Pet ownership is a long-term investment with many different costs. Learn how to get a clear picture of how much pets cost from day one.

Written by Shannon Perry  for Betterpet.com

— Medically reviewed by Dr. Dwight Alleyne 

Updated May 23, 2022

Table of Contents

• Budget for initial pet costs
• Plan for recurring pet costs
• Other pet costs
• Budget for emergencies
• Tips for budgeting
• Budget for pets before adopting
• Frequently asked questions

The essentials

• Expect upfront expenses — These include everything from adoption/breeder fees to health care, essential supplies, and more.
• Develop a budget to ease stress — A clear expectation of how much your furry or fishy family member costs will help with financial planning.
• Spend now to save later — Invest in preventative care to reduce the long-term costs associated with pet ownership.

A new puppy or kitten, or finally investing in that saltwater tank you’ve dreamt of for years, is exciting. But without proper planning, the newest addition to your family can turn into a source of financial stress. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way! Create a pet budget to avoid unpleasant surprises for you and the newest addition to your family.

Budget for initial pet costs

For some prospective owners, the upfront, one-time cost of getting a pet can be prohibitively expensive — particularly with puppies and kittens. It’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of the initial expenses that come with a pet, regardless of whether you’re adopting or buying.

	Dog	Cat	Fish
Pet store or breeder fees	$500-$2,500+	$400-$5,000+	$1-$50+
Spay/neuter exam & operation	$65-$300+	$35-$300+	n/a
Veterinary care	$600 avg	$600 avg	n/a
Pet supplies (bowls, tanks, toys, etc.)	$130 avg	$120 avg	$25-$500+
Apartment pet deposit (for renters)	varies	varies	varies
Total upfront cost	$1,295-$3,530	$1,155-$6,020	$26-$550

Overall, adopting from a rescue or shelter is typically less expensive than buying a pet from a breeder. Some medical care, such as spay and neuter operations, are already included in the fee. Some rescues have specials where adoption fees are waived for certain types of pets. Other rescue shelters pay for all medical expenses or they may include medications.

Besides the initial purchase or adoption fees, renters can expect a bump in housing fees. In some cases, this may be a refundable deposit, but most property management companies require some kind of deposit. Even fish may require a pet deposit or face restrictions on tank size. Before you invest in an aquarium, consult with your rental company to find out if you can have fish and how much they may cost.

Plan for recurring pet costs 

Pet food is the most common expense new pet owners anticipate, but other items need to be part of a pet budget. Like people, pets have recurring needs and costs for which you should be prepared.

• Pet food. Cat and dog owners should expect to pay between $10 and $50 every month. This depends on the pet’s size, age, breed, and other health factors. For fish, owners should expect to pay between $5 and $15 a month for most aquarium setups.
• Medications. Many prescription medications are typically sold in three-, six- and 12-month supplies. While the price varies depending on the medication, pet owners should budget about $30 a month for routine prevention. In some cases, bundles may be available that make purchasing more convenient or less expensive. Consult with your veterinarian for the price of specific medications related to treatments.
• Waste disposal. For these expenses, cat owners should expect to pay $14 to $30 a month, while dog owners who need puppy pads should budget around $20. In both cases, miscellaneous items like waste bags may add an extra $10 to the budget.
• Miscellaneous. It’s important to be realistic and budget for other monthly expenses as well. Pet owners who want subscription boxes should expect to add about $30 a month to their pet budget. Also, training can cost around $50 per hour, while obedience schools and “doggie boot camp” programs range from $200 to over $1,000 per week.

With fish, monthly maintenance costs depend on the setup. Owners typically don’t need to budget more than $10 a month as purchases are on an as-needed basis. In case of parasites in the tank, extra treatments may be necessary.

Estimated monthly costs

	Dog	Cat	Fish
Food	$10-$50	$10-$50	$5-$15
Medications	~$30	~$30	n/a
Waste disposal	~$30	$25-$40	$10
Housing fees	$10-$100	~$10	varies
Miscellaneous costs	$30-$200	$30-$200	varies
Monthly total:	$80-$280	$75-$130	$15-$25
Pet insurance	varies	varies	varies
Annual costs (est)	$1,200-$1,560	$1,140-$1,800	$60-$180

Keep in mind that rental and homeowners association fees vary — this list is intended as a guideline. Consult with your landlord or HOA, if applicable, about any yearly or monthly pet fees.

