Florida is the second-most expensive state for potential dog owners. What you can expect to pay
In December 2023, a Forbes Advisor survey revealed that Florida has the most pampered and spoiled dogs overall, including the highest percentage of dog owners nationwide that spend more on their dog’s vet bills than they spend on their own visits to the doctor.
Now, Forbes Advisor’s most recent survey on pet ownership shows that Florida is one of the most expensive states to get a dog.
Here’s the average price to buy or adopt a dog in Florida, where the Sunshine State ranks on Forbes’ list of the most expensive states to become a dog owner and a roundup of the best pet insurance options for Floridians.
How much does a dog cost in Florida?
According to Forbes’ study, the average cost to acquire a dog in Florida is around $599, ranking Florida as the second-most expensive state to buy a dog. Delaware, where the average price is almost $700, ranked in first place.
“Dog owners in Florida are more open to getting an older dog than a puppy, but pay a hefty price to welcome their new companion into the family,” the study said.
“Florida dog owners are most likely to have gotten their dog from a breeder (29.5%), just edging out those who received their dog as a gift (28%), and those who adopted from a shelter (27%).”
Here’s Forbes Advisor’s list of the top 10 most expensive states to get a dog and the average cost for each state:
Delaware: $686.68
Florida: $599.25
New Hampshire: $576.41
Pennsylvania: $571.07
South Carolina: $548.23
New York: $539.03
Maryland: $534.95
North Dakota: $507.75
Connecticut: $501.55
Vermont: $488.97
What is the most expensive part of owning a dog?
According to Forbes’ study, pet owners nationwide agree the two costliest recurring expenses associated with owning a dog are dog food and veterinary care.
There are things you can do to lower the cost of dog food, like making your own (if you have the time or energy). And although you can’t change the price that Pedigree or Blue Buffalo kibbles sell for, you can lower your yearly vet costs with pet insurance.
At what age should you get your dog pet insurance?
According to MarketWatch and LendEDU, the cost for pet insurance increases as your dog ages and more money is spent keeping them healthy.
You’ll likely see the cost for pet insurance increase by a small amount each year until your dog turns 6. After that, the yearly increase will most likely escalate.
This is because the older your dog becomes, the more likely it is that your pet insurance company will have to cover costs for an injury or illness.
What is the cheapest pet insurance in Florida?
According to USA TODAY’s list of best pet insurance companies servicing Florida in March 2024, these are the pet insurance servicers with the best coverage for the best monthly price for Florida residents:
Embrace, an average of $42
Pets Best, an average of $35
Healthy Paws, an average of $28
Lemonade, an average of $20
Figo, an average of $40
Fetch, an average of $48
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Here's how much it costs to own a dog in Florida, when to get pet insurance
