Annual Pet Cost Report 2026
The most comprehensive analysis of pet ownership costs across 300+ breeds in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Covering vet fees, food, insurance, grooming, and more — broken down by breed, region, and life stage.
Key Findings
2025–2026 Trends
Vet costs rising faster than inflation
Veterinary service costs increased 12% year-on-year in 2025, outpacing general CPI by 4 percentage points. Specialist and emergency care costs rose the most sharply, up 18% in major US cities.
Pet insurance adoption growing
34% of dog owners and 21% of cat owners now have pet insurance, up from 28% and 16% respectively in 2023. The fastest growth is in the 25–35 age group, who are treating pets more like family members.
Premium food spending increasing
Spending on premium, raw, and grain-free pet food grew 22% in 2025. The average annual food spend for a large dog is now $780, vs $640 in 2023.
Most Expensive Breeds (First Year)
Most Affordable Breeds (First Year)
Regional Cost Comparison
Average annual cost for a medium-sized dog by region (excl. first-year setup costs).
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