How Expensive Is It to Own A Husky?

The Siberian Husky is one of the oldest dog breeds on record, dating back more than 4,000 years. The Husky was a beloved companion of the native Chukchi people (who lived in what is now Russia) and would assist them by transporting food and supplies. 

In the early 1900s, the Chuckchi people brought a team of Huskies to America for a sledding competition, which started an American love affair with the breed that still continues to this day. Huskies are prized for their striking wolf-like appearance, fluffy fur, and great personalities. Unsurprisingly, owning a Husky isn't cheap. 

If you're thinking of adopting a Husky, you should consider the costs before committing to the breed. Let's take a look at some common costs for acquiring and caring for a Husky, 

*Please note that the prices in this article are national averages, and the exact cost of pet parenthood will depend on your location. 

From puppy costs to routine vet care, here's a look at how much pet parents typically spend during their first year of Husky parenthood.

• Buying or adopting a Husky puppy: $275–$1,400
• Vet care: $430–$630
• Supplies: $310–$575
• Grooming: $900–$1,080
• Training: $125–$1,000
• Food: $360–$900
• Grand total: $2,400–$5,585

If you plan to buy a purebred Husky puppy through a breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere from $650 to $1,400. The exact cost of these Husky puppies depends on several factors, including:

• Level of vet care and testing the dog has received
• The puppy's age, sex, and coloration
• The dog's registration status
• Whether the dog has undergone obedience or potty training 
• The breeder and their location

Adopting a Husky from a rescue or shelter tends to be less expensive than buying from a breeder. The average adoption fees for Husky rescues range from $275 to $400 depending on the dog's age. Generally, dog rescues charge more for puppies than adults or seniors. 

The good news for those in the market for a Husky is there are plenty of breeders devoted to this breed. This means you won't usually have to worry about being placed on a waiting list to get your hands on a pup. However, those who want a Husky from a particular lineage or breeder may be put on a waiting list. The average deposit for such waiting lists is $200, but could cost more or less depending on the breeder.

Huskies are by no means fragile dogs, but they are susceptible to a handful of conditions due to their genetics and build. Let’s explore some health expenses Husky parents may incur.

Common health conditions 

Below are some common health problems vets see in Huskies and their average costs.

• Epilepsy: $500–$6,000
• Bleeding disorders: $500–$10,000
• Hip dysplasia: $1,500–$15,000
• Laryngeal paralysis: $500–$5,000
• Glaucoma: $350–$3,500 

Preventative care costs

All dogs need preventative care like vaccines and antiparasitics to keep them in peak health. Here are the average annual preventative care costs for large breeds like Huskies:

• Annual vaccines: $120
• Heartworm prevention: $204
• Flea and tick prevention: $240
• Wormer: $68

Source: Dr. Linda Simon, MRCVS, MVB

Since Huskies are genetically prone to several conditions, it's a good idea to secure pet health insurance to avoid high vet care costs in the future. Our pet insurance tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like Figo and Spot. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

Huskies, like all woofers, require grooming supplies, warm bedding, and a solid crate to keep them comfy and happy. Bored Huskies tend to get in trouble, so you'll need plenty of engaging toys too. 

Here are the supplies your Husky will need and their average annual costs:

• Toys: $60–$100
• Walking supplies: $55–$90 
• Grooming supplies (brush/shampoo/nail clippers) $60–$85
• Food/water bowls: $15–$40
• Bedding: $50–$100
• Crate: $70–$160
  

The Husky's thick mane is a big part of their allure, but this breed needs regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coats. While pet parents can do some coat upkeep at home with regular bathing and brushing, most Huskies will need to visit a professional groomer monthly to properly care for their double coat. 

Along with raking out your Husky’s undercoat and giving them a proper washing, a professional groomer will trim your pupper's toenails and express their anal glands. A professional groomer should only shave or trim a Husky's hair if it is severely matted since shaving a double-coated dog can cause improper hair growth and even health problems. 

The exact cost of grooming services for a Husky will depend on the groomer and the location. On average, a basic grooming costs between $75 and $90 for a large dog with long hair.

Huskies are very intelligent, but getting them to cooperate with obedience training can prove difficult. Huskies tend to be less food-motivated than other breeds, so finding effective rewards to use during training can be challenging. 

The key to a well-adjusted and behaved Husky is early training and socialization, but many Husky parents have to call in reinforcements to give their dog the level of training they need. There are four main types of dog training pet parents can choose from:

• Group training classes
• Private dog training
• Board-and-train facilities
• Virtual dog training

Group training classes

Group training classes usually focus on obedience skills and socialization. Since these classes are in a group setting, they tend to be more affordable than sessions with a private trainer. The cost of group training classes depends on the location and service provider but generally ranges between $125 and $300 for an entire course.

