The Most Expensive States to Buy a Dog

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Bringing a new dog into your life is an exciting adventure, but it can get expensive. Believe it or not, the price of buying a dog can vary significantly depending on where you live. Here are 15 states where dog prices might make you sit, stay, and think twice!

Delaware

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Delaware, “The First State,” is the most expensive state for dog purchasing. With an average cost of $687, you’ll need deep pockets to bring home the pet. Many pet parents have said the prices in Delaware are steep due to increased veterinary care.

Florida

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You’d expect the warmth of the Florida sun to extend to its dog residents, but think again. This sunny state ranks second with the country’s highest dog acquisition costs. Florida’s dogs truly live a vacation-like lifestyle year-round—while owners pay an average of $599 to bring home an adorable pet.

New Hampshire

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This state’s motto, “Live Free or Die,” might be inspiring, but its dog prices are anything but that. The picturesque state is costly, especially for dog lovers, averaging around $576. You must be as resilient as a New Englander to afford a hiking buddy, as even pet insurance doesn’t come cheap here.

Pennsylvania

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The Keystone State might be the key to emptying your savings account with dog prices reaching up to $571. So, if you are considering purchasing a dog, remember Pennsylvania’s rich history and charming cities come with a steep price for dog ownership. Interestingly, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed among the residents of this state.

South Carolina

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Don’t let the sweet tea and hospitality deceive you. South Carolina might surprise you when it comes to dog ownership costs. At an average of $548, your heart might be whole, but your wallet might feel empty after bringing home a new companion. Charleston and other parts of South Carolina have rising dog prices due to increasing demand and a growing pet culture.

New York

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Unsurprisingly, purchasing a dog in the Big Apple has a hefty price tag. Sadly, the state’s high cost of living extends to its canine companions, with an average purchase price of $539. Be ready to ditch that designer handbag for a dog bed.

Maryland

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Especially around Baltimore and the D.C. metro area, Maryland has some of the highest dog prices, mainly because owners prefer purchasing a dog from breeders. The average cost of acquiring a dog in this state is $534. Get ready to be crafty as a Baltimore crab cake to buy a dog here.

North Dakota

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As the only Midwestern state, North Dakota ranks high on the list of most expensive places to buy a dog. Many people choose breeders for their dogs. On average, acquiring a dog here costs around $507.75, showcasing prospective pet owners’ willingness to invest in finding their perfect companion.

Connecticut

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Connecticut’s reputation for affluence extends to its pet population. With an average dog purchase price of $533, owning a dog in this location is a luxury few can afford. Your dog might be living better than you. Interestingly, Connecticut has one of the country’s highest pet insurance rates.

Vermont

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Indeed, Vermont’s natural beauty is undeniable, but its dog ownership costs might leave you seeing red. In this idyllic state, you’ll need to shell out a minimum of $528 to bring home a pet. The increased cost of dog food and other veterinary expenses also adds up to the price of ownership.

California

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The land of dreams and opportunity is also the land of sky-high dog prices. You will have to pay $526 to purchase a canine. But it’s not just the initial cost that’ll have you howling; the state’s high cost of living means premium dog food and fancy grooming services will keep your wallet on a tight leash.

Massachusetts

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It is known that Massachusetts offers a high quality of life, but it comes with a price. Dog ownership is no exception, with a nominal cost of around $525. In Massachusetts, particularly in Boston, dog prices reflect the high cost of living. Also, did you know Boston was one of the first cities to allow dogs on public transportation?

New Jersey

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New Jersey’s luscious terrain makes it ideal for dog owners. However, the Garden State’s allure comes with a price tag of about $523, which makes owning a dog in New Jersey a significant financial commitment. This steep price is mainly due to vet care, food costs, grooming, and boarding.

Hawaii

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Paradise comes at a price, as does bringing home a dog in Hawaii. Its isolated location and high cost of living contribute to its expensive dog market, with a purchase price of $518. While your dog might be living the island life, you might have to eat ramen every night.

Washington

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Its high cost of living matches up equally to the expenses of acquiring a dog. Starting at an average purchase price of $517, you’ll need to dig deep to bring home a dog. Moreover, the demand for dogs, especially those that fit an active lifestyle, such as Huskies or Labradors, is high.

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