Papillons are a toy dog breed known for their butterfly-shaped ears and friendly temperaments. They make excellent pets for families or individuals looking for a playful, intelligent, and trainable lapdog. Although Papillons can be suitable for apartments, they require plenty of exercise and playtime to keep them entertained. Papillons are relatively active and have more demanding grooming requirements because of their long coats.

Before getting a Papillon, it is important to determine if you can care for one properly. Aside from having the time for them, you need the finances, too. Caring for a Papillon is expensive and sometimes more than what meets most people’s budgets.

Getting a Papillon can cost from $250 to $4,000, with monthly costs ranging from $120 to $780. This article will discuss the different costs associated with Papillons.

Bringing Home a New Papillon: One-Time Costs

As with most pets, the one-time costs of owning a Papillon will be higher than the ongoing costs. You might end up spending a couple of hundred dollars when you bring your new Papillon home, but these are, fortunately, one-time expenses. The Papillon adoption will be a one-time cost alongside supplies like food and water bowls or procedures like microchipping and sterilization.

Here’s what you can expect to spend when purchasing a Papillon.

Free

Papillons are expensive dogs, but you might be lucky enough to come across one for free. If family members or friends can no longer care for their Papillon, they may give one to you at no additional cost. Alternatively, someone you know might be able to give you a free Papillon puppy from an accidental litter.

Adoption

Papillons are rarely available for adoption in shelters, but it is possible. If you are lucky enough to come across a Papillon for adoption, you can expect to pay an adoption fee. The cost of the adoption fee will depend on your location and your Papillon’s age and health. However, it is often no more than $250.

Keep in mind that Papillons are purebred dogs with a small size, and they might have a higher adoption fee than large breeds. Besides shelters, Papillons are available for adoption through rehoming websites for a small fee.

Breeder

Aside from adoption, purchasing a Papillon from a reputable breeder is the next best option. A good Papillon breeder is most concerned about their dogs’ temperament, quality, and health. Papillons are often sold for a few thousand dollars by breeders because they are a toy dog breed with a pure bloodline.

You can expect to pay more for a Papillon if the breeder has papers, genetic testing results, and has highly sought-after puppies. Proof of pedigree lineage papers, veterinary documentation, and health test papers are sometimes provided by reputable dog breeders and included in the dog’s price.

Initial Setup and Supplies

Most of the initial cost of Papillon supplies and setup are under $500. Papillons are small dogs, and most of their supplies are smaller, such as their bed, food bowls, toys, and carriers. Smaller dog supplies are usually more affordable. The only procedures included as an initial cost for Papillons are microchipping and sterilization (spaying or neutering). Generally, sterilizing a small dog breed is cheaper than medium and large-sized dogs.

You can further reduce spending on your Papillon supplies by purchasing them second-hand. If you have kept small dogs before, some of the supplies might be able to get cleaned and reused for your new Papillon.

List of Papillon Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Papillon Cost Per Month?

Once the initial costs are out of the way, you can focus on the ongoing or monthly costs for Papillons. Their monthly expenses include food, veterinary visits, grooming, medications, and pet insurance. Some of those costs are optional, such as pet insurance and medication.

It is important to understand that Papillons might be a small dog breed but still require proper care to be happy and healthy. Some months might be more expensive than others, specifically if you need to take your Papillon for an expensive medical procedure.

Health Care

Health care is essential for Papillons, and it is not an optional cost. It is also one of the most expensive costs associated with dog ownership. All Papillons need access to veterinary treatment when necessary, and some procedures, tests, and treatments can cost a couple thousand dollars.

As a dog owner, you need to be prepared to spend money to take your Papillon to a veterinarian as required. Healthcare for Papillons can be expensive, and the cost may vary from month to month and include the following:

Food

Papillons require high-quality dog food as their primary source of nutrition. The amount you spend on their food will depend on the type of food, the brand, and your budget. While it might seem like a good idea to purchase cheap dog foods for your Papillon, it might lead to costly vet bills in the future. Cheaper formulas are often made of low-quality ingredients that do little to benefit your Papillon nutritionally.