Private dog training

Private dog training is an option for pups who don't interact well in a group setting. Private dog training sessions are geared towards a dog's individual needs and can address a wide variety of behavioral problems. Typically, private trainers charge $90 for an hour-long session, whereas other trainers charge as much as $400.

Board-and-train facilities

Board-and-train programs are exactly what they sound like — facilities that house and train dogs for weeks or even months at a time. These "doggy boot camps" are very costly, and are usually only suggested for the most extreme obedience problems. A board-and-train program will set you back $1,000 to $2,500 for a 2-week stay.

Virtual dog training

Virtual dog training is usually the most cost-effective and convenient way to train a dog, and all you need is a smartphone! Digital dog trainers with Wag! understand that every dog is different, which is why they tailor sessions to each dog's individual issues. A 30-minute video training session through Wag! averages between $29 and $33, but the price may be more or less since trainers set their own pricing.

In-home dog training

If you’re looking for something a little more hands-on, consider booking an in-home dog training session through Wag!. Dog trainers with Wag! offer private training at a lower price than most competitors, and will even come to your home. Like virtual dog trainers, in-home dog trainers with Wag! set their own rates and charge between $61 and $66 an hour on average.

Huskies are a high-energy breed, and they need quality kibble to fuel their bodies. Most vets recommend that pet parents feed Huskies high-protein, moderate-fat diets with meat as the primary ingredient. Fats help dogs absorb certain vitamins from their food (like vitamins A, D, E, and K). Not only that, but fat and protein also keep the Husky’s coat’s looking sleek and provide a fantastic source of energy for active breeds like this one. 

Huskies have trouble absorbing zinc, leaving them susceptible to nutritional deficiencies. Many vets suggest pet parents start Huskies on a zinc-fortified dog food and a zinc supplement as soon as possible. Every dog is different, so make sure you ask your vet before starting your dog on any new supplements or medications. 

A healthy and active adult Husky needs about 2.5 cups of food daily, divided between two feedings. It's important to mention that the exact dietary requirements of your Husky will depend on their age, activity level, and health history. Below are some dog foods that are well-suited for a Husky's nutritional needs.

• ORIJEN High-Protein Dog Food
• Blue Buffalo
• Taste of the Wild

The average annual cost of dog food for a Siberian Husky depends on the food quality, retailer, and location. Husky pet parents can expect to spend between $360 and $900 a year to feed their pet.

If you work away from home or plan to vacation without your pet, you'll need to consider pet care costs for your Husky. Below is a breakdown of annual costs for pet care in the US. Please keep in mind prices vary by region and pet care provider. 

• Doggy daycare (1 full day per month): $140–$460
• Dog sitting (1 week per year): $250–$375
• Dog boarding (1 week per year): $300–$525
• Dog walking (1 week per year): $140–$280

In the market for pet care for your new Husky pup? Download the Wag! app for on-demand pet care services like dog walking, in-home dog sitting, and dog boarding services.

#1. Invest in pet insurance.

Veterinary care is the highest pet expense for most pet parents. However, pet insurance can help cover unexpected vet costs for accidents and illnesses. Start comparing insurance plans from leading insurers like Healthy Paws and Embrace and save over $270 a year.

#2. Sign up for a doggy wellness plan.

Unfortunately, pet insurance only covers expenses related to illness and injuries and will leave you footing the bill for routine care. For help with the cost of routine or preventative care, like diagnostics, deworming, and vaccinations, enroll in a wellness plan through Wag!.

#3. Buy repeat prescriptions and supplements online.

Buying prescription medication and supplements through a vet can be expensive. Many pet parents find lower prices when shopping with online pet pharmacies.

#4. Try to catch sales.

You can save a lot of money on pet supplies just by shopping sales. If you plan to shop in-store, make sure to browse the clearance sections first to find the best bargains. When possible, shop online. Big-box retailers often have special deals and coupons that aren't available to in-person shoppers. 

#5. Make your own dog treats.

Good dog treats are expensive, but you can make store-quality treats at home for a fraction of the price! We "pawticularly" enjoy these peanut butter dog treat recipes. Pro tip: make your treats in large batches and freeze them for later!

Huskies are fun companions with a lot of love to give — but between the costs of adoption, grooming, and supplies, caring for this breed can get quite pricy. While there are ways to cut costs, like shopping sales and investing in pet insurance, you can still expect to spend thousands in pet care and supplies over the lifetime of your Husky.

Being a first-time pet parent can be confusing and sometimes even scary. Luckily, virtual vet consults through Wag! are available to help pet parents day or night. If you have questions or concerns about your fur-baby's health, chat with a licensed vet now.