Labradoodles, with their smarts, affection, and reputation for being allergy-friendly, have become one of the most popular breeds for families.
Bringing one of these adorable pups home, however, is a financial commitment. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about labradoodle pricing so you can make an informed decision.
From the initial cost of the puppy to the ongoing expenses of food, grooming, and vet care, we’ll cover all the factors that influence the true cost of owning a Labradoodle. Plus, we’ll share some budgeting tips to help you prepare for the financial responsibilities of dog ownership.
Upfront Costs: The Initial Investment
Bringing a Labradoodle into your life involves some initial expenses. Here’s a breakdown:
Purchase Price from a Breeder
If you decide to buy a Labradoodle puppy from a breeder, expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000. Prices can fluctuate based on the dog’s lineage, coat type, and the breeder’s reputation. If you’re looking at a show-quality dog, the price could be as high as $3,000 to $5,000.
For example, The Labradoodle Corral charges $3,000 (not including the deposit) for their puppies, which includes a number of services.
It’s crucial to choose a responsible breeder, not only to ensure you’re getting a healthy, well-adjusted puppy, but also to avoid supporting puppy mills, which often have inhumane breeding practices.
Adoption Fees
Adopting a Labradoodle is generally far more affordable. Adoption fees typically range from $200 to $500. You might consider adopting an adult Labradoodle or even a Labradoodle mix.
Initial Supplies
You’ll need some essential supplies before your Labradoodle comes home. These include a crate, leash, food and water bowls, and some toys. These items can easily cost between $200 and $500 or even more.
Here’s a rough estimate of what you might spend:
- Collar, tag, and leash: $30-$50
- Crate: $50-$150
- Dog gate: $30-$100
- Bowls: $10-$30
- Toys: $30-$50
- Initial food and treats: $50-$100
- Dog bed: $30-$100
Don’t forget to puppy-proof your home before your new family member arrives! This may involve additional costs, such as outlet covers or cord protectors.
Veterinary Care: Initial and Ongoing Expenses
Don’t forget to budget for veterinary care. From the first puppy shots to ongoing medications, vet bills can add up.
Initial Vet Visit and Vaccinations
That first vet visit, including the first round of vaccinations and a general checkup, will probably run you somewhere in the neighborhood of $200 to $500. Spaying or neutering can cost about the same.
Ongoing Veterinary Expenses
Plan to spend $200 to $400 each year for annual checkups and preventative care. Flea, tick, and heartworm medications can run $25 to $50 per month.
Pet Insurance
I always recommend pet insurance to help defray unexpected costs. Depending on the coverage you choose, monthly premiums typically range from about $30 to $100. Some sources list pet insurance costs as being a bit lower, in the $30 to $60 per month range, but it’s always best to overestimate.
Monthly Expenses: Sustaining Your Labradoodle
Once you’ve brought your Labradoodle home, you’ll have some ongoing monthly costs for the life of the dog. Here are some of the things you’ll need to budget for:
Food
High-quality dog food is crucial for the health of your Labradoodle. You can expect to pay somewhere in the range of $40 to $60 per month for a quality kibble. However, some sources claim that food costs can run as high as $50 to $100 per month.
Grooming
Labradoodles need professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. You can expect to pay $50 to $100 per session, and some sources say this translates to $50 to $100 per month.
Toys and Treats
Budgeting for toys and treats will help keep your Labradoodle entertained and happy. You may want to factor in $20 to $40 per month for toys and entertainment, plus another $10 to $30 for cleaning supplies.
Potential Extra Expenses: Planning for the Unexpected
The initial cost of a Labradoodle is just the beginning. You’ll want to factor in some of the less obvious costs of dog ownership.
Emergency Veterinary Care
A trip to the emergency vet can easily top $1,000. I suggest you have an emergency fund of $500 to $1,000 set aside for your pet. Be prepared for illnesses and injuries that might come out of nowhere.
Training
Obedience training classes can run anywhere from $100 to $400 per class. Because they’re so energetic, professional training is highly recommended for Labradoodles.
Boarding and Pet-Sitting
If you travel, boarding your dog can cost $25 to $50 per day. For shorter trips, you might consider hiring a pet sitter.
Property Damage
Puppies are notorious for chewing and otherwise damaging property, so keep in mind that you may have some repair costs.
Pet Fees
If you rent your home, pet fees can add a significant expense. Many landlords charge a one-time pet fee of $200 to $500, or a monthly pet fee of $10 to $50.
Budgeting and Financial Planning
Getting a Labradoodle is a big decision, and not just emotionally. These dogs come with a lot of expenses, so it’s important to plan for them.
Here are some tips:
- Create a dedicated savings account. Try to save at least $3,000 before you bring your puppy home.
- Build an emergency fund. Aim for $2,000-$5,000 to cover unexpected vet bills or other emergencies.
- Automate monthly transfers. Set up automatic payments to cover recurring costs like food, grooming, and insurance.
- Review your spending. Take a look at your pet-related expenses regularly to make sure you’re staying on track.
- Consider the Guardian Program. Some breeders offer a “Guardian” program that lets you have a Labradoodle for a reduced price in exchange for breeding rights.
In Conclusion
Bringing a Labradoodle into your home is a serious financial commitment. From the initial purchase price to ongoing costs like grooming, food, and vet care, owning a Labradoodle requires careful budgeting and planning.
Before you bring a Labradoodle puppy home, take a hard look at your finances and make sure you can comfortably afford to provide the dog with quality food, regular veterinary checkups, a safe and enriching environment, and all the love and care they deserve. Responsible pet ownership is about more than just wanting a cute dog!