Every breed profile includes the same set of cost categories so estimates are comparable across breeds. Here is exactly what each category covers and what it does not.
Food
Included: Dry or wet food appropriate to the breed's size and typical dietary requirements. Premium and raw diet options are modelled at 1.5× the standard food cost and selectable in the calculator.
Not included: Treats, supplements, and prescription diets — these can add $100–$600/year depending on health conditions.
Routine Veterinary Care
Included: Annual wellness exam, core vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm prevention, and one dental cleaning per year. First-year costs include spay/neuter and initial puppy or kitten vaccination series.
Not included: Specialist referrals, diagnostic imaging (X-ray, ultrasound), prescription medications for ongoing conditions, and emergency care — these are flagged separately as emergency fund guidance.
Grooming
Included: Professional grooming visits at a frequency appropriate to the breed's coat type — from low-maintenance short coats (1–2× per year) to high-maintenance coats requiring visits every 4–6 weeks. DIY grooming is modelled at 0.2× the professional baseline.
Not included: At-home grooming tools and consumables (brushes, shampoo, nail clippers), which are captured under first-year supplies.
Pet Insurance
Included: A comprehensive accident-and-illness policy with a mid-range deductible and 80% reimbursement rate, priced for the breed's known health risk profile and the owner's region. Premium varies significantly by breed — giant breeds and those with known hereditary conditions (hip dysplasia, heart conditions, brachycephalic syndrome) carry higher premiums.
Not included: Wellness add-ons and dental riders, which are not included in the base insurance estimate.
Boarding & Daycare
Included: For owners who select full-time office work in the calculator: five days per week of daycare. For owners who select part-time or remote work: occasional boarding (two weeks per year). Boarding costs are modelled at regional market rates for mid-tier facilities.
Not included: Dog walking, pet sitting at home, and premium overnight boarding — these can vary substantially and are better estimated locally.
First-Year Supplies
Included: Crate or bed, collar and lead, food and water bowls, initial toys, carrier (cats), litter box and litter (cats), puppy training pads, and basic grooming tools. One-time costs only — not repeated in annual totals.
Not included: Ongoing toy replacement and consumables, which are usually modest but add $50–$150 per year depending on the breed's destructiveness and activity level.
Training costs are not included in the default breed estimate because the range is wide — from free YouTube-guided DIY to $1,500+ for a professional board-and-train programme. If training is relevant to your situation, budget an additional $200–$600 for group classes or $800–$1,500 for one-on-one sessions in the first year.