Other pet costs

Aside from monthly expenses and one-time pet costs, other things often come up with pet ownership. Vaccines, checkups, treatments, and other expenses are often left out of a budget. This leads to unpleasant surprises when it comes time for veterinary care or a big purchase. These types of expenses may be infrequent, but shouldn’t be forgotten when creating a pet budget.

	Frequency	Cost
Preventative medications	Every six months	$130-$190
Core vaccinations	Every three years	$90-$360
Other vaccinations	Annually or every three years	$90-$360
Routine check-ups	Annually	$45-$300
Boarding*	Annually	$125-$250

*The average range for boarding fees is based on a five-night stay one time a year for a healthy pet. Those with special medical needs will likely experience a higher rate.

Most preventative medications range from monthly to annual purchases. It’s also important to note that not all vaccinations are required. Most aren’t, but core vaccinations are highly recommended. The rabies vaccination is a core vaccination and is required by law in many areas.

Budget for the unexpected

In some cases, costs may come up that don’t fit neatly into the pet budget. These might be specific to the situation. For example, if you travel with your dog, you may need to pay a hotel fee. Other miscellaneous expenses include pet furniture, food delivery, grooming, or aquarium décor.

Lastly, consider adding your pets to your will so that they’ll be taken care of if they outlive you. Name a willing caregiver and then update your legal documents to reflect that change. Don’t forget to include any monetary considerations for your pet’s ongoing care.

Budget for pet emergencies

It’s inevitable with pet ownership that you’ll be visiting the vet at some point for an emergency. For cat owners, this may come in the form of something like a urinary tract infection. UTIs can quickly become an emergency that requires immediate attention. For pets that venture outdoors, poison and unfortunate encounters with wildlife can also result in an emergency vet visit.

The average emergency vet visit starts at about $100 and can quickly jump to a few thousand or more. It’s wise to save between $1,000 to $2,000 for an emergency visit.

Tips for pet budgeting

There are a few things you can do to make budgeting for a dog or cat a painless experience, and improve your life as a pet parent.

Figure out monthly expenses — Create a list of purchases you expect every month. Consider dividing it into categories like necessities and bonus purchases. Choose brands your vet likes or that you feel good about, and explore different options, like types of dog food.

Set aside money every month — With infrequent and unplanned purchases, it’s important to determine how much you can afford to save with each paycheck. Some pet owners prefer to set aside a large amount at once, while others budget to set aside a little at a time.

Consider pet insurance — Emergency vet expenses can cost thousands, so many pet parents choose to invest in pet insurance. This offsets future costs and helps you save on routine care, medications, and vaccinations.

Interview pet sitters and boarders — A great way to plan for pet care is to establish a relationship with a boarding facility or pet sitter. Not everyone needs these services, but for those who do, it’s good to find one that works with you. It’s also a good idea to have a few options.

Be proactive with preventative care — Investing in preventative care can go a long way to reducing more costly expenses later. For example, urinary health treats and fountains may help reduce the risk of UTIs in cats. Schedule routine teeth cleaning for your dog to help prevent tooth extractions later. Regular vet visits are a great way to keep tabs on your pet’s health.

Research programs in your area — Sometimes things happen that no amount of budgeting can prepare you for. It’s a good idea to know what kind of programs and aid might be available in your area that may provide peace of mind in an emergency.

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Budget for pets before adopting

Bringing a new pet home is a big day. When faced with the reality that you have to pay for that pet’s care and are responsible for their wellbeing, though, it can become overwhelming.  A pet budget creates a road map for financially responsible pet ownership. Ultimately, here’s what you can expect to pay every month for your new furry friend or aquarium.

• Budgeting for a dog. Dog owners should expect to spend $164 per month on average. This covers monthly costs as well as occasional expenses and emergencies.
• Budgeting for a cat. Cat parents should budget about $184 every month for regular purchases as well as infrequent and unforeseen ones.
• Budgeting for fish. Maintaining your aquarium plus savings for unforeseen situations will cost about $25 per month.

