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One-Time Costs
Initial Setup and Supplies
Cost Per Month
Additional Costs
Budget Tips
Mini Goldendoodles are remarkable family pets due to their loving, sweet, and playful nature. However, their nature isn’t the only thing to consider when bringing a dog home. You must also consider the cost of owning them, especially when you’re on a tight budget.
Common costs of owning a dog include the adoption or purchase, veterinary care, food, treats, grooming, training classes, socialization classes, environment supplies, and pet insurance. Mini Goldendoodles are relatively high maintenance due to their thick and fluffy coat. They have extensive grooming needs and are susceptible to several health issues.
The guide below will help you understand how much it will cost you to own a Mini Goldendoodle. We cover everything from bringing your pet home to caring for their nutritional, hygiene, and healthcare needs.
Bringing Home a New Mini Goldendoodle: One-Time Costs
Owning a dog can cost you anywhere from $1,400 to $4,300 annually. However, the first year of dog ownership is generally the most expensive since you have to bear some one-time costs.
These include breeder fees, adoption, initial vaccinations, and licensing (if required). You’ll also have to buy a bed, a crate, a dog harness, and a leash.
In most cases, the purchase or breeder fees will be the highest, followed by first-year vaccinations. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dogs should get the following vaccines in their first year of life:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- DHPP
- Rabies
Optional vaccinations include Influenza, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, and Lyme disease. The average cost of these vaccinations can be $75 to $100, depending on your geographical location. A rabies shot costs about $15 to $20.
Free
If you get your Mini Goldendoodle from a shelter, they would have been vaccinated up until their current age. Similarly, some shelters and rescues also spay their dogs, saving you the money you’d otherwise have to spend on it.
You can save on the purchase costs by adopting a pup from a friend or family. Alternatively, you might find owners on online forums who might want to rehome the pups they cannot care for anymore.
Adoption
- $300–$500
You can adopt a Mini Goldendoodle from a rescue or a shelter for a few hundred dollars. Adoption is definitely much cheaper than buying a Mini Goldendoodle from a breeder.
The adoption fee includes spaying or neutering, a microchip, vaccinations, and heartworm medication. Look around for different options to find a price that fits your budget.
Breeder
- $2,000–$4,000
On average, a Mini Goldendoodle will cost you about $2,000 from a reputable breeder. The price can vary based on the variety you opt for.
For example, toy-sized and multi-colored Mini Goldendoodles are more expensive and can cost up to $5,000. Keep in mind that these smaller “designer” puppies have many health concerns. You can either avoid getting them altogether or purchase them from a reliable breeder.
Since the AKC does not recognize Mini Goldendoodle, it can be hard to find a certified breeder. Do thorough research or consult your local vet for proper guidance in this regard.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $400–$500
These initial supplies are the items your pup will need to settle into their new home. While a bed and a crate are must-haves, you also need to purchase grooming supplies, a collar, a leash, an ID tag, toys, treats, bedding, and food bowls.
A crate prevents destructive behavior, provides a safe space for your pet, is required for traveling, and prevents separation anxiety. Crates start at $50 and go up to $100, depending on their size.
Dog beds start from $20 and go up to $70, depending on the type you get. Some types of dog beds include sofa beds, orthopedic beds, elevated beds, and bolster beds.
As for grooming supplies, the cost will depend on how many you purchase. For a Mini Goldendoodle, the following will suffice: nail clippers, grooming scissors, a slicker brush, a comb, shampoo, and conditioner. All of this will come up to a bill of $100 or even less.
A dog leash is under $10, while a long-lasting collar will cost about $20. If you want to add an ID tag, you’ll have to spend another $10. Food and water bowls range from as low as $2 to as high as $15. Toys are also in the same price range.
List of Mini Goldendoodle Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $20 |
| Spay/Neuter | $200 |
| X-Ray Cost | $100–$250 |
| Ultrasound Cost | $200–$350 |
| Microchip | $50–$70 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $300–$700 |
| Bed/Tank/Cage | $30 |
| Nail Clipper (optional) | $10 |
| Brush (optional) | $8 |
| Litter Box | $25 |
| Litter Scoop | $10 |
| Toys | $5–$20 |
| Carrier | $40–$70 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 |
How Much Does a Mini Goldendoodle Cost Per Month?
- $200–$700
How much you spend on your dog in a month depends on their health condition, your geographical location, and how often you choose to spoil your furry buddy. If you must get them a toy every time you do a Target grocery run, your monthly dog-owning cost will definitely be higher.
Besides these additional expenses, some mandatory costs of owning a Mini Goldendoodle include food, treats, vet visits, toys, and grooming. If you hire a pet sitter for the daytime or pay someone to walk your little friend, that cost will also add on. With all this in mind, expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $600 per month.
Health Care
- $50–$100
Mini Goldendoodles can live up to 10 years but are susceptible to several health conditions, including hip dysplasia, heart disease, cataracts, and glaucoma. Of course, you also need to take your pup in for annual checkups. The cost of health care can range, but it shouldn’t be any more than $100 per month.
Food
- $25–$100
The money you spend on your Mini Goldendoodle’s food will depend on their age and the quality of food you buy. Younger dogs eat less and have lower food expenses.
The Purina Pro Plan dog food is a good option for adult Mini Goldendoodles. Purina recommends feeding 1/3 to 2 cups of food to dogs weighing 21 to 35 pounds, which is the average weight range for an adult Mini Goldendoodle. At 2 cups a day, a 30-lb bag will last about 2 months for your pet. That’s nearly $36 per month since the 30-lb bag of this dog food costs $72.
