Cost of Owning a Labrador Retriever (2024): Purchase, Vet Bills, and More

Owning a labrador retriever is a sizable financial commitment. Adopting or buying a labrador from a breeder could cost $250 to $2,000. Then expect to spend nearly $3,000 in the first year of a labrador puppy’s life, and $1,500 to $3,000 per year thereafter, depending on the lab’s health.^[1]

Labrador retrievers are the second most-popular dog breed in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).^[2] Various factors affect your overall cost of pet ownership, such as your lab’s age, gender, where you get it from, and your location.

How much does a lab cost?

The average cost to purchase a labrador puppy typically runs somewhere between $250 and $2,000.^[1] Your labrador dog price could vary based on details such as the breeder you work with and your location. However, if you adopt an older lab or a rescue puppy, there’s a good chance your adoption costs could be significantly lower — often between $100 and $450.

Labs are well known for their friendliness and high energy, which contributes to the breed’s popularity. The medium-to-large dog breed has an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years, weighs between 55 and 80 pounds, and typically gets along well with other dogs and young children.^[3]

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Labrador retriever: Best for high activity levels

Labrador retrievers can be a good fit for families, couples, or single households. Due to their high energy levels, labrador dogs will probably be most content in homes where they’ll have plenty of opportunities to burn off energy and exercise with plenty of long walks.^[3]

In general, labs are eager to please their owners. As a result, they have high trainability levels. The popular breed is also known for its playfulness and openness to strangers. However, labs don’t have the most protective nature. So if you want a vigilant watchdog, the labrador retriever breed shouldn’t be your first choice.^[3]

Comparing costs: Lab vs. other breeds

If you’re on the fence about purchasing a purebred lab puppy, it may be helpful to compare costs. Pet adoption costs can vary from one breed to another.

Below are the average price ranges you might encounter when you purchase the following dog breeds from a breeder.

Factors influencing the price of a lab

Average labrador retriever costs can vary, and how much you pay also depends on many factors, some personal to you.

Below are details to consider when searching for a new lab puppy, and how those things might play a role in both your adoption costs and long-term care expenses for your new labrador.

Where you purchase from

The most expensive way to purchase a labrador retriever is to shop with a certified, trustworthy breeder. Yet, working with responsible labrador retriever breeders may also feature benefits that other forms of pet purchasing or adoption don’t.

When you buy a lab from a certified AKC breeder, your puppy may have traceable pedigrees. You may also have access to a breeder who can answer questions about your new pet’s family history, temperament, and more.^[4]

On the other hand, adopting a lab from a shelter or rescue program has perks, too. First, you’re giving a second chance to an animal who needs a home. Adopting a labrador retriever puppy or older dog also tends to be much more affordable. The Animal Humane Society charges a standard adoption fee of $166 to $767 for dogs and puppies.^[5]

Coat color

Labrador retrievers are short-haired dogs with coats that come in the following three colors:^[3]

• Black

• Chocolate

• Yellow

In general, the color of a lab’s coat has little effect on the cost of adoption.

Age and gender

As with any dog breed, adopting an older labrador retriever has the potential to save you a significant amount of money compared to purchasing a puppy from a breeder.

For example, the Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue’s adoption fees are $350 for dogs 6 years and younger. Labs older than 7 years, however, have an adoption fee of just $150.

Some breeders may also charge more for female labs due to their potential to breed. But this can vary since some breeders and pet adoption facilities may spay or neuter their labs before you adopt them.

Costs of owning a lab

It’s also important to consider ongoing pet ownership expenses before you buy or adopt a new labrador retriever. The best way to make sure you can afford a new labrador retriever puppy is to tally up the costs below and make sure they’ll fit comfortably into your household budget.

• 

  Vaccination and vet visits

  You’ll need to take your lab to the vet on a regular basis, especially during its first year of life. Even if your breeder made sure to take care of your puppy’s initial shots, your puppy’s first veterinarian visit for vaccinations will likely take place shortly after you bring it home.

  Overall, labs tend to be a healthy dog breed. But they can face struggles with hip dysplasia, heart disorders, eye conditions, and hereditary myopathy.^[3] Working with a responsible breeder who runs DNA tests for certain disorders and plans breedings accordingly may help you reduce the chances of certain health conditions. It’s important to become familiar with the symptoms of common health issues labs may face, including a life-threatening health problem called bloat.

  As a pet owner, you may pay anywhere between $100 and $300 per year for annual wellness exams and another $300 to $400 for any additional vet care visits.^[6] This cost may include the price of puppy vaccinations, spaying or neutering, preventative treatment, and emergency medical expenses. Of course, some dog breeds have fewer health problems than others, and their vet care costs might be more affordable.

• 

  Food and supplies

  Labrador retrievers typically eat $325 to $1,128 worth of food per year, depending on their size and age.^[7] Costs can vary depending on the type of food you feed your pet. Some dog food brands are significantly more expensive than others.

  In addition to food, you should consider the cost of other pet-related supplies and factor those into your budget as well. Dog treats, leashes, bowls, crates, dog beds, and toys are a few examples of other items you may purchase for your canine companion.

• 

  Grooming and maintenance

  Because they’re short-haired dogs, labs don’t need some of the high-level grooming that other dog breeds require. But keep in mind that proper care is still important.

  Weekly brushing, dental care, and regular nail clipping will keep your lab feeling and looking great. You may also want to factor in the cost of preventative flea and tick treatments to protect your pet from unwanted pests.

• 

  Pet insurance

  Pet insurance is a healthcare policy for your pet that could pay up to 90% of covered vet bills. Depending on the type of policy you purchase, your pet might have coverage for emergency vet visits and accidents only, or you might have coverage for well visits, vaccinations, and preventative care as well.

  The average annual premium for accident and illness pet insurance is $640 for dogs. But many details can affect your premiums, including the type of coverage you purchase and the deductible you choose. If you’re considering buying pet insurance, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare your coverage options.

Labrador retriever FAQs