Let’s face it, creating a budget isn’t the most thrilling part of getting a pet. However, it’s one of the most important things you’ll do.  After all, becoming a pet parent should be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, not a stressful one.

Frequently asked questions

How much should you budget for a pet?

This depends on the type of pet and what you will need. Pet owners may pay less than $50 a month for a cat or dog on average, or a few hundred, depending on their needs and if they stash additional money in a pet savings account.

How much will I spend on a pet per month?

Some pets, like small aquarium fish, need very little in the way of monthly maintenance — at most, it’s about $25 every month on average. Budgeting for a cat or dog, though, can cost anywhere from $40 to $200 or more every month.

How do you budget for a new pet?

When budgeting for a new pet, the main consideration is where you’ll get your newest family member. Think about what exams, vaccines, and medications may be included. Know what is included in your fee to determine how much to save.

What is a pet that is good for a strict budget?

For those who aren’t comfortable with the expense of a cat or dog, fish make excellent companions and may require only a small and inexpensive freshwater aquarium. For those who have their heart set on something furry, guinea pigs and rabbits are also typically affordable choices.

Life with your dog shouldn’t resemble some sort of dystopian boot camp. Mutual respect based on clear communication and kindness set the stage for cooperation and peace.

READ MORE BY  Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA  –Published:March 22, 2022 for Whole Dog Journal

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One day in February, Omar Navarro’s Poodle was “perfect” and the next day she was panting and uncomfortable.  “It was weird because it wasn’t even hot, he said.  ‘The next day, she was doing the same thing.”

 “My mom said that this was not normal,” he said.  He decided he should call Little Tokyo Pet Clinic where he had always taken his dog when she needed care.  But the hospital had no appointments available that day.  The receptionist suggested taking her to an emergency clinic. 

Omar tried several emergency clinics but got a call a couple of hours later from the Little Tokyo hospital:  an appointment time was available.  Omar quickly took her there. 

Dr. Mary H. Chung examined Paloma and told Omar that his dog was very ill.  “She said it was bad,” he said.  “Paloma needed surgery real quick or she would get sicker.”  Dr. Chung said that the dog had suspect pyometra with mammary gland tumors, acute diabetes and pancreatitis.

Later that day, Paloma had the surgery.  Dr. Chung removed her uterus and multiple mammary masses.   She also suggested that Omar apply for an Angel Fund grant to help pay the cost of the surgery.

Omar, 28, lives with his parents and three siblings not far from Little Tokyo.  He went home and applied online for a grant of $500.  It was soon approved.  But Dr. Chung messaged the SCVMA Board of Trustees and asked for an additional grant of $500. 

“Paloma is a special girl who came to us yesterday with heavy panting and required immediate treatment, including surgery and hospitalization,” she said.  “The owner is struggling to cover costs and we’d like to help as much as possible.”  Little Tokyo Pet Clinic donated $500 and supported necessary services and medications to assist Paloma’s treatment and recovery, Dr. Chung said.

In his application, Omar said: 

“Paloma is not just any dog.  She was a special dog when I first found her when she was only a baby.  We became best friends. She means the world to me.  She follows me everywhere I go.  We have that special bond and I love her very much. I’m always taking care of her [when there is] any type of danger.  

“Now she’s sick and my heart is hurting me so much.  I’m tearing up all the time.  She needs surgery that is costing $4,800 and, if she doesn’t get it, I will lose her.  I can’t lose my best friend.  She’s my companionship.  I’m asking if you’re able to help with some funds for my best friend.  I’m trying to find money wherever I can.  I’m not working fulltime.  I’m self-employed but not making enough money.  Please help me.”

The additional $500 was approved.  Omar’s family provided the rest of the money needed for Paloma’s treatment.  When he learned he had received $1,000 from Angel Fund, Omar was grateful.  “I was happy.  I was blessed,” he said.

Omar found Paloma on the street when she was a puppy nearly 12 years ago.  Is Paloma doing well now?  “Yeah, perfect,” he said.