Investing in quality dog food with wholesome ingredients and essential vitamins and minerals is better. Fortunately, feeding small dogs is usually more affordable than feeding larger breeds.

Grooming

Papillons have a long and silky coat that needs to be regularly groomed. You can groom your Papillon or take them to a professional dog groomer. Grooming your Papillon involves trimming their nails, brushing their coat, bathing them, brushing their teeth, and keeping their fur trimmed. Most of the supplies you’ll purchase to groom Papillons are once-off costs, such as a nail clipper and brush.

The ongoing grooming costs will be a quality shampoo and conditioner. If you decide to get your Papillon professionally groomed, you can expect to pay around $90 per month.

Medications and Vet Visits

Not every Papillon needs to be on medication, especially since they are a relatively healthy breed. However, they must be taken to a veterinarian at least once a year. Your Papillon may require regular tick and flea treatments, but they’re affordable and cost below $100.

A routine health check by a veterinarian can cost up to $250 per visit, but most healthy Papillons only require annual visits, depending on their overall health and age.

Pet Insurance

It is an excellent idea to invest in pet insurance for your Papillon if you want to reduce the cost of medical expenses. There are numerous types of pet insurance and plans to choose from, which can vary in price. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of medications, treatments, emergency care, and other unexpected vet bills that would otherwise leave a hole in your wallet.

The price of the pet insurance plan you choose for your Papillon depends on their health, age, and lifestyle.

Environment Maintenance

It is relatively inexpensive to keep your Papillon’s environment clean and maintained. The main costs will be disposable bags to pick up their poop with, a poop scoop, and puppy training pads. The puppy training pads are usually only necessary if your Papillon has accidents around the house while they are being potty trained.

Regardless, they can still be handy if your Papillon cannot go outside to use the bathroom due to stormy weather or is injured. Fortunately, you do not need to purchase large puppy pads, which are more expensive. Papillons stay small throughout their life and require smaller, cheaper maintenance items.

Entertainment

Papillons are an active and lively breed that benefits from entertainment. These small dogs aren’t too picky about what entertains them, whether a toy, a game of fetch, or a run in a secure park. It is a good idea to purchase a few chews and interactive toys to entertain your Papillon. The toys do not have to be too expensive if they are safe and your Papillon enjoys them.

A harness and leash typically fall into the entertainment category, too. Your Papillon will need a durable and appropriately sized leash and harness for vet visits, walks, and outdoor adventures.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Papillon

The monthly cost of raising a Papillon isn’t too expensive compared to caring for other breeds. If your Papillon does not need pet insurance, medication, or professional grooming, then the monthly costs will be more affordable.

Medical expenses and unexpected vet bills will undoubtedly increase your Papillon’s monthly costs. Since they do not necessarily need to be taken to a vet every month, the costs can fluctuate and range from affordable one month to expensive the next. The only monthly expenses that do not change will be your Papillon’s food. Expenses like toys can vary, as many quality dog toys can last for a few months before needing to be replaced.

Additional Costs to Factor In

Owning a Papillon on a Budget

Although dogs generally are not considered budget-friendly pets, you can find ways to save money. You will need to focus your expenses on essential supplies for your Papillon rather than luxury items. Their food bowls, identification tags, beds, toys, and food should be a priority.

You don’t have to buy costumes or accessories your Papillon does not need. Try to draw up a monthly budget plan to track how much you are spending on your Papillon. You can set money aside each month in a savings account for unexpected vet visits or emergency care.

Pet insurance is also a good choice if you want to be financially prepared for hefty medical bills. Many pet insurance companies have budget-friendly plans available for dogs.

Saving Money on Papillon Care

Below are a few ways to save money when caring for your Papillon.

Conclusion

The initial costs associated with owning Papillons are high; however, the monthly costs are more affordable and budget-friendly. The most expensive costs for Papillons will be medical bills, but they are a priority for the breed. The more affordable expenses will be your Papillon’s food, disposable bags, toys, and grooming supplies.

Although dog ownership isn’t cheap, you can save money in several ways when owning a Papillon.

• Related Read: How Long Does a Papillon Live? Vet-Reviewed Average Lifespan, Data & Care

Featured Image Credit: AndyBir, Shutterstock