Pet Ownership - The True Costs

My family weighed a big decision recently: whether or not to get another dog.

My beloved dog Moki turned 13 this year. He’s been an “only dog” since 2020, and we wanted to get him a companion to keep him company, energize and entertain him, and continue his legacy after he’s gone. The decision came with some surprising emotions. I cried a lot when I considered Moki’s eventual passing. He came into my life at a time when life was really, really hard and gave me some hope. He’s been my constant companion through all seasons since, and living without him sounds impossible. However, the difficult reality is that he won’t live forever, and we can help to make his final years with us as special and fulfilling as possible.

Enter his new little brother, Puds.

Puddle “Puds” - our newest little buddy

Puds is an 8-month old American Pitbull Terrier with only two settings: “Party Puds” mode and “Puddle Puds” mode. He’s either bouncing off the walls with puppy energy or asleep puddled out on the floor. My kids and I adore him, and Moki is coming around to the addition. I’m confident they’ll be best buddies in no time!

Bringing a new furry friend into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with major financial responsibilities. If you’re considering a dog, cat, rabbit, or another companion animal, it’s important to understand the ongoing and potential costs of pet ownership. Being financially prepared can help ensure you and your pet have a happy, stress-free life together.

Upfront Costs

Before you even bring your pet home, there are some initial costs to consider:

• Adoption or Purchase Fees – Adoption fees can range from $50 to $500, while purchasing a pet from a breeder can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

• Spaying/Neutering – If your pet isn’t already spayed or neutered, this can cost $50–$300 depending on the animal and location.

• Initial Veterinary Exam and Vaccinations – Your pet will likely need an initial vet checkup, vaccinations, and possibly microchipping, which can cost $100–$300.

• Basic Supplies – Expect to buy essentials like a bed, crate, food and water bowls, collar, leash, litter box, and/or toys, which can add up to $100–$500.

Recurring Costs of Pet Ownership

Once you’ve settled in with your pet, there are ongoing expenses to budget for:

• Food and Treats - The cost of pet food varies widely based on the pet’s size, dietary needs, and brand preference:

  • Small pets like cats or small dogs: $20–$50 per month

  • Large dogs: $50–$100+ per month

  • Specialized diets (grain-free, prescription food, etc.) can significantly increase costs.

• Veterinary Care - Routine vet visits, vaccinations, and preventative care (flea/tick and heartworm prevention) can cost between $200–$600 per year.

• Grooming - Some pets require regular grooming, which can cost:

  • DIY grooming supplies: $50–$100 per year

  • Professional grooming: $30–$90 per session, depending on size and coat type

• Pet Insurance and Emergency Costs - Pet insurance ranges from $20–$70 per month, depending on coverage. If you don’t have insurance, a major medical issue could cost $1,000–$5,000 or more out of pocket.

• Boarding or Pet Sitting - If you travel and cannot bring your pet along, boarding or pet-sitting costs should be factored in:

  • Kennels: $25–$50 per night

  • In-home pet sitters: $40–$100 per day

• Training and Enrichment

  • Basic obedience classes: $100–$300

  • Private training: $50–$150 per session

• Unexpected Costs - Finally, pets can be unpredictable, and expenses may arise for things like:

  • Emergency vet bills (definitely worth repeating)

  • Home repairs (chewed furniture, scratched floors)

  • Additional cleaning supplies (I know we’ve needed these with a new puppy in the house)

Total Estimated Cost of Pet Ownership

Over the lifetime of a pet, ownership costs can add up. Here are some estimates I’ve found online and corralled here in one place:

• Cats: $10,000–$15,000 over 15 years

• Small Dogs: $15,000+ over 12–15 years

• Large Dogs: $20,000+ over 10–12 years

Final Thoughts: Is Pet Ownership Right for You?

Pets bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love, but they also require a financial commitment. Many people do not consider the costs before jumping in, and it can result in very difficult decisions after the fact. Could you imagine being completely in love with your pet and not being able to afford the veterinary costs? Most people won’t give up their beloved pet under any circumstances, and so they fall into debt.

Before adopting a pet, make sure you’re ready for both the predictable AND unexpected costs that come with caring for an animal. And get those expenses into your monthly budget planning! You might even consider creating a Petcare Emergency Fund to provide some additional peace of mind.

By planning ahead and budgeting wisely, you can ensure a happy, healthy life for your furry friend while keeping your financial plans on track.

One more photo of Puds because I’m obsessed with his cuteness