In 2022, pet owners in the United States spent $136.8 billion on their furry friends—an overall increase of 10.8% over the previous year—according to the American Pet Products Association. The highest amount, $58.1 billion, went for pet foods and treats—a 16.2% annual increase— followed by $35.9 billion for veterinary care and product sales—a 4.7% annual increase. 

An April 2024 article in Newsweek, based on an exclusive study, reported that many Americans worry that they can no longer afford to own pets. Roughly 43% of the 1,500 pet owners polled said they were extremely or fairly concerned about being able to financially support their pet. Another 22% said they were slightly concerned.

Our Advanced Veterinary Care of Pasco team wants to help you enjoy a lifetime of companionship with your dog—or nine lifetimes with your cat—so we’ll always let you know what you can expect for preventive care or a specific condition’s diagnosis and treatment. Our team is always open to discussing your pet’s care options so that you can choose the one that best suits your budget. 

Accounting for differences in pet care estimates 

Pet ownership cost estimates depend on your pet’s species and breed, and the standard of living you plan to provide. Synchrony’s Lifetime of Care Study surveyed 1,200 pet owners and 100 veterinarians across the United States. Researchers found that annual pet care costs $1,270 to $2,803 for a dog and $961 to $2,487 for a cat. The calculated cost of caring for a pet throughout their 15-year lifetime is $19,893 to $55,132 for a dog and $15,055 to $45,790 for a cat. 

In 2023, a nationwide study by the MarketWatch Guides team concluded that the average lifetime cost of caring for a dog in America—they chose the popular Labrador retriever—is about $28,800. In Florida, it costs $1,040 to adopt a puppy, $2,416 to care for a dog for a year, and $27,621 for lifetime care. Care costs throughout a dog’s lifetime is most expensive in California at $35,452 and least expensive in Oklahoma at $24,855. Data were not available for Alaska, Hawaii, or North or South Dakota.

Researchers at Rover.com investigated the costs of owning cats and dogs in 2024. They determined that keeping a cat happy and healthy costs their owner from $710 to $2,865 per year or $60 to $240 per month. The website reported that caring for a dog costs more than caring for a cat, with annual dog care costing $1,000 to $5,225 per year or $80 to $440 per month. Annual cat care costs increased $70 from 2023 to 2024, while dog care costs rose $100.

The Rover team attributes much of this year’s pet care cost increases higher food costs—up to 100% more for cat food and 80% more for dog food. Cat owners say the greatest financial impacts they notice involve the soaring costs of essentials, with pet food up 63%, treats and toys up 49%, and vet visits up 43%. Dog owners also cite essentials’ rising costs, noting they’re paying up to 63% more for pet food, 48% more for treats and toys, and 47% more for vet visits. 

Costs of essentials for America’s favorite pets

Pets’ care costs vary depending on their species. Consider the costs for these canine essentials:

  • Adoption fees: $0 to $60
  • Spaying or neutering: $250 to $525
  • Microchip plus ID tags: $20 to $95
  • First vet exam and vaccinations: $165 to $515
  • Collar: $5 to $60
  • Harness: $5 to $80
  • Leash: $10 to $75
  • Food and water bowls: $5 to $80
  • Poop bags and holder: $10 to $90
  • Crate: $25 to $475
  • Bed: $10 to $470
  • Brush and nail trimmer: $15 to $125
  • Potty pads: $5 to $70
  • Pet license: $20 to $125

Cats need many of the same types of items that dogs need, but some essential feline items and services are unique to their species. Consider the costs for these feline essentials:

  • Adoption fees: $0 to $185
  • Spaying or neutering: $165 to $250
  • Microchip: $20 to $95
  • First vet exam and vaccinations: $200 to $390
  • Collar: $5 to $30
  • Bed: $15 to $250
  • Food and water bowls: $5 to $90
  • LItter box: $10 to $550
  • Litter: $10 to $90
  • Pet license: $15 to $95
  • Carrier: $20 to $160
  • Scratching post: $20 to $300
  • Brush: $5 to $50
  • Claw trimmers: $5 to $40
  • Toys: $0 to $80

These days, most pet owners think of their four-legged buddies as family members, and they treat them that way. Rover’s researchers noted, “As the bond between pets and people strengthens and evolves, so does the way we care for them. The humanization of pets and growth of premium pet products has widened the price gap between low and high end items.”

Costs aside, we know your pet is priceless. Contact our Advanced Veterinary Care of Pasco team for all the services you need to keep your dog’s tail wagging and your cat’s purr on full vibration.