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Start with a popular breed
Click any breed for a full cost breakdown, or search for your specific breed above.
Most PopularGolden Retriever
Year 1 ≈ $5,220
TrendingFrench Bulldog
Year 1 ≈ $4,140
Family FavouriteLabrador Retriever
Year 1 ≈ $4,835
Most AffordableAmerican Shorthair
Year 1 ≈ $2,215
Active LifestyleGerman Shepherd
Year 1 ≈ $5,545
Indoor CatRagdoll Cat
Year 1 ≈ $2,575
Budget-FriendlyBeagle
Year 1 ≈ $3,765
Gentle GiantMaine Coon
Year 1 ≈ $2,745
High EnergySiberian Husky
Year 1 ≈ $5,695
Low MaintenanceBengal Cat
Year 1 ≈ $2,275
HypoallergenicPoodle
Year 1 ≈ $4,725
Working DogBorder Collie
Year 1 ≈ $4,505
What does a pet actually cost?
Year 1 is always the most expensive — setup costs, initial vet visits, training, and supplies stack up fast. Here's what five of the most popular breeds actually cost.
| Breed | Year 1 Total | Annual (yr 2+) | Lifetime | Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🐕Golden Retriever | $5,220 | $2,930 | $37,450 | $244/mo |
| 🐕French Bulldog | $4,140 | $2,165 | $32,285 | $180/mo |
| 🐕Labrador Retriever | $4,835 | $2,635 | $31,185 | $220/mo |
| 🐈Maine Coon | $2,745 | $1,610 | $26,895 | $134/mo |
| 🐕Poodle (Standard) | $4,725 | $2,775 | $35,250 | $231/mo |
Estimates based on national averages. Actual costs vary by location, lifestyle, and choices. See our methodology →
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Built on real data, not guesswork
Verified Cost Data
All estimates sourced from vet clinics, pet stores, and breeder surveys across the US, UK, and Australia.
Inflation Adjusted
Costs updated regularly to reflect current market rates across all three supported countries.
Personalised Estimates
Every calculation factors in your location, lifestyle, and living situation for accurate, relevant results.
What pet owners say
I was about to buy a French Bulldog without realising the first-year total would hit $5,200. This broke it down line by line — purchase, insurance, vet setup, food. I budgeted properly and didn't get blindsided.
Every other calculator I found used US dollars. This one gave me UK figures — £2,100/year for my Lab matches almost exactly what I actually spend. The insurance estimate was only £12/month off.
Compared a Golden Retriever, Poodle, and Border Collie side by side. The lifetime cost gap was over $14,000 between cheapest and most expensive. We went with the Poodle — great decision.
Solid tool. The vet cost estimates were slightly under what I paid in Chicago — city prices are higher — but it got me in the right ballpark and the insurance section is genuinely useful.
Emergency vet bills average $1,400 — are you covered?
Most pet owners only find out how expensive emergency care is when they're already in the waiting room. Pet insurance for the average dog costs $40–80/month and can cover up to 90% of vet bills.
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