Question 1

How much does it cost to own a dog per year?

Accepted Answer

$2,500-5,000/year depending on size and care level. Small dogs: $2,500-3,500. Medium dogs: $3,000-4,000. Large dogs: $3,500-5,000. This includes food, vet care, grooming, supplies, and emergency fund.

Question 2

How much does it cost to own a cat per year?

Accepted Answer

$1,500-2,500/year. Cats are cheaper than dogs due to lower food costs ($200-500), less grooming ($0-300), and lower vet costs. Add litter ($200-300/year) which dogs don't need.

Question 3

What is the lifetime cost of a dog?

Accepted Answer

$35,000-50,000 over 10-14 years. Small dogs (14 years): $35,000-49,000. Medium dogs (12 years): $36,000-48,000. Large dogs (10 years): $35,000-50,000. First year is most expensive due to setup and medical costs.

Question 4

Is pet insurance worth it?

Accepted Answer

Depends on your finances. Insurance costs $288-720/year. Worth it if: (1) you cannot afford $3,000-7,000 emergency, (2) pet has genetic health risks, (3) you want peace of mind. Skip if: you have $5,000+ emergency fund, healthy breed, or pet is senior.

Question 5

What are the biggest pet ownership costs?

Accepted Answer

Veterinary care (30-40%) and food (20-25%) are the largest expenses. For a $3,000/year dog: $900-1,200 for vet care, $600-750 for food. Emergency care can spike costs by $1,500-10,000 in a single year.

Question 6

How much do senior pets cost?

Accepted Answer

50-100% more than normal. Senior care starts at age 7-10 (dogs) or 10+ (cats). Costs increase due to: 2x vet visits, $20-100/month medications, special diet (+$200-500/year), and additional testing ($300-800/year).

Question 7

Should I get a dog or cat based on cost?

Accepted Answer

Cats are $10,000-15,000 cheaper over a lifetime. Cat: $22,500-37,500 (15 years). Dog: $35,000-50,000 (10-14 years). But choose based on lifestyle, not just cost—dogs require more time, space, and money.

Question 8

What are the hidden costs of pet ownership?

Accepted Answer

Inflation (3.5%/year), senior care costs (50-100% increase), emergency vet visits ($1,500-7,000), and pet-sitting/boarding when traveling ($30-75/day). These add $10,000-20,000 to lifetime costs.

Pet Ownership Cost Calculator

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