If you plan to train your pet at home, you’ll also need training treats. Even without at-home training, treats are a must to keep your furry friend happy. Experts recommend the 10% rule for feeding your dog treats. Simply put, treats should not be more than 10% of your Mini Goldendoodle’s daily calorie intake. Depending on how many and what kind you buy, treats can add an extra $20 to $40 to your dog’s monthly diet budget.
Grooming
- $30–$100
Mini Goldendoodles have extensive grooming needs. You need to take your furry buddy to a groomer every 6 to 7 weeks to prevent matting in their coat. A grooming session can be $30 to $100, depending on where you live. Your dog’s size also affects the cost of grooming.
Medications and Vet Visits
- $60–$100
According to Forbes, a vet visit can cost $60 on average. But you don’t have to take your Mini Goldendoodle to the vet every month. When you newly acquire a pup, take them to the vet for their first visit. The vet will check their lungs, heart, ears, teeth, and eyes. They may also ask for a stool specimen of your dog.
Most of your pet’s vet visits will be for vaccinations. If you’ve bought the Mini Goldendoodle at 8 to 12 weeks of age, you’ll need to take them to the vet for vaccinations for two subsequent months until they reach the age of 16 to 20 weeks. These visits will cost $70 to $100 each.
Adult Mini Goldendoodles only need to go see the vet once a year. The vet will listen to their lungs and heart, check for unusual growths, and inspect their ears, eyes, gums, and teeth. The visit can cost anywhere between $50 and $100, depending on where you live.
Your dog’s healthcare costs may also include supplements and medicines. If your pet is sick or has an infection, their monthly healthcare cost will increase.
Pet Insurance
- $40–$70
Pet insurance is another monthly cost of owning a Mini Goldendoodle. MarketWatch data shows that dog insurance averages $23 to $48 per month, while Forbes states pet insurance costs for dogs to be $44. The insurance cost will depend on the company you choose.
For instance, Spot pet insurance averages $38 for dogs, while Lemonade is cheaper at $31. The age of your Mini Goldendoodle will also determine their insurance costs. For dogs, the average is about $40 when 1 year or under. The premium increases with age. You might be able to get a discount if you adopt a shelter pet or have done military service.
Environment Maintenance
- $20–$50
As their owners, it’s your job to maintain a healthy and happy environment for your canine family member. Yard maintenance is also important to keep your dog safe from any potential hazards. You might have to invest in a fence for your yard, which costs over $1,000, depending on your property’s size.
Additionally, you may need pet-proofing supplies, like couch covers and doggy gates. If your pup is teething, you’ll need a pacifier that costs around $8 to $10 to prevent them from chewing on your belongings.
| Pet-Proofing Supplies | $10–$20 |
| Pet Sitter | $15 |
| Deodorizing Spray | $15 |
| Doggy Gate | $100 |
Entertainment
- $20–$50
Mini Goldendoodles love playing with their owners, so you can provide a ton of free entertainment to your dog yourself. But it doesn’t hurt to throw some toys into the mix too. These can cost $10 to $30, depending on whether you buy individual toys or sets.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Mini Goldendoodle
The total monthly cost of a Mini Goldendoodle ownership is about $200 to $700. You can choose to keep the budget in check or go all out. If your dog is sick, you may exceed your monthly budget due to frequent vet visits, medications, medical exams, and tests.
Similarly, if you travel a certain month and won’t be home for a few days, the cost of a pet sitter will bump up the budget. Your expenditure may also be higher if you enroll your Mini Goldendoodle in a socialization class, grooming salon, or daycare.
Additional Costs to Factor In
We’ll have to preface this section by saying that pet insurance can save you a ton of money since most of the unexpected costs arise from medical emergencies. For example, a tooth extraction can cost $830 on average, while a torn ligament treatment costs $2,670. If your dog has a urinary tract infection or inflammation, that’s around $280 vet bill to cover.
Besides illness, household damage caused by your canine family member can also put a dent in your wallet. Your Mini Goldendoodle may accidentally destroy furniture, carpets, and other objects due to their playful nature.
If you cannot train your dog at home, you’ll have to hire someone for behavioral training. That will be an additional expenditure, costing $40 to $200 per session.
Owning a Mini Goldendoodle on a Budget
Minus the mandatory costs like food and vaccinations, there are a few areas where you can save money. For starters, do not buy a pup from a breeder. Instead, get them from a rescue or a shelter. Similarly, you can buy dog treats and food in bulk to get a discount. Some websites, like Chewy, offer discounts if you opt for auto-shipping.
Dog treatment and extensive vet visits can be very expensive. On the other hand, preventative care is much cheaper and accessible. Do not skip annual vet visits and vaccinations.
Since Mini Goldendoodles need to be groomed often, regular visits to the salon can cost a ton. You can save this money by learning how to groom your four-legged buddy at home.
Saving Money on Mini Goldendoodle Care
The key to saving money on Mini Goldendoodle care is to feed them high-quality dog food and go for regular vet visits. Instead of paying pet sitters hundreds of dollars when you’re on vacation, request a close friend or family member to look after your pet.
Conclusion
A Mini Goldendoodle is a great cuddle partner that fits in easily into a new home. The one-time cost of owning a Mini Goldendoodle can be high, especially if you buy your pup from a breeder rather than adopting one. You can reduce this cost by adopting a dog since it also helps you save money on early-life vaccinations and spaying.
Once the pup enters your home, they’ll need a comfy bed to sleep on, a crate for personal space, and some utensils to eat and drink. All these items will collectively cost under $200.
However, regular care and vet costs of a Mini Goldendoodle are higher than many other breeds due to their extensive grooming needs and susceptibility to serious diseases. We recommend following your vet’s instructions for Mini Goldendoodle healthcare to prevent your pet from developing severe medical conditions. Most importantly, get pet insurance to ensure your pet gets timely care in an emergency.
Featured Image Credit: SoySendra, Shutterstock
