Pointer – PetBudget | Pet Costs & Saving Tips

If you are looking to buy or adopt a Pointer, it is important to be aware of the associated vet fees, grooming and training expenses, food, and supplies prices, as well as the cost of the puppy itself. You will find all this information and more in this article. We have also developed a cost calculator that will help you estimate the cost of raising a Pointer. A Pointer puppy is likely to cost between $400 and $1,475 with the average price being $1,000. First-year expenses are around $3,870 and will be about $1,585/year (or $132/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Pointer is $26,060. These figures are based on a comprehensive list of essentials: supplies, training, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming, license, and microchip. Additionally, if you spay/neuter your dog, buy pet insurance, send your dog to a boarding facility one week every year and need a dog walker every working day, your total cost of ownership could rise between $76,500 and $157,675 through the course of the Pointer’s lifetime, which we assume to be 15 years. The higher end of the price range applies for premium products and services that you might want to purchase, particularly if you are living in expensive areas. Below, you will find a comprehensive analysis of the expenses that come with raising a Pointer. At the end of the article, we have added a cost calculator that will generate a much more accurate estimate as to the overall, yearly, and monthly costs of raising a Pointer depending on your situation, habits and needs. Quick Links Pointer puppy price After reviewing close to 20 ads from sources that include the American Kennel Club, NextDayPets, breeders websites, and PuppyFind, we have found that the price of a Pointer puppy (6-month-old and younger) ranges from $400 to $1,475 (80% of the prices found are falling within that range). The average cost is $1,000. Puppy CostRangeAverage CostPointer$400 - $1,475$1,000 For a purebred with documents, expect to pay as high as $2,300. On the other hand, adoption prices are considerably lower, with rehoming or adoption fees typically falling between $50 and $500 across the board. Always give your business to reputable breeders and shelters to increase your chances to raise a healthy and happy Pointer. Also, keep in mind that prices vary according to location, so you might be able to save money if you locate a shelter or breeder in a cheaper locality. The cost of supplies when welcoming a Pointer As with any dog, you will need several products on hand to make raising a Pointer easier. This includes items like bowls, collars, toys, beds, shampoo, sanitary equipment to name just a few. Based on prices of over 250 Walmart, Amazon and PetSmart best sellers, essential supplies add up to anywhere between $215-$855 for the first year depending on the quality of the items purchased and location. Supplies PricesRangeAverage CostFood & Water Bowls$10 - $40$20Dog Collars (x2) $10 - $40 $20Leash $10 - $30 $15ID Tag with Phone Number $5 - $20 $10Dog Bed (36" or 42") $20 - $85 $50Dog Crate (36" or 42") $30 - $120 $55Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) $15 - $110 $55Pooper Scooper $10 - $30 $20House Training Pads (75-100) $15 - $45 $25Stains and Odors Removal Spray $5 - $20 $10Toys $50 - $155 $90First-Aid Kit $15 - $50 $30Brush $5 - $45 $15Shampoo $5 - $20 $10Tooth-brushing Kit $5 - $15 $10Toenail Clippers $5 - $30 $15 As your Pointer grows, the price of supplies eases up considerably. Each subsequent year entails expenses ranging from $95 to $385, with an average of $215. This includes replenishing your stock of some aforementioned items (toys, bed, poop bags, shampoo, toothbrush). Total Supplies CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year$215 - $855$450Subsequent Years$95 - $385$215 Additionally, you may require things that are not accounted for, such as clothing, play pens, fences, muzzles, harnesses and other cosmetic or maintenance items. These items are bound to push your expenses higher, so keep that in mind when planning your finances. Looking to save on pet supplies? Check second-hand stores and websites to find great deals. Does a Pointer need training? According to expert animal behaviorists like Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., training is recommended for a Pointer and should cost between $900 and $1,200. She would suggest five to seven private lessons for crate training, potty training, house manners, and positive leadership ($750-$1,000) as well as five 1-hour group training sessions to cover basic obedience ($150-$200). Training CostRangeAverage CostPointer$900 - $1,200$1,050 A good dog training book is also a good idea and should help you get a grasp on the basics and can make training your dog much easier! All about Pointer medical costs According to Dr Leslie Brooks, licensed veterinarian, medical expenses for a Pointer should amount to close to $595 for the first year of life (plus a potential $50 to $450 one-time fee to spay/neuter the dog and $200 to $400 for a gastropexy procedure) and around $605 every year after that. Of course, these figures vary according to location and highly depend on the clinics accessible to you. Medical CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year Vet Cost$395 - $795$595Spay/Neuter (optional)$50 - $450$250Gastropexy (optional)$200 - $400$300Adult Year Vet Cost$380 - $825$605 Vet cost for a Pointer puppy Leslie Brooks, DVM, recommends a minimum of three visits to the vet during the first year of the Pointer puppy, with the first appointment coming in at 8 weeks of age. Each trip ranges from $65-$170 and accounts for physical checkups, fecal examination, basic vaccines including rabies, heartworm, and flea prevention. Dr Brooks also suggests following through with heartworm and flea prevention after the initial trips to the vet, resulting in expenses ranging from $10 to $15 per month each for the puppy’s first year. Moreover, your Pointer may require additional vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities. Leptospirosis is a common problem if the dog is exposed to wildlife, taken on camping/hiking trips often or regularly plays in puddles, lakes, or ponds ($15-25).Influenza medication is recommended if the dog is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time. Doggy daycare or kennels can also require it ($70-90 for two doses).Lyme vaccination is necessary if the dog is exposed to ticks when outside especially on farms and/or in the woods. This typically costs $60-80 for two doses. If spaying (female) or neutering (male) is considered, the owner should expect a $150 to $450 bill in most clinics, depending on the area. It is also possible to find low-cost options as low as $50-$100 in some places. Note that, generally, spays tend to be slightly more expensive. For large breeds, such as Pointers, Dr Brooks also recommends performing a gastropexy at the time of their spay or neuter. This procedure typically costs between $200 and $400 but helps prevent the possibility of Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) later in life. GDV is when the stomach twists on itself and is a life-threatening condition that must be corrected with surgery. Pointer veterinary expenses for subsequent years Each subsequent year should entail at least one annual trip to the vet. Usually, these cost $125-$265, depending on the clinic and locality. According to Dr Brooks, DVM, it will most probably include a physical examination, vaccinations, a heartworm test, and blood work for middle aged and senior Pointers (to detect any hidden medical conditions). It is also recommended to follow through with heartworm and flea prevention medications, which usually fall in between the $80-150 and $175-$250 ranges respectively for the year. Additionally, the optional vaccines introduced before may also command annual booster shots ($15-$45 each), and a fecal examination may be required if the pet has inconsistent stool quality or is regularly exposed to other animals, adding another $40-$50 to the total cost. Some common health issues for Pointers Below is a list provided by licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, introducing some of the probable medical issues a Pointer and its owner could have to face. Health ProblemLikelihoodTreatment Cost EstimateHypothyroidismMedium$350 - $800Cranial Cruciate Ligament RuptureMedium$150 - $3,900AllergiesHigh$80 - $2,000 per yearJuvenile CellulitisMedium$200 - $800CancerHigh$500 - $10,000Addison's DiseaseMedium$1,000 - $3,500 Hypothyroidism: the cost estimate is for blood tests and lifelong medications. Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is most common for middle to older aged dogs, but it can also happen to younger dogs (1-3 years old). The ideal treatment recommendation is usually surgical repair, which can come to $2,000-$3,500 on top of diagnostics before surgery, such as x-rays and blood work that cost between $200 and $400. Also, know that 50% of dogs who tear a ligament in one knee will eventually pull the ligament in their other knee, which would double those costs. If the owner elects to avoid surgery and provide pain management, physical therapy, and rest instead, one can expect to pay $50 to $300 per month for 3 or 4 months. In such cases, it takes longer for the dog to get back to his average activity level, and it could develop more severe arthritis in the knee later, with associated costs. Allergies: 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 $75 per month. Juvenile cellulitis is more expensive if a biopsy is performed instead of starting treatment only based on suspicion and minor diagnostics, such as skin scraping. Medication to treat is relatively inexpensive. Cancer: the cost depends on the type of cancer and whether an owner pursues aggressive therapy and all the recommended treatments versus electing to keep the pet comfortable with medications. Addison's disease is a life-threatening condition that must be treated for the rest of the dog's life with various medications, which can be expensive. Budget $1,000-$3,500 for diagnostics, treatment, and lifelong medications. The high end of the price range is for dogs who have to be hospitalized if they are in an "Addisonian Crisis." Pet insurance price The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report marks the average price of insurance for both accident and illness coverage at $565 per annum, whereas accident only plans cost $190 on average. Contact pet