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MyPetCost: How Much Does a Pet Really Cost?

A golden dog and a tabby cat sitting together at home
Photo from Wikimedia Commons, free licence

Plan the real cost of a dog or a cat before you bring one home, and while you care for them. Use our free calculators, then read the full guides for monthly, first year and lifetime costs in the US and the UK.

Short answer: A dog costs about $100 to $250 per month in the US, and a cat costs about $60 to $150 per month. The first year costs more, because of vaccines, spaying or neutering, and setup.

Pet Cost Calculator

Enter your food, vet, insurance, grooming and other costs to get a monthly, annual, first year and lifetime total for your pet.

Most owners spend $30 to $110 a month

Yearly checkups, vaccines and dental care

Enter 0 if you have no insurance

Enter 0 if you groom at home

Treats, toys and litter

Crate, bed, bowls, collar and lead

Dogs live 10 to 13 years, cats 12 to 18 years

For the full calculator with a worked example and a complete guide, see our Pet Cost Calculator page.

Free pet cost calculators

Pet Cost CalculatorMonthly, annual, first year and lifetime cost for a dog or a cat. Dog Food Cost CalculatorCost per day, per month and per year for dog food, by bag size. Cat Food Cost CalculatorCost per day for wet food, dry food and a mix for cats. Pet Insurance Cost EstimatorMonthly premium by breed, age and location, with a break even line. Dog Feeding CalculatorHow many calories and grams of food your dog needs each day.

Pet cost guides

How Much Does a Dog Cost Per MonthAbout $100 to $250 per month in the US, by size, with UK prices. How Much Does a Cat Cost Per MonthAbout $60 to $150 per month in the US, with UK prices. How Much Does a Puppy Cost in the First YearAbout $1,500 to $4,500 in the first year, including purchase price. How Much Does Dog Food Cost Per DayCost per day by breed size, food type and life stage. How Much Does Cat Food Cost Per DayWet versus dry food cost per day, with a worked example.

Why pet cost is hard to guess

Most owners guess the cost of a pet from the price of food alone, and they miss vet care, insurance, grooming, boarding and training. A dog that costs $50 a month in food can cost $200 a month in total. A cat that costs $30 a month in food can cost $100 a month in total. Our guides break down every cost, so you can plan for the real total, not just the food bill. Every price is a range, because breed, size, age and location change the total a lot. Use the ranges to plan, then ask your own vet for advice about health, food and treatment for your pet.

Related guides and calculators

Pet Cost CalculatorHow Much Does a Golden Retriever Cost Per Month First Year and LifetimeHow Much Does a Maine Coon Cat Cost Per MonthDog Versus Cat Cost
Please read this first. Every cost on this page is a budgeting estimate, not veterinary advice and not a quote from a vet or an insurer. Prices change by breed, size, age, location and provider. Use the ranges to plan, then ask your own vet for advice about health, food and treatment for your pet.