Pomeranian Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

Before adopting a puppy, it’s important to know the prices–not just to purchase them initially but for their lifetime! How much does a Pomeranian cost?

You’ll likely pay around $5,000, and potentially more, in your Pomeranian’s first year of life. The following years may cost as much as $2000+ depending on how you choose to care for your pup, totaling around $27,000-$35,000 in lifetime expenses.

Of course, some people will pay much more than this while others will pay much less. There are so many variables when it comes to dog ownership!

In this article, we’ll break down all of the expenses you can expect to pay for in your Pomeranian’s life and what they cost. This will give you a clearer picture of what you will spend as an individual, depending on the choices you make for your dog.

How Much Does a Pomeranian Puppy Cost?

Pomeranian puppies from breeders cost $2,000-$3,000 on average, with many exceptions. Please keep in mind that exceptionally cheap prices often indicate a puppy mill or backyard breeder who hasn’t bred or cared for the dogs properly.

In addition to animal welfare issues, you’re also more likely to encounter high vet bills throughout your Pomeranian’s life if genetic testing wasn’t done on both parents.

However, high prices don’t always mean a great breeder. This can sometimes indicate someone who is trying to maximize profits. For Poms, this can mean breeding “trendy” puppies to the detriment of the dogs and their health.

Reputable breeders rarely profit from selling puppies, because the cost of genetic health testing, vet visits, feeding, and other care usually cancels out or even exceeds what they make selling a litter.

However, there are plenty of breeders who will skip out on these things to maximize profits or who do their best but don’t actually have the knowledge to breed ethically.

Rescue Pomeranian Cost

Personally, I always opt to rescue rather than purchase my dogs from a breeder. If you’d like to rescue a Pomeranian, you’ll likely pay less than $500.

These Poms are usually going to be spayed or neutered already, saving you that expense as well. It can also be easier to read an adult Pomeranian’s personality since puppies can change as they grow up.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Pomeranian

Dog breeders aren’t one and the same. It’s essential to do your research, ensure you’re shopping with a reputable breeder, and that you understand why their puppies cost what they do.

Factors that influence the purchase price of Pomeranian puppies include:

• Lineage: Do the puppies have award-winning ancestry? Are they famous? If so, the puppies are likely to cost more.
• Location: If your breeder lives in an area with a high cost of living, they’re likely to ask more for their puppies. They’re also likely to have spent more on their care.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Pomeranian

Vaccines – $25-75 per vaccine

Vaccines can be broken down into three categories: the ones you’re legally obligated to get, core vaccines recommended for all dogs, and non-core vaccines recommended for dogs who are at increased risk.

Rabies is the only vaccine required by law in most U.S. states, while the DHLPP vaccine is a core combination vaccine that vaccinates against several illnesses.

The chart below will walk you through common puppy vaccines, their boosters, and whether or not they’re considered core vaccinations.

Please talk to your veterinarian about what’s recommended for your puppy’s lifestyle as well as which diseases are most prevalent in your area.

Spay or Neuter Surgery – $100-$500

Spaying or neutering your Pomeranian is recommended not only to avoid puppies but to increase their life expectancy. The surgery comes with a host of behavioral and health benefits including reduced risk of reproductive cancers.

Talk to your veterinarian about when they recommend your Pom be spayed or neutered. Most will wait until a dog is fully grown.

While the price of surgery for your Pomeranian is $100-$500 on average, in my experience it’s closer to the high end of the spectrum and may even exceed $500. Costs will vary based on your area and the clinic you choose.

Pomeranians do tend to cost less to spay and neuter than larger dogs since they need lower doses of anesthesia and other medications. If you’re struggling to afford the procedure, the ASPCA has a list of low-cost spay and neuter programs that may include a few in your area.

Check-Ups – $50-$250 per visit

Your Pomeranian should see the vet at least once a year for a check-up, whether or not they’re having health problems. Prices vary based on which tests you choose, but I typically opt for routine bloodwork and whatever else my vet recommends.

If your veterinarian finds a health problem during your visit, treatment may make the appointment more expensive. We’ll talk more about common Pomeranian health problems under the “sick vet visits” section below.

Parasite Prevention Medications – $120-$300

Parasite prevention medications prevent your dog from getting parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworm. They should be on these medications year-round.

Taking a risk with parasites can mean much more expensive treatments, especially if your dog gets heartworm. Treatment is also quite painful for the dog.

Pomeranians can usually take the lowest or second lowest dose of parasite preventatives, depending on the product and your dog’s weight.

Dental Care – $300-$700+

Dental care is especially important for Pomeranians because small dogs are prone to dental disease. In addition to caring for your dog’s teeth at home, most veterinarians recommend professional dental cleaning once a year.

This can cost as low as $300 or well over $700. Prices vary by location, veterinarian, and whether your Pom needs any of their teeth pulled. The better care you provide at home, the less likely your dog is to need their teeth pulled and the cheaper their dental care is likely to be.

Sick Vet Visits – costs range widely

Going to the vet when your Pomeranian is sick can vary in price from a couple of hundred dollars to tens of thousands. It depends on which vet you go to, their diagnosis, and the treatment you choose.

If your Pom needs an emergency vet visit, these clinics typically cost far more than primary care veterinarians. Specialist vets also charge higher rates.

Below are some common health conditions in Pomeranians as well as what they cost on average.

