Cost of Owning a Cavoodle in Australia (2026 Price Guide)

Cavoodles are one of Australia’s most popular companion dogs. They’re affectionate, adaptable, and well‑suited to family life. But before you fall in love with that puppy face, it’s important to understand that the cost of owning a Cavoodle goes well beyond the purchase price. Over the life of your dog, the investment can be significant, and knowing what to budget for will help you provide the best care without unexpected stress.

If you’re still exploring this breed and want to see available pups, you can browse current Cavoodle listings.

Upfront Costs: Puppy Price and Initial Setup

Purchase Price

Cavoodle puppies from reputable breeders in Australia typically range between about $3,500 to $7,000 AUD, and sometimes more for show‑quality bloodlines or highly sought‑after colour variations (e.g., red, apricot).

Prices vary based on:

• Breeder reputation and location
• Puppy generation (F1, F1b, F2, etc.)
• Health testing and early socialisation
• Coat and colour demand

While it’s tempting to chase lower prices, puppies listed significantly below breed averages may come from high‑volume or less responsible breeding practices.

Initial Supplies and Set‑Up

Outside the puppy price itself, you’ll need to budget for essential gear, including:

• Collar and leash: $30–$100
• Crate or playpen: $80–$250
• Beds and blankets: $50–$200
• Bowls and feeders: $30–$100
• Puppy toys and chews: $50+
• Puppy training classes: $150–$300

These add up quickly but set you up for smooth training and early bonding.

Ongoing Annual Costs

Once your Cavoodle settles in, the real cost of ownership becomes a year‑by‑year commitment. Unlike cars or appliances, dogs require continuous care, and in Australia, pet care costs have been steadily increasing.

Food & Nutrition

Cavoodles are small to medium dogs, but they can be fussy eaters, especially if they’re fed premium diets.

Budget approximately $200–$350 per month for high‑quality food tailored to their age and health needs. That works out to $2,400–$4,200 per year. Premium diets help maintain coat health, digestion, and immune function, and often cost more than basic supermarket brands.

Grooming

Cavoodles have curly or wavy coats that are prone to matting without regular care. Most owners schedule professional grooming every 6–10 weeks, especially for generations with curlier coats.

Typical costs include:

• Grooming session: $80–$150 per visit
• Regular brushing tools for home: $30–$100

This adds up to $500–$1,000 per year in grooming alone for many households.

Veterinary Care (Excluding Emergencies)

Routine veterinary care includes vaccinations, check‑ups, parasite control, and dental checks. The average dog can cost about $2,520 per year in routine care, though small breeds may fall a bit lower. 

Typical vet costs may include:

• Annual check‑ups: ~$100–$200
• Vaccinations and boosters: $150–$300
• Flea, tick, worming: $200–$300
• Dental care: $100–$300

Note that unexpected health issues, surgeries, or specialist care can quickly push costs much higher.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance helps protect against large unexpected veterinary bills. Cavoodles are generally healthy, but they can be prone to ear infections, eye issues, and other conditions. 

In Australia, average dog insurance premiums range from about $60–$120 per month, depending on the level of cover and your dog’s age and health. That translates to roughly $720–$1,440 per year — a worthwhile safety net if you want predictable budgeting and peace of mind.

Training & Socialisation

Training isn’t optional if you want a well‑behaved Cavoodle. Puppy classes help with basic obedience, socialisation, and confidence.

Typical costs:

• Puppy school: $150–$300 (block courses)
• Advanced obedience or specialised training: additional $200+

Many owners also invest in enrichment toys, clicker training tools, and agility or trick classes, which add to annual costs.

Boarding & Pet Sitting

If you travel, boarding kennels or pet sitters become necessary. Kennel costs vary, but even modest boarding can start around $25–$50 per day in Australia, rising with additional care and playtime.

A long holiday can easily add several hundred dollars to your annual total.

Hidden and Miscellaneous Costs

A few areas often overlooked by new owners include:

Council Fees and Registration

Local council registration is compulsory in most Australian states, costing around $20–$200 per year (often lower if desexed). 

Replacement Gear

Lost collars, chewed toys, or worn‑out beds are recurring small expenses worth budgeting.

Emergencies & Health Fluctuations

Unexpected medical or surgical needs can be one‑off high costs that would otherwise be hard to absorb without insurance or savings.

What Do These Add Up To?

Annual basic costs for a Cavoodle in Australia (after the first year) typically range from about $3,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on lifestyle choices, grooming frequency, insurance level, and unforeseen vet care.

Over a 12‑year lifespan, caring well for your Cavoodle might cost $36,000–$60,000+ (not including major emergencies or advanced specialist care). That’s a sobering yet realistic picture of lifelong pet ownership.

Making a Budget Before You Bring One Home

Before you decide to add a Cavoodle to your family, sit down and create a simple pet budget:

1. Upfront costs: Puppy price + initial gear
2. Yearly essentials: Food, grooming, insurance, vet care
3. Buffer savings: Emergency funds for unexpected health issues
4. Lifestyle extras: Training, boarding, toys, treats

Knowing what to expect financially helps ensure your furry friend gets the care they deserve without stress for your household.

Owning a Cavoodle can be one of the most joyful experiences but it’s also a long‑term financial and emotional commitment. If this guide helped you plan your decision, take the next step and explore available pups in your area: browse current Cavoodle listings today.