The Real Cost of Owning a Pet (and How to Budget for It)

Pets bring love, laughter, and companionship into our lives — often when we need it most. But they also come with real financial responsibilities. 

If you're thinking about adding an animal friend to your family, it's important to plan for both the emotional and financial commitment. 

🐾 Pet ownership by the numbers: A quick look at lifetime costs 

According to Capital One, the average married couple spends just over $1,000 on their pets per year. Spending varies by species, breed, health needs, and even geographical location (rural households tend to spend more overall).

Over the life of your pet, you could end up spending $10,000 to $25,000 (or more).

But don’t let that number scare you. With the right planning, pet costs can be manageable. 

💡 Pet ownership in the U.S. includes a wide range of animals — from dogs and cats to fish, birds, reptiles, and small mammals like hamsters and rabbits. To keep it simple, we’ll focus on the pet costs associated with dogs and cats. 

🐶 Start-up costs when bringing your pet home 

Bringing home a new furry friend is exciting — but it’s not cheap. Whether you adopt from a shelter or buy from a breeder, there are some one-time pet ownership costs you’ll want to plan for upfront: 

1. Adoption fees or breeder costs: Varies 

Adoption fees often range from $50-$200 and may include vaccines or microchipping. Breeders can charge $500-$3,000, depending on the breed. 

2. Initial vet visit: $100-$300 

Budget for a basic health exam, vaccinations, and a wellness check right away to assess your pet’s health and identify potential concerns. 

3. Spay or neuter surgery: $150-$400 

Animal shelters around the country are overflowing, so this is an important step for owners to take. Expect to spend around $150-$400 unless it’s included in your adoption package. 

4. Microchipping: $25-$50 

This small but vital technology helps ensure your pet can be identified — and more easily reunited with you — if they ever get lost. 

5. Essential pet gear: Varies 

The items you’ll need depend on the kind and size of pet you adopt. These are the most common: 

• Crate or carrier
• Food and water bowls
• Bed
• Toys
• Collar & leash
• Shampoos and other hygiene products
• Grooming supplies
• Litter box and supplies (if applicable)

💲Tip: Don’t forget pet deposits if you rent! These one-time fees can range from $200-$500 — and on top of that, you’ll often have a monthly pet fee tacked on to your rent (anywhere from $25-$100 extra). 

📅️ Monthly and annual pet care expenses 

Once your pet is home, you’ll have regular costs to work into your monthly budget. These pet expenses can vary by animal, breed, and location — but here are the most common: 

• Food: $20-$70/month. This will vary depending on size and dietary needs.
• Routine vet care: $100-$300/year. Plan for annual checkups, vaccinations, and tests. See if your vet offers wellness plans that bundle services.
• Preventative meds: $20-$60/month. Flea, tick, and heartworm protection help avoid costly health problems.
• Dental cleanings: $200-$600/year. Routine cleanings of your dog or cat’s teeth prevent expensive health issues in the future.
• Pet insurance: $25-$45/month. This is optional but growing in popularity because it can reduce big bills later.
• Grooming: $40-$100/visit. Some breeds, like poodles, need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to look and feel their best. 

🧾 Budget tip: Set up a separate “pet fund” savings account and auto-transfer a set amount each payday. It makes annual costs feel more manageable. 

➢RELATED: Pet Side Hustles for Animal Lovers

💥 Surprise pet costs 

Even with regular care, things can pop up unexpectedly. Here are some occasional or emergency pet ownership costs that can catch new pet parents off guard: 

• Emergency vet visits or surgeries: A single visit can cost $500-$2,000+ to treat unexpected illness or injury.
• Pet sitting or boarding: Traveling? Expect $25-$75/day for boarding or in-home sitters.
• Training classes: Puppy school, behavioral support, or specialized training may cost $100-$500 (or more).
• Replacing damaged items: Pets can chew, scratch, or outgrow things. Keep some wiggle room in your budget. 

😿 Tip: If an emergency or large pet expense puts pressure on your budget, an Installment Loan or Line of Credit could give you more flexibility to manage the cost. 

🐱🐶 Cat vs. dog: A side-by-side cost comparison 

Some pets are more budget-friendly than others. Here's a quick breakdown of annual pet care costs to help you compare: 

Sources: Rover’s The Cost of Cat Parenthood in 2025 and The Cost of Dog Parenthood in 2025

Costs vary depending on size, breed, and age. Small cats and dogs generally cost less to care for than large or high-maintenance breeds. 

💡 Smart ways to save on pet ownership costs 

Pet care doesn’t have to break your budget. Try these wallet-friendly strategies to lower your overall cost of owning a pet: 

• 🐾 Adopt from a shelter for lower fees that may also include shots, exams, or microchipping.
• 🩺 Use low-cost clinics for vaccines and spay/neuter services.
• 💼 Compare pet insurance plans for coverage that fits your pet and budget.
• 🛒 Buy in bulk. Food, litter, and flea meds are cheaper per unit in larger sizes.
• 📦 Skip the subscription boxes unless you’re sure you’ll use everything.
• 🧑‍🍳 Prepare homemade pet treats. Do research to know which foods are safe for your pet and only use recipes from reputable sources.
• ✂️ Try DIY grooming. You can find lots of online tutorials, tips, and product suggestions for grooming your pet at home.
• 🧸 Make your own pet toys. Again, there’s a wealth of online resources for making safe homemade pet toys to cut down on the cost of store-bought ones. 

📌 Tip: Ask local shelters if they offer adoption bundles or new pet starter kits. 

➢RELATED: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Adopting a pet from an online listing 

Adopting a pet from an online marketplace can be a great way to find a new companion (often for free), but it’s important to approach with care. 

Some pets may not have received proper medical attention, and the person rehoming them may not always be a responsible owner. If you choose this route, ask for vet records, meet in a safe, public location, and have the pet checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible. 

That said, not all free-to-good-home listings are red flags. Life changes like job loss, housing instability, or health issues can force even caring owners to rehome a beloved pet. In many cases, these animals are often well-trained, healthy, and simply need a second chance with someone new. 

That was the case with our rescue dog, Teddy. 

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After losing their home, his previous owners were living in their truck and struggling to keep up with the demands of raising an energetic 11-month-old dog. Because we knew Teddy’s personality and overall health, we felt confident in welcoming him into our family — and we’re so glad we did!

What can I do if I can’t afford a big vet bill?

If you’re facing large bills for veterinary care, you have options. Some vets offer payment plans, and low-cost clinics may offer discounted services. You can also explore financing through a trusted provider to help manage large, unexpected expenses — so your pet gets the care they need without breaking your budget.