insurance companies or brokers to get a quote. This can be particularly important and can protect dog owners from unplanned costs. What is the cost to feed a Pointer? Pointers are large dogs, adults being 60 lb. on average (usually 50 to 70 lb.). As a result, puppies tend to consume close to 190 lb. of dry food during their first year. This puts food expenses in the $155-$310 range. Adults typically eat more, close to 280 lb. a year, and therefore will require $140-$450 worth of food every year. This is based on the recommendations and costs of four popular brands: Purina, Purina One, Blue Buffalo and Pedigree. Yearly Food CostRangeAverage CostPuppy$155 - $310$225Adult Dog$140 - $450$255 You may also want to have some additional treats on hand to help with obedience training or simply please your dog. This can add $125-$715 to your food-related expenses based on prices seen on Amazon, PetSmart, and Walmart. Treats CostRangeAverage CostYearly Treats$125 - $715$345 Keep in mind that prices are largely related to the quality of food and treats you buy – if you opt for premium grade products, your expenses are bound to be higher by quite a considerable margin. Four dog food brands compared A Pointer puppy can be expected to eat around 190 lb. of dry food during its first year. Puppy Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Puppy Chow36 lb.6$27.78 (Walmart)$166.68Purina One - Smart Blend Puppy16.5 lb.12$21.98 (Walmart)$263.76Pedigree - Puppy36 lb.6$25.83 (Walmart)$154.98Blue Buffalo - Puppy30 lb.7$44.08 (Amazon)$308.56 An adult Pointer will need close to 280 lb. of food depending on its actual weight, age, and level of activity. Adult Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Dog Chow50 lb.6$22.98 (Walmart)$137.88Purina One - Smart Blend40 lb.7$40.36 (Walmart)$282.52Pedigree - Adult50 lb.6$25.83 (Walmart)$154.98Blue Buffalo - Adult30 lb.10$44.98 (Amazon)$449.80 Additionally, dog food is perishable, but can be stored for extended periods of time. This means that bulk purchases are a viable option and will give you the best bang for buck on the market. So, consider bulk-purchasing food for your Pointer after consulting with your vet to decide which type of dog food would best suit your dog. Example for a more expensive premium brand Royal Canin - Size Health NutritionQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PriceLarge Puppy35 lb.6$73.99 (PetSmart)$443.94Large Adult35 lb.8$68.99 (PetSmart)$551.92 This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food. Pointer grooming prices Pointers are not a high maintenance breed. Corryne Smith, certified dog groomer, suggests that they could either be groomed at home by their owner or taken to a grooming salon up to 6 times a year. A professional would probably charge between $40 and $50 each time. The price of grooming services varies depending on the dog size, coat condition, health and age, its behavior and the services purchased. Yearly Grooming CostRangeAverage CostPointer$0 - $300$150 Most professional groomers will bath and shampoo your dog, remove (if needed), brush and style its hair, trim its nail and clean its teeth, eyes, and ears as part of their offer. If you want to do the grooming yourself, all-inclusive kits available online generally cost between $25-$290, with an average price of $75. They come with everything you will need to take care of your Pointer. Additional costs to consider Additional CostsRangeAverage CostLicense$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40 Dog Walking (per walk) $15 - $25 $20 Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 License Licenses range from $10-$20 across the U.S.A, provided your dog is spayed or neutered. If not, the cost is likely to be a little bit higher. We strongly recommend licensing your dog, as it can be illegal, depending on state and local regulations, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies that much easier. Microchip Microchips create a unique identification to your Pointer, allowing them to be on medical and emergency databases. Many U.S. states require dogs to be microchipped and it will cost $25-$50. Dog walking Tamaria Reddick, a professional dog walker and sitter, says that Pointers are energetic and need daily exercise. If you cannot dedicate the time to make sure your dog gets its fair share of exercise, she strongly recommends hiring a dog walker. Generally, 30-minute walks range from $15 to $25 (1-hour walks falling in the $20-$50 range). Walkers can be found easily on apps such as Rover and Wag. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive. Traveling Leaving any dog alone is highly inadvisable if you are traveling over days, weeks, let alone months. Dog boarding services are generally available and accessible, provided you plan. They cost between $25-$85 a day, depending on location, services offered and the time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book a dog boarding service in advance, as you are likely to get much better prices. If you are on a tight budget, checking with any friends or family to see if they would be willing to host your dog is a good idea, as these prices can add up very quickly. Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time though, so make sure to plan your trips early. