Whippets are often confused with Greyhounds due to their similar size and need for speed, but this breed is all its own. Sometimes called “the poor man’s racehorse”, these medium-sized pups are known for being fast, agile, athletic, and incredibly friendly. If you’re considering bringing one of these canines into your home, it’s important to get an idea of how much that will cost you, both immediately and in the long run. There are a lot of costs associated with dog ownership, some of which you might not have thought about!
Whippets live anywhere from 12 to 15 years, so you’re looking at long-term financial responsibility. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at how much it will cost to bring a Whippet home and how much it should run you in monthly costs. You’ll find a lot of variation in costs, but initially, you can expect to pay $296–$1,300 and then $180 to $530 a month for one of these dogs.
The one-time, upfront costs of bringing home a Whippet can vary greatly. It really depends on whether you adopt a dog or decide to shell out for one from a breeder. Then, there are the initial setup costs (food, crate, dog bed, etc.), which can also vary depending on whether you go with items that are more or less expensive.
Chances of finding a Whippet for absolutely free are slim, but you may come across someone who needs to rehome their Whippet because they can longer care for them. You might also find a Whippet for free via a rescue organization, but even then, you’ll probably need to pay a small cost.
Adopting one of these dogs from a shelter or rescue organization is an excellent option. Not only will this save you money on the upfront costs of purchasing a Whippet, but you’ll also be saving a life. The cost of adopting a Whippet from a shelter or rescue often includes items like up-to-date vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and sometimes even spay/neuter, which saves you even more.
Breeder
Purchasing a Whippet from a reputable breeder will cost the most, but it also guarantees you a purebred dog if that’s what you’re in the market for. The cost of buying your dog from a breeder will often include the first round of vaccinations, as well. But ensure you are using a breeder who’s reputable; otherwise, you could end up with a dog with health problems, costing you a lot more money in the long run.
Initial Setup and Supplies
Of course, when you first get a dog, you’ll also have to obtain a variety of supplies so your new pet has the proper setup. These items include crates, dog beds, food, toys, treats, vet visits, and more. The cost of initial setup for your pup will vary, depending on whether you go for items that are priced lower or higher.
List of Whippet Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $15–$25 |
| Spay/Neuter | $100–$400 |
| Microchip | $25–$50 |
| Leash/Harness | $5–$125 |
| Dog bed | $10–$340 |
| Crate | $37–$500 |
| Food & Treats | $10–$100 |
| Food & Water Bowls | $6–$25 |
| Nail Clippers (optional) | $6–$20 |
| Brush (optional) | $4–$30 |
| Shampoo/Conditioner | $8–$25 |
| Toys | $30–$60 |
| Carrier | $40–$100 |
How Much Does a Whippet Cost Per Month?
There will be monthly costs associated with your Whippet, which we’ll cover below. Some of these items may not end up being ones you need to pay for each month, so there’s a bit of variation in how much monthly costs will run you. Some of the included monthly costs are food, entertainment, and grooming.
Health Care
How much you spend each month on health care for your Whippet will depend significantly on where you live. Those living outside cities will likely pay much less for vet visits and vaccinations, so costs vary greatly. And after the first few months, once your dog’s initial vaccinations and spay/neuter are covered, you shouldn’t have to spend much on health care on a monthly basis. At most, you’ll likely only be spending money on tick and flea prevention.
This average cost doesn’t cover accidents or illnesses, of course. So, keep in mind that at some point, your pet will probably get sick or injured, and you’ll have to take them to the vet to have them fixed up.
Food
Whippets may only be medium-sized, but these pups are big on energy, so they need a protein-rich diet to keep up. High-quality dog food can range in price, depending on not only the brand but whether you serve your dog dry, wet, or subscription dog food. Subscription foods are priciest, but they’re typically much better quality and made with ingredients that are healthier for your dog.
Grooming
Whippets are very low-maintenance when it comes to grooming due to their short, smooth coats. Mostly, you’ll simply be brushing your dog once a week or so, then cleaning their ears, trimming nails, and giving them a bath as necessary. If you purchased the supplies to do that during the initial setup, you won’t be spending much monthly on grooming.
But if you aren’t comfortable trimming your dog’s nails yourself or would rather have someone else bathe them, you’ll need to seek the services of a groomer. This is another area where pricing can vary wildly depending on where you live.