He works Saturdays and Sundays at a swap meet selling inserts for “Croc” sandals that provide them with a dash of color through the holes in the footwear.  “It makes them look fancy,” he said.

by Judy Morgan February 8, 2017

Pet vaccination strategies are constantly changing; there is controversy over the ideal protocol. I feel that, unfortunately, most puppies and kittens receive many more vaccinations in their early life stages than are needed. Dogs and cats purchased from pet stores are commonly jabbed every week or two, with multi-valent vaccines that just keep challenging the immature immune system. This sets those animals up for a lifetime of immune system problems, including allergies, leaky gut, and chronic infections and inflammation.

Not that I ever plan on becoming a breeder, but if I did…this would be my approach:

Make sure the parents of the litter are healthy. Negative parasite screens, species-appropriate diets being fed (I’m a fan of raw feeding), positive titers for core vaccines (particularly distemper and parvovirus), no external parasites present, living in a stress-free environment: this is the ideal scenario.

Puppies and kittens, in my opinion, should remain with the mother and littermates for a minimum of ten to twelve weeks. I know, a lot of new owners want the babies sooner and a lot of breeders don’t really want to hang onto them for that long. But the babies learn a lot from their mother and their litter mates about proper social interactions during that time. Weaning is very stressful; when accompanied with vaccinations and moving to a new home without the litter mates, the immune system can have a negative response.

Maternal immunity is passed from the mother to the newborns through colostrum, which is the first milk on which they feed. The colostrum contains a lot of antibodies, which are large molecules that are easily absorbed in the newborns’ gut during the first 24 hours of life. If the puppy or kitten misses out on the colostrum during the first 24 hours, they will not be able to absorb the antibodies later and will be left un-protected from disease.

The maternal immunity will protect the newborn during the first few weeks of life. The immunity derived in this manner will start to decline with time, usually reaching a low point between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. Vaccinations given when the maternal antibody is high will not produce immunization of the puppy or kitten; they will only serve to “poke” an immature immune system. One study showed that only 60% of puppies were able to respond to a vaccination at 16 weeks, but 95% could be immunized at 18 weeks. In my opinion, if puppies were kept in a safe environment and had good maternal protection (based on having a mother with good titers before breeding), waiting until 16 to 18 weeks to immunize would be ideal. I recommend giving one antigen at a time, meaning parvo by itself, then two to three weeks later, give distemper by itself. Run titers one month later to make sure the puppy produced immunity against the viruses.

I like to wait until six to twelve months of age to give the Rabies vaccination.

Obviously, this protocol will not work for everyone. Breeders would need to hold onto puppies and kittens longer. Mothers would have to have good health with protective titers and a strong immune system. Diets would need to be species-appropriate. The majority of breeders are not willing to hold the litters for four months, which is understandable, as new owners also do not want to wait for 16 to 18 weeks to get their precious babies. In the right situations, the puppies or kittens could leave the litter at 10 to 12 weeks, but still wait until 16 to 18 weeks to be immunized. This protocol will not work and should not be attempted if the breeder does not have strong healthy parents for breeding.

When the puppies and kittens are ready for weaning, they should be started on a healthy, species-appropriate diet. I love the fact that Allprovide makes a puppy weaning paste that can be used and then followed by their raw puppy formulation.

Make good choices when breeding or buying your new pets. By starting them out on a healthy path, they will hopefully have a strong start that will help them maintain good health for many years to come.

• https://drjudymorgan.com/blogs/blog

From AP News

May 3, 2022

1 of 4This image from a live web cam provided by Yurok Tribal Government shows California condors waiting for release in a designated staging enclosure, which is attached to the flight pen on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. The endangered California condor has returned to the skies over the state’s far northern coast redwood forests for the first time in more than a century. Two captive-bred birds were released Tuesday in Redwood National Park, an hour’s drive south of the Oregon state line. (Yurok Tribal Government via AP)

REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) — The endangered California condor returned to soar the skies over the state’s far northern coast redwood forests on Tuesday for the first time in more than a century.

Two captive-bred birds were released from a pen in Redwood National Park, about an hour’s drive south of the Oregon border, under a project aimed at restoring the giant vultures to their historic habitat in the Pacific Northwest.

The two male condors were moved into staging area at late morning and a remotely controlled gate was opened. After a few minutes of warily eyeing the opening, the birds stepped one by one through the opening, spread their giant wings and took off.

