How Much Does a Whippet Cost? 2023 Price Guide
By Oliver Jones
Updated on
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These dogs have a life expectancy of approximately 12–15 years, so owning a Whippet is a long-term commitment that comes with significant financial responsibility. This article will provide an exhaustive breakdown of the costs you can expect when owning a Whippet. In short, depending on the source, the Whippet may cost you from $50–$1,500 with monthly expenses around $145–$280.
Bringing Home a New Whippet: One-Time Costs
The one-time costs of bringing home a new Whippet can be substantial, especially if you choose to buy from a breeder. These costs include the price of the dog itself, initial veterinary care, and the necessary supplies to accommodate your new furry friend.
Free
While it’s rare, you may find a Whippet available for free from a rescue organization or an individual who can no longer care for their pet. However, even in these cases, there will likely be costs associated with vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and other initial veterinary care.
Adoption
- $50–$300
Adopting a Whippet from a shelter or rescue group can be a less expensive option. Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $300, which often include initial veterinary care such as vaccinations and microchipping. Sometimes, it includes spay/neuter and deworming as well, depending on the adoption facility.
Breeder
- $800–$1,500
If you choose to buy a Whippet from a reputable breeder, expect to pay between $800 and $1,500. This cost often includes initial veterinary care and guarantees the puppy is purebred. It’s important to make sure the breeder is reputable if you go this route. A reputable breeder will allow you to tour their facilities, provide healthy dogs, can answer any questions you may have, and may ask for a deposit to hold the dog until it is ready to go home. You may also have to figure in travel costs if you don’t have a Whippet breeder close to you.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $200–$400
Setting up your home for a Whippet includes buying necessary supplies like a dog bed, crate, food and water bowls, toys, leash, collar, and name tag. The total cost for these items can range from $200 to $400.
List of Whippet Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $20 |
| Spay/Neuter | $200 |
| X-Ray Cost | $100–$250 |
| Ultrasound Cost | $250–$500 |
| Microchip | $50 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $150–$300 |
| Bed/Crate | $50–$100 |
| Nail Clipper | $10 |
| Brush | $15 |
| Toys | $30 |
| Carrier | $50+ |
| Food and Water Bowls | $20 |
How Much Does a Whippet Cost Per Month?
Our final estimate includes the monthly costs of food, healthcare, grooming, and entertainment for your Whippet. It’s important to note that these costs can vary based on the specific needs of your Whippet, the region you live in, and the quality of products and services you choose.
Health Care
- $20–$50 per month
Healthcare for a Whippet includes regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and dental care. Note that some of these things, such as vaccinations and check-ups, may not occur every month. But flea and tick prevention may, depending on the type of prevention method you opt for.
This cost does not include things such as emergencies and unexpected medical conditions. But regular vet check-ups to identify any medical issues early on can help cut down on more expensive vet visits later on if something does crop up.
Food
- $30–$50 per month
Whippets require a diet rich in protein. The cost of high-quality dog food can range from $30 to $50 per month, depending on the exact brand. Subscription dog foods can be pricey but are often higher quality and made with human-grade ingredients. You definitely want to provide high-quality food with an animal protein source as at least the first ingredient for these athletic dogs, but there is definitely wiggle room in the budget in this category.
Grooming
- $10–$30 per month
Whippets have short coats that require minimal grooming. Occasional baths, nail trims, and ear cleaning are necessary, but they may not need extensive grooming every month. You can cut down on grooming costs by bathing and trimming nails at home, but some aspects of grooming may be best left to a professional groomer especially if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
Vet Visits
- $20–$100+ per month
This can include the cost of regular vet visits and any medications your Whippet might need. You also need to budget for emergencies and have some money put away into savings just in case. However, emergencies shouldn’t occur monthly. So, the price will normally fall on the lower end of this scale.
Pet Insurance
- $25–$50 per month
Pet insurance is not a requirement, but it can help cover unexpected veterinary costs. Premiums typically range from $25 to $50 per month. This can save you money in the event that your pet does have an emergency, or a medical condition crops up, depending on what your policy covers.
Environment Maintenance
- $10–$20 per month
Whippets don’t shed heavily, so home maintenance is relatively low. You may need items like poop bags and cleaning supplies, as well as replacing dog beds and other supplies occasionally. But otherwise, monthly costs in this category will be very low compared to other categories.
Entertainment
- $10–$30 per month
Whippets love to play and need mental stimulation. This cost includes toys, treats, and possibly a subscription to a dog toy box. Also consider agility or training classes, as these dogs are very athletic and need an outlet to keep themselves in great shape.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Whippet
- $145–$280 per month
This estimate includes all the monthly costs mentioned above and can vary from month to month. To get a more accurate estimate regarding things like medical care and food, you might want to speak with a local vet or other Whippet owners in your area.
Additional Costs to Factor In
Medications and Vet Visits
Additional costs can include pet sitters or boarding when you’re away, emergency veterinary care, potential household damage, and obedience classes or training aids.
- Pet Sitter or Boarder ($25–$50 per day): If you need someone to watch your Whippet while you’re away, expect to pay between $25 and $50 per day.
- Emergency Care ($200–$1,500+): Any unexpected veterinary care can be costly. Most pet insurance plans will cover at least a portion of these costs.
- Household Damage ($50–$1,000+): Whippets are energetic and can cause damage to furniture or personal belongings.
Training, Sport, Show, and Activity Costs Outlined
Whippets are highly active and require plenty of exercise. If you’re looking to participate in sports, shows, or activities with your Whippet, there may be additional costs involved.
- Agility ($50–$200 per month: Agility is a sport that tests the relationship between a dog and their handler while navigating obstacles. Training classes typically range from $50 to $200 per month.
- Flyball ($100–$400 per year): This sport is a relay race between four dogs that must each take turns retrieving a tennis ball from an obstacle course. The cost of equipment and entry fees can range from $100 to $400 per year.
- Breeding ($1,000–$7,000): If you plan to breed your Whippet, there will be a considerable cost of veterinary care and genetic testing. Costs can range from $1,000 to $7,000 or more.
- Showing ($200–$1,500): Entry fees for dog shows typically range from $200 to $1,500 per event. Additionally, you may need to pay for training classes or professional handlers.
Owning a Whippet on a Budget
Owning a Whippet can be made more affordable by adopting from a rescue or shelter, choosing a pet insurance plan, and budgeting for monthly expenses. Pet insurance is one of the best ways to save money on vet care, which can be one of the most expensive aspects of pet ownership. Having pet insurance can prevent you from having to make tough decisions if a medical issue does come up.
Saving Money on Whippet Care
It’s easy to save money on Whippet care. Besides pet insurance, you can save money by grooming your Whippet at home, buying food and supplies in bulk, and ensuring your pet gets regular exercise and preventative health care. Comparing prices for various supplies from different stores can also save you money.
Conclusion
While the initial cost of owning a Whippet can be substantial, they make delightful pets that are well worth the investment. By considering both the initial and ongoing costs, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your Whippet. As with any pet, it’s important to remember that costs can fluctuate based on the individual needs of your pet, your location, and the type of food and other supplies and entertainment you choose to provide for your Whippet.
Featured Image Credit: nik174,Shutterstock
