Massachusetts Ranks Top 3 Most Expensive State to Own a Dog

If I gave you 5 over/under guesses, I'd bet you wouldn't be able to guess the hard cost of owning a dog in the state of Massachusetts.  Between buying (or adopting) the dog, feeding the dog, vet bills, toys, beds, grooming, and end of life care, Massachusetts ranks #3 in the nation for cost.

According to Marketwatch, the average cost of a puppy here in Massachusetts is $1,175.  While many dogs are less expensive, and some are adopted, the most popular dog currently in the state of Massachusetts is a Golden Retriever, which can cost you between two to three thousand dollars right out of the gate.  Good thing puppies are cute!

The average annual cost of owning a dog here in Massachusetts is also steep.  You are looking at $2,922 for vet bills, food, grooming and supplies.  Not a huge surprise here considering the fact that most things are more expensive here in Massachusetts when compared to other parts of the country.

Towards the end of life, dogs can become super costly.  Marketwatch took the average lifespan of a dog in Massachusetts and figured out the final cost of a dog over the course of its life.  After it's all said and done, that family buddy is going to cost you $33,318.

Admittedly, at first blush, it feels a little steep.  Thirty-three grand is a big chunk of change, but when you consider how much joy and how many kisses you'll get from your dog when you get home from work every day, it takes the sting off.

The only states where it's more expensive to own a dog are California ($35,452) and New York ($34,248).