“They just jumped up and took flight off into the distance,” Tiana Williams-Claussen, wildlife director for the region’s Yurok tribe, said in a webcast.ADVERTISEMENT

Condors were last spotted in the park area around 1892, authorities said. The California condor is the largest native North American bird, with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet (3 meters). The scavenger was once widespread but had virtually disappeared by the 1970s because of poaching, lead poisoning from eating animals shot by hunters and destruction of its habitat.TRAVELOh, rats! As New Yorkers emerge from pandemic, so do rodentsArt exhibit celebrates Lincoln Memorial’s 100th anniversaryExplosion at luxury Havana hotel kills 22, injures dozens3 US tourists die at Bahamas hotel after falling ill

The birds can live for 60 years and fly vast distances in search of carrion, so their range could extend into several states.

Federal and local fish and wildlife agencies are involved in the restoration project headed by the Yurok tribe, which traditionally has considered the California condor a sacred animal and has been working for years to return the species to the tribe’s ancestral territory.

“For countless generations, the Yurok people have upheld a sacred responsibility to maintain balance in the natural world. Condor reintroduction is a real-life manifestation of our cultural commitment to restore and protect the planet for future generations,” tribal Chairman Joseph L. James said in a statement.

Two more condors were set to be released later — after biologists determine that the two birds who took to the skies Tuesday have displayed appropriate behavior, authorities said.

The condors, including one female and three males, are between 2 and 4 years old. Two were hatched at the Oregon Zoo and two at the Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey in Idaho.

In the early 1980s, all 22 condors remaining in the wild were trapped and brought into a captive-breeding program that began releasing the giant vultures into Southern California’s Los Padres National Forest in 1992.

That flock has been expanding its range while other condors now occupy parts of California’s Central Coast, Arizona, Utah and Baja California, Mexico. The total population now numbers more than 500 birds in captivity and in the wild.

Two years ago, California condors were spotted in Sequoia National Park, in California’s Sierra Nevada, for the first time in nearly 50 years.

However, that same year, a dozen adults and two chicks died when a wildfire set by an arsonist ravaged their territory on the Big Sur coast.

By Katie Burns May 04, 2022

The latest guidelines on pain management in dogs and cats from the American Animal Hospital Association separate out recommendations for cats and dogs while continuing to promote a team approach to pain management that involves the pet owner as well as the practice team.

The 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats appeared in the March/April edition of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. The American Association of Feline Practitioners endorsed the document and planned to publish the guidelines in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. The previous edition was published in JAAHA and JFMS in 2015.

Dr. Margaret E. Gruen, an assistant professor of behavioral medicine at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. B. Duncan X. Lascelles, a professor of translational pain research and management at the veterinary college, co-chaired the AAHA Pain Management Guidelines Task Force.

“These guidelines build on the previous guidelines with updates on management of pain, including discussion of proactive and multimodal strategies,” Dr. Gruen said. “Importantly, these guidelines were written to include useful algorithms for treatment and make it easy for busy practitioners to make decisions regarding the assessment tools and treatment options for their patients.”

In separating out recommendations for cats and dogs, the guidelines are laid out to offer in-depth information alongside flow diagrams and decision trees specific to caring for each species.

“I think there has been a continuing movement toward our thinking about prevention of pain—and being proactive in our diagnoses and management,” Dr. Gruen said. “We all know that pain affects quality of life for our patients, and in the guidelines we tried to take a holistic approach to pain management, including exercise and environmental changes.”

The guidelines expand discussion of species-specific needs, such as cats’ need for vertical space, and cover the caregiver burden when making recommendations for pain management.

 “They also include details for taking a team approach across the hospital, emphasizing the importance of everyone’s role in promoting the recognition and treatment of pain,” Dr. Gruen said.

According to the document, “The primary purpose of these guidelines is to help veterinarians and veterinary team members confidently and accurately create a reproduceable pain assessment in cats and dogs, as well as an initial therapy plan with guidance on reassessing and adjusting the plan as needed.”

The document and additional resources are available online.

While dogs can eat chocolate in controlled quantities, it is better for them to steer clear of chocolate consumption. Learn about how much chocolate is safe for your dogs and how you can help them manage the threat of chocolate poisoning. 

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