Cost of Cocker Ownership
The exact cost of owning a cocker spaniel is difficult to determine, as clearly an owner is free to spend as much as they like! However, there are basic costs and these are listed below:
Initial Costs:
| Expense | Cost £ |
|---|---|
| Purchase cost of puppy (approximate amount) | 800.00 |
| Dog crate (minimum size 24" X 17" X 20.5" - 61 X 44 X 52 CM) | 55.00 |
| Bedding for dog crate and/or bed ('vet' bedding or pad) | 30.00 |
| Dog bed (plastic) | 15.00 |
| Food/water bowls | 6.00 |
| Collar and Lead | 8.00 |
| Pet ID tag (a legal requirement) | 6.00 |
| Combs/Brushes/Nail clippers etc. | 20.00 |
| Toys (a few essential toys!) | 20.00 |
| 1 bag of quality puppy food (15kg - approx. 2 months supply) | 53.00 |
| Treats (for rewarding good behaviour) | 6.00 |
| Micro-chipping (if not already chipped by the breeder) | 25.00 |
| Kennel Club transfer of ownership fee | 10.00 |
| Primary course of vaccinations (cost varies from vet to vet) | 51.00 |
| Flea prevention treatment (1 month) | 8.00 |
| Worming treatment (1 month) | 4.50 |
| Puppy Playpen (if you choose to use one) | 60.00 |
| Pet insurance (1 month) - approx. cost, varies between insurance companies | 20.00 |
| Total: | 1197.50 |
In addition to these costs you may need to alter your garden/home to make it puppy safe.
Ongoing Costs - Annual Amounts:
| Expense | Cost £ |
|---|---|
| Pet insurance premiums (12 months) | 240.00 |
| Food 12 months - (premium brand dry food cost per day £1.06) | 387.81 |
| Annual booster vaccination | 33.00 |
| Flea treatment (monthly using spot on product) | 67.92 |
| Worming treatment (monthly if not combined with spot on flea treatment) | 24.00 |
| Grooming parlour expense (clipped every six weeks - higher cost if stripped) | 260.00 |
| Treats (food) and miscellaneous items per year | 120.00 |
| Miscellaneous vet bills (not claimed for using pet insurance) | 80.00 |
| Total: | 1212.73 |
Breaking the ongoing costs into weekly amounts, the average cost to keep a cocker is approximately £23.32 per week.
In addition to this boarding kennel fees may apply if you go away from home without taking the dog (prices vary but you can expect to pay around £13 - £15.00 per day). There will also be an excess payable on any claim for any veterinary treatment required - amounts vary but you can expect to pay £60 - £90 for each claim.