check to see if the practice is AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited. These hospitals have earned accreditation, passed over 900 standards, and are champions for excellent pet care.
Finally, as you look into the future, remember that your dog’s senior years (age seven and up) come along quickly. Many dogs need vet visits two times a year throughout the “grey-muzzled” life stage. (To put this in perspective, twice-yearly vet visits for a dog is about the equivalent of a human visiting a doctor just over every three years.)
3. How much does Goldendoodle grooming cost?
While I’ve read some articles that claim Goldendoodles require little grooming, I’ve yet to meet one of these miracles of Mother Nature. In addition to my own kiddoodle, I’m an aunt of two Goldendoodles, and I’m a member of many Goldendoodle communities. Goldendoodle grooming is a popular topic of conversation and a part of owning a Goldendoodle that should not be overlooked. Brushing, trimming, and caring for those lovely locks requires both a time commitment and a financial investment.
If you plan to take your Goldendoodle to a professional groomer, you may pay in the ballpark of $50 to $80. Also, all that adorable fluff may need a professional’s touch every six to eight weeks.
In between grooming, our little fluffers need frequent brushing and combing at home. As you’re estimating the overall Goldendoodle cost, you may want to budget for the right Goldendoodle brush and grooming tools for the job.
In my opinion, part of the fun of living life with a Goldendoodle is the daily care and keeping. Over time, I’ve learned to scissor cut Chloe’s hair myself. (By the way, if you’re interested in learning about DIY Goldendoodle grooming, please check out my blog post: How To Trim a Goldendoodle’s Face: What This Dog Mom Learned From a Wahl® Elite Team Groomer.) It’s our bonding time and a joy to brush, bathe, and groom her.
Remember, dog nail trims are a part of Goldendoodle grooming costs
While we’re on the subject of Goldendoodle grooming, let’s talk dog nail trims. First of all, Chloe’s toenails seem to grow faster than Iowa corn in the month of July!
Keeping toenails trimmed is important for your dog’s health and mobility. Professional groomers may include nail trims as part of the grooming fee. However, a dog’s nails still need to be trimmed in between groomings. If you plan to have your Goldendoodle’s nails trimmed at the groomer or vet, you may pay about $10 to $25.
With time and practice, I’ve learned to trim Chloe’s nails myself. It’s rewarding to be able to trim her nails in our home where she is most comfortable. (BTW, for information on how I learned to trim Chloe’s nails, please read Searching for How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails? I Was Too Until I Tried This.)
4. What about the yard? Yes, it may be a hidden Goldendoodle cost
If Goldendoodles were couch potato dogs, this cost would not make my top 10 list. However, most Goldendoodles need exercise and energy burns.
If you have a yard, your Goldendoodle may wear out your grass from daily games of fetch. The expense of reseeding or fixing the bare spots in the yard is a “hidden cost” that’s worth mentioning.
I like to think of the bare spots that appear in our yard as happy reminders of all the fun Chloe and I have enjoyed together.
5. Ongoing monthly preventative medications
Next up on the Goldendoodle cost list? I’d be remiss if I didn’t include the ongoing cost of heartworm and flea/tick preventative medications.
These two common monthly preventatives are part of Chloe’s healthy lifestyle routine. While this is something that you and your vet will discuss, having it on your radar now can help you plan for this monthly expense.
6. Microchipping
Did you know that according to the American Kennel Club, one in three pets becomes lost at some point in their lives?
That statistic was enough for our family to choose to microchip Chloe. Our vet recommended the simple procedure (the chip is the size of a grain of rice) in conjunction with Chloe’s spay.
7. Planning for the cost of pet insurance or keeping a rainy day fund
Goldendoodles steal your heart…and sometimes they steal your socks.
Even with vigilance and preparation, accidents can happen. And ingesting socks seems to be one of the more common emergencies for our curious Goldendoodles.
I’ve read numerous stories from Doodle parents whose Dood ingested socks and suffered intestinal blockage. Not only is it scary and heart-wrenching, but the cost of treatment also adds another layer of stress to an already stressful situation.
That’s why pet insurance or having a hefty rainy day fund for your Goldendoodle, makes my list of top 10 Goldendoodle costs.
Emergency room visits
While on the subject of accidents, I hope you don’t mind if I digress for a minute to call out the dangers of xylitol. My heart ached for the Goldendoodle who ate chewing gum containing xylitol—a sugar substitute that’s safe for humans but extremely dangerous for dogs.
Fortunately, the owners immediately headed to the emergency room. The Doodle survived thanks to their quick response and emergency vet care.
Incidentally, according to Embrace Pet Insurance, the average vet bill for xylitol poisoning is more than $1,000.
At all costs, please keep food, gum, candy, vitamins and other products that contain xylitol out of harm’s way of your Goldendoodle. For more information, please read this article from integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby: Xylitol the Poison in Your Pantry.
Whether you choose to save money in a rainy day fund or purchase pet insurance, a Goldendoodle’s cost includes having a financial plan for emergency care.
TIP: Did you know? The sooner you get pet insurance for your puppy, the lower the monthly rate.
8. Don’t forget dental cleanings
The topic of how to brush your dog’s teeth and dental cleanings are near and dear to my heart. When Chloe turned two years old, our veterinarian explained to me that she had the teeth of a 7-year-old senior dog. Some dogs are prone to ear issues and some have matting hair. Chloe’s nemesis? Saliva and food particles that love to lurk in the back of her jowls.
Since that vet visit, I’ve made it my mission to brush Chloe’s teeth daily. Plus, we’re budgeting for dental cleanings, which will prevent painful extractions down the road.
In my opinion, it’s logical that—just like our human children go to the dentist—our kiddoodles need dental cleanings to keep those pearly whites in tip-top shape. Since there are so many factors that influence the price of teeth cleaning, it’s best to check with your vet.
9. Crates and other dog gear
I highly recommend crate training for Goldendoodles. Even if you choose not to crate your Goldendoodle while you’re away or at bedtime, it’s very likely that your doodle may need to stay in a crate or kennel at some point in time.
Here are three scenarios where your Goldendoodle may need to feel comfy in a crate:
- when under a veterinarian’s care following any myriad of medical procedures
- when restricted to crate rest per a veterinarian’s prescription due to a medical condition
- following a natural disaster such as a tornado, fire, or hurricane.
Budgeting for the total cost of Goldendoodle care should include the cost of quality crates. We invested in two: a wire kennel for home use and a portable kennel for travel.
Additionally, you’ll need gear for your Goldendoodle such as a harness or leash, dog enrichment toys, comfy dog bed, and more.. If you’re planning on taking your dog swimming, a life vest (like the one Chloe is wearing in the picture above) is essential for water safety.
10. Your investment of time and love
Finally, in addition to financial investments, your Goldendoodle is counting on you to invest your time, attention, and love. Goldendoodles are social puppers.
They enjoy being part of the family. Your affection, time, and positive praise will all be gulped up like a Goldendoodle laps up fresh water after a game of fetch.
Conclusion
Are you considering a Goldendoodle? Whether you’re a millennial or boomer, a soon-to-be Doodle parent or seasoned dog mom, planning on how to give your Goldendoodle the happiest life possible makes good “doodles and cents.” Chloe is part of our family and my daily inspiration.
There’s no way to repay her for the love, affection, happiness, fun adventures, derpiness, smiles, and loyalty that she shares with me, our family, and everyone that she meets every day. She is priceless.
If you’d like to learn more about Goldendoodles, check out our related stories:
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