Medications and Vet Visits
As we mentioned, unless your dog is ill or gets injured, you probably won’t be taking them to the vet every month. However, if your dog has a chronic illness that requires monthly medication or vet visits, you will be spending some. How much depends, again, on where you’re located and what’s going on with your pet. But in most cases, you won’t have monthly vet visits or medications to pay for.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance isn’t a necessity, but it can help a lot with health care costs in the long term. And, as with health care, how much pet insurance costs will depend on the area you live in since some states offer pet insurance for less than others. Different pet insurance companies will also get you different pricing, so be sure to shop around for the best deal if you decide to invest in pet insurance!
Environment Maintenance
Maintaining your pet’s environment shouldn’t take much, but you will need to occasionally replace items. Bedding, such as dog beds or blankets, can sometimes be ruined by accidents or be chewed up if your dog is feeling a bit destructive, which would require replacement. And dog toys will eventually wear down or get torn up, so you’ll need to purchase more. You’ll also want to be sure to replenish cleaning supplies, as needed, for getting rid of urine stains or safely cleaning out your dog’s crate.
| Bedding | $10/month |
| Cleaning supplies | $10/month |
| Toys | $10–$20/month |
Entertainment
Whippets need lots of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, so they need to be entertained. While this might, at times, be as simple as letting your dog into the backyard to run around, other times you’ll need toys or games. You might want to invest in something like BarkBox, a monthly subscription box with toys and treats for your pet. You might also want to enroll your pet in training or agility classes; your Whippet will have a blast and learn a lot!
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Whippet
Since some of the above costs likely won’t be a factor each month, your total monthly cost for owning a Whippet should be on the lower side of this estimate. And some items listed above, like pet insurance, are optional, so you may choose to save money by not purchasing them. But owning a Whippet will probably cost almost a couple hundred dollars each month.
Additional Costs to Factor In
There are more costs to factor into your decision than just the above, though. One such cost is what you will do with your pet if you’re traveling; if you’re bringing them with you, you may have to pay more for room and board, but if you’re leaving them behind, you’ll need to consider the cost of boarding or a dog sitter. Another cost you may need to factor in if you work often is the cost of a dog walker to come by and ensure your pup is getting enough exercise. Boarding, dog sitters, and dog walkers typically cost $25–$50/day.
There’s also emergency vet care, which we’ve mentioned above. Depending on what your Whippet needs, this could cost a bundle, anywhere from $200 to upwards of $1,000. Having pet insurance will help offset emergency costs, but it also adds a monthly cost to owning a Whippet.
You may run into the cost of classes, too, if you use a dog trainer or sign your pup up for agility classes. These can range from $50 to $200 a month, depending on where you live and the company you use.
Owning a Whippet on a Budget
If you’re on a budget, you may still be able to afford a Whippet. One of the easiest ways to save money is by adopting a dog from a rescue or shelter; this is not only cheaper but may also save you the cost of initial vaccinations and even a spay/neuter. Though pet insurance is a monthly cost, it can save you tons if your dog has a situation that requires emergency vet care. Pet insurance can even save you money on routine vet visits if you choose the right plan. You can also save on food costs by purchasing in bulk. However, if you do this, ensure you have an air-tight container to put dog food in so it doesn’t go bad before your pup eats it!
Saving Money on Whippet Care
Pet insurance is a fantastic way to save on the care of your Whippet, as we’ve already discussed. Ensuring your dog makes it to routine vet visits will also save you in the long run, as these routine visits can often catch illnesses or conditions earlier rather than later. Engaging your pet in enough daily exercise will also go a long way in keeping them healthier for longer!
You can also save money on your Whippet’s care by grooming them at home. Learning how to clip your dog’s nails may take a few tries, but it’s much less expensive than taking them to the groomer or vet every time you need it done.
If you’re considering purchasing a Whippet, you’re likely looking at $$296–$1,300 in upfront costs, depending on whether you adopt or not. After that, you’re looking at monthly expenses of $180–$530 for this dog (though that will likely be on the lower end). When purchasing a Whippet, you’ll also need to factor in items like dog walking, boarding, and emergency vet care.
There are some ways you can save on costs, though, if you have your heart set on one of these pups. Whether it be getting pet insurance for your dog to save on health care or buying food in bulk to even out costs, it is doable.
Considering you’re getting a new friend who will be around for a while and offer plenty of fun, it should be worth it, though!