Common Pomeranian Health Conditions

• Collapsed trachea – $30 a month for medications in mild cases; $500-$2000 for diagnostics and $3000-$5000 for surgery in severe cases
• Patellar luxation – $1000-$5000 per knee if surgery is needed
• Hypoglycemia – $500-$8000 for immediate treatment depending on severity; $40-$250 a month for ongoing care
• Dental disease – $500-$2500 for tooth extractions if needed

Reputable breeders will screen for genetic health conditions, drastically reducing the odds of them occurring in their puppies. They will also never breed for a short (brachycephalic) muzzle as seen in “teddy bear” Pomeranians, as this can cause a plethora of health issues.

Of course, all dogs will get sick at some point in their lives, so even after shopping with a reputable breeder you should be prepared with either pet insurance or a savings account for veterinary expenses.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Pomeranian

Food

Pomeranians typically eat around ⅓ to ½ cups of food daily, broken into at least two meals. As small dogs, they’re relatively cheap to feed. People I’ve spoken to with Pomeranians pay anywhere from $10-$150, with most falling into the lower end of the spectrum at around $10-$30.

Kibble is cheapest to feed, while fresh, canned, and raw food is more expensive. Please keep in mind that both the FDA and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) currently recommend against raw food for dogs.

From my own research, I recommend sticking to foods that meet WSAVA guidelines, which state foods should be formulated by a veterinary nutritionist and that they should be scientifically proven. These are also the brands most recommended by veterinarians.

Initial Purchases

The cost of initial purchases can vary depending on the brand, quality, and quantity of items bought. For instance, you’ll pay way more for a fashionable Pom with many accessories than one who just has one collar and leash.

On average, I would expect to pay a few hundred dollars for initial purchases. These include:

• Collar and leash
• Harness (optional)
• Food and water bowls
• Grooming supplies
• Crate (optional)
• A dog seatbelt or sturdy, crash-tested crate for the car (optional but highly recommended)
• Car seat or household furniture covers (optional)

Repeat Purchases

You may end up purchasing multiple of any of the above items, depending on your preferences, whether the items are chewed by your puppy, and whether they’re worn from wear and tear.

However, here are the things you should most expect to repurchase throughout your Pom’s lifetime:

• Toys
• Treats
• Dental care (dog toothpaste, dental chews, etc.)
• Collars and leashes
• Items chewed as a puppy

Though Pomeranians are small, chances are they’ll chew a shoe or other household item here or there as a pup! They may also be rough on toys or leashes.

Again, the cost of repeat purchases can vary. You’ll likely pay at least a few hundred dollars yearly, even if you’re frugal.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Pomeranian?

If you don’t have a large amount of savings before adopting a Pomeranian, you should definitely opt for pet insurance! Emergency veterinary expenses can cost tens of thousands of dollars, which most people just don’t have.

You can pay as little as $20 a month for pet insurance or as high as $200. Typically, cheap plans cover very little, and expensive plans will cover a higher percentage of your dog’s care. I recommend opting for something in the middle and paying close attention to what’s covered and what isn’t.

It’s also important to purchase pet insurance as soon as you adopt your Pomeranian–not after they get sick. Pet insurance doesn’t usually cover pre-existing conditions.

It also rarely covers wellness visits but instead is meant for sick or emergency vet visits. Though you can get pet insurance that covers a bit of your routine care costs, it’s typically much more expensive.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Pomeranian?

Training for your Pomeranian can range from free, if you learn how to train them by yourself at home, to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for professional training.

Group puppy training classes typically cost a couple of hundred dollars, while one-on-one training is more expensive.

Please remember to use only force-free training methods and ensure any trainer you pay for does the same. The training industry isn’t regulated, so anyone can call themselves a dog trainer and offer harmful advice!

How Much Does it Cost to Groom a Pomeranian?

Professional grooming for your Pomeranian will cost around $30-$80 each time, depending on what you ask the groomer to do. They may just bathe them, or give them a full spa day and haircut. The cost of living in your area will also impact what you pay.

Your Pomeranian should see the groomer every four to six weeks, so you might pay as much as $1000 a year for professional grooming.

You will also need to groom your Pomeranian at home, as they shed considerably and their long hair can mat without maintenance. You’ll need to buy a brush and brush your Pomeranian at least three times a week.

Of course, you can also save yourself some money by learning how to groom them at home–but you’ll need to buy supplies such as dog shampoo, scissors, and nail clippers.

Lifetime Costs of a Pomeranian

Although these little dogs cost less than larger breeds, expenses still add up! The average owner will spend around $2000 a year (assuming most expenses fall around the middle of the spectrum and you choose to pay for everything above).

A Pomeranian’s price is usually highest in the first year, as puppies need vaccines, a spay or neuter surgery, and supplies that you’re unlikely to repurchase in the following years. You can expect to pay roughly $5000 or more in the first year of your Pom’s life.

This totals around $27,000-$35,000 in lifetime expenses, with the average Pom living 12-16 years.

These numbers assume you pay for pet insurance, yearly dental cleanings, year-round parasite prevention medication, and more than just the core dog vaccines. Sometimes these things aren’t needed or dog guardians choose to opt out of them, which will lower your costs. 

Keep in mind that, while these things are expensive, they can prevent a crisis or save you money during one (in the case of insurance). Often, these preventative measures are cheaper than treatment of the thing they’re preventing.

Lastly, remember that these are only rough estimates–your costs may be very different. It’s important to plan for emergency situations and even impulse spending.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/nadisja