Buying a dog in 2023? Read this first

Cute family with their cute dog

Are you thinking about buying a dog this year? If you are, it might be best to get your new furry friend sooner than later. Your wallet will thank you for it. 

The cost of pets rises along with the cost of living, especially for purebred designer dogs. When Mozo reviewed the prices listed on the Responsible Pet Breeders  website, we found you could find yourself forking up several thousand dollars for your new puppy fund.

While classic mainstays like Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and Miniature Dachshunds hold some of the loftiest spots, new designer breeds like the small and fluffy Toy Cavoodle have run away with the market, with an average cost of $2,930!

Average dog costs by breed Mozo

If you are thinking about buying a puppy through a breeder, it's wise to register your interest early. Some breeders may have waitlists up to 3 years. Remember, it pays to compare since prices and availability vary between pet shops and breeders.

Best ways to fund your dog pet purchase

Dogs can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you could never own one. There are several options you can choose to fund your future puppy.

  • Save up money. Consider opening a high interest savings account that rewards you for not making withdrawals in the month. If you deposit a chunk of money into the account every payday you’ll soon have enough to buy a puppy. 
  • Personal Loans. If you don’t want to wait and save then a personal loan might be a good choice. Look for low interest personal loans that give you the ability to make extra repayments so you can pay it off quickly. 
  • Credit cards. If you are thinking about going to a pet shop, look for a card with a low purchase rate or intro rate so you can limit the interest you pay.

In addition to the upfront purchase, owning a dog comes with several ongoing costs like food, toys and vet visits so make sure you factor them into your puppy budget.

Tips for purchasing a dog

  • If you’re planning on buying from a breeder make sure the breeder is legitimate and ethical.
  • Try to meet your new puppy before purchasing.
  • Do research on the breed you want so you can prepare for common health conditions or behavioural issues.
  • Research pet insurance costs before bringing your new furry friend home. 
  • If you can’t afford a designer breed, consider rescuing a dog. There are many breeds that need a loving home.

Do I need pet insurance?

Cute girl hugs her cute golden lab

Just like humans, animals can fall ill at any moment. But unlike us, pets don’t have Medicare to help cover any potential medical costs. That’s why you should consider getting pet insurance to cover unforeseen accidents or problems, and the earlier the better. 

If you are considering dog pet insurance, it’s important to  shop around for the right policy. Much like human insurance, pet insurance prices vary based on the coverage you want. But another thing to keep in mind is that the breed of your furry friend also affects the cost of pet insurance.

The 2021 Mozo Pet Insurance Report found that Bullmastiffs are one of the most expensive dogs to insure while West Highland Terriers are among the cheapest breeds to insure.

If you need help trying to find the best pet insurances available in Australia check the Mozo Experts Choice Awards Pet Insurance winners.

Compare dog insurance policies

Mozo may receive payment if you click to the website of one of the products below. Mozo does not compare the entire market.
Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.
Last updated 15 October 2024 Important disclosures
  • Pet Protection Plus

    Petsy has zero sublimits and an annual limit up to $25k. Get a pre-existing conditions assessment in your cooling-off period - free of charge for members only. Dedicated all Australian customer service team. Cancel your policy and receive a full refund of your premium in the first 30 days (T&Cs apply).

    annual benefit limit
    $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000
    benefit percentage
    80% or 90%
    choice of excess
    $0, $150, $200, $300, $500
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • 5% discount for second pet covered with Petsy applied for lifetime of the policy
    Compare
    Details
  • Balanced Cover

    Enjoy all the basic coverage you need with Knose Balanced Cover. Award-winning pet insurance designed with the help of vets. No sub-limits or hidden costs. Customise your plan to help fit your budget. Australian-based customer care.

    annual benefit limit
    $7,500, $12,5000, or $25,000
    benefit percentage
    70%, 80% or 90%
    choice of excess
    $0, $100, $200 Annual Excess
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • Get 10% off your first-year premium using the promo code "MOZO10"
    Compare
    Details
  • Comprehensive Pet Insurance

    Give your pet the care they need with Budget Direct’s Comprehensive Pet Insurance. Get a generous $15,000 annual policy limit, routine care options to choose from and up to 80% money back on eligible vet bills (T&Cs apply). Get cover for orthopaedic care, accidental injury and illness cover as well as choice of vet.

    annual benefit limit
    $15,000
    benefit percentage
    80%
    choice of excess
    $100, $200
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • Receive 15% off the first year’s premium for new policies quoted online
    Compare
    Details
  • Pet Plan

    Get dental, physio and behaviour cover included as standard with Fetch 30k cover with no sub-limits. Your plan includes free 24/7 vet support and an all Aussie vet nurse team to manage claims. Claims are paid directly to your vet.

    annual benefit limit
    $30,000
    benefit percentage
    80%, 90% or 100%
    choice of excess
    $0 - $200
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • Get an extra 5% off your entire plan when two or more pets are covered under the same plan.
    Compare
    Details
  • Puppy Protection Plus

    Petsy has zero sublimits and annual limit up to $30,000. Get a pre-existing conditions assessment in your cooling-off period - free of charge for members only. Dedicated all Australian customer service team. Cancel your policy and receive a full refund of your premium in the first 30 days (T&Cs apply).

    annual benefit limit
    $6,000, $12,000 or $30,000 for puppies under 6 months old
    benefit percentage
    80% or 90%
    choice of excess
    $0, $150, $200, $300, $500
    choice of vet
    Yes

    available discounts

    • 5% discount for second pet covered with Petsy applied for lifetime of the policy
    Compare
    Details

* Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Pet Insurance Awards