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables. Yearly and monthly cost of a Pointer The cost of a puppy during the first year The average cost for the first year when buying a Pointer puppy is around $3,870 and usually ranges between $2,225 and $5,720. Note that most of the major expenses are required soon after buying your puppy. First Year CostsRangeAverage CostPuppy$400 - $1,475$1,000Supplies$215 - $855$450Training$900 - $1,200$1,050Medical$395 - $795$595Food & Treats$280 - $1,025$570Grooming$0 - $300$150License$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40First Year Total$2,225 - $5,720$3,870 Depending on your situation you might also need to consider some of the optional costs below. Optional First Year CostsRangeAverage CostSpay/Neuter$50 - $450$250Gastropexy$200 - $400$300Insurance$350 - $780$565Dog Walking (30 minutes per day)$15 - $25$20Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 For example, the average cost for the first year will be $4,985 and range between $2,825 and $7,350 if you spray/neuter the dog and have pet insurance. With additional services tacked on, such as dog walking (five times a week for 42 weeks) and boarding services (one week), these amounts can rise as high as $9,465 on average and range between $6,150 and $13,195 for the first year! Potential First Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$2,825 - $7,350$4,985With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$6,150 - $13,195$9,465 Yearly and monthly cost of a Pointer for the subsequent years After the first year, supplies, medical expenses, food and treats, grooming and license renewal will run you anything between $750 and $2,695 with an average of $1,585 per year (or $63 to $225 with an average of $132 per month). Adult Year CostsRangeAverage CostSupplies$95 - $385$215Medical$380 - $825$605Food & Treats$265 - $1,165$600Grooming$0 - $300$150License$10 - $20$15Adult Year Total$750 - $2,695$1,585Estimated Monthly Cost$63 - $225$132 Once again, with insurance and additional services (dog walking five times a week for 50 weeks and dog boarding for one week), the average cost rises to $7,430 per year ($619 per month) and ranges between $5,025 and $10,320 a year ($423 to $865 a month)! Potential Adult Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Insurance$1,100 - $3,475$2,150With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$5,025 - $10,320$7,430 Total cost of ownership of a Pointer Using these figures detailed above and considering an average life expectancy of 15 years (usually 12 to 17 years), we estimate the total cost of owning a Pointer to fall between $12,725 to $43,450, with an average cost of $26,060. Total Cost of Ownership (15 years)RangeAverage CostPointer$12,725 - $43,450$26,060 For those willing to spay/neuter their dog and pay for insurance the average cost of ownership will be around $35,085. Finally, if five professional 30-minute dog walks a week for fifty weeks and one week of dog boarding are necessary every year on top of everything else, the total cost of ownership can be as high as $76,500 to $157,675 averaging $113,485 over the course of the dog’s life! Potential Total Cost of Ownership (15 years)RangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$18,225 - $56,000$35,085With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$76,500 - $157,675$113,485 Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. PetBudget Pointer cost calculator The cost of a Pointer – A summary in 7 questions 1- How much is a Pointer puppy? On average a Pointer puppy will cost $1,000 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $400 and $1,475. 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 Pointer need training and how much will it cost? Having a Pointer professionally trained is usually recommended (both private and group training) and should cost around $900 to $1,200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience, potty training, crate training, house manners, and positive leadership. 4 - What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Pointer? Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $795 for a Pointer puppy during the first year and around $380 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 Pointer eat and how much will it cost? A Pointer puppy will eat around 190 lb. and an adult close to 280 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 $555 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs. 6 - How often should a Pointer be professionally groomed and how much will it cost? Grooming a Pointer 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 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $40 to $50 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. 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 Pointer, 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 Pointer. 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 Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal BehavioristCorryne Smith – Dog GroomerTamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet SitterOrthopedic Foundation for AnimalsThe American Kennel ClubNorth American Pet Health Insurance AssociationAssociation of Professional Dog Trainers This article is original content from PetBudget.