Here's how much it costs to own a dog or cat in 2026

If it feels like caring for your pet has gotten a lot more expensive lately, you’re not alone: the cost of dog and cat parenthood has risen 15% this year, in part because of a jump in veterinary prices and tariffs on supplies. 

According to Rover’s annual report on the cost of owning a cat and dog, 83% of pet parents said they’ve seen expenses increase over the past year. More than a third of those said the increase has been significant. 

Here’s how much it costs to own a cat or dog in 2026, according to Rover: 

Upfront costs 

How It Starts:

Pet owners should be prepared to spend up to a few thousand dollars, depending on the pet, before you even bring it through your front door. 

Upfront pet ownership costs can include adoption fees, vaccines, initial vet exams, spaying and neutering, food, treats, microchips, grooming supplies, treats, and much more. 

If you’re buying a dog from a registered breeder, those upfront costs can jump by thousands depending on how much you pay for the dog. Rover says breeder costs can range from $675 to $4,440. 

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Yearly costs

By the numbers:

When it comes to annual costs, pet parents should be prepared to spend anywhere from $840 to $6,025, depending on the breed and size. 

Yearly costs include food, treats, annual vet exams, preventatives, flea medications, training sessions, dental hygiene and pet insurance, among many other expenses. 

For cat owners, the transition from kitten to adult cat usually increases expenses by about 16%, but as they get older, everyday costs decrease by about 16% because they need less food and supplies. On average, cat parents with a medium-sized cat spend between $70 and $305 a month on their cat.

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That doesn’t account for late-stage veterinary care. Depending on the cat, the cost of caring for a senior cat ranges from $2,255 to $4,740, especially if they require special food, senior pet medication and special supplies. 

Dig deeper:

For dog owners, the breed and size of your dog are large factors in how much you can expect to pay. Small-breed adult dogs cost an average of 63% less per year than large- to giant-breed adult dogs, according to Rover. On average, dog parents with a medium-sized breed spend between $145 and $505 a month on their dog.

When puppies grow into adults, Rover says dog owners usually see about a 21% decrease in yearly spending because you’ve already invested in crates, beds and other expensive upfront costs. You’ll likely have fewer vet visits, too, until they become seniors. Senior dogs can cost between $2,475 and $5,200 a year on average, with dental care, grooming and medications often costing more for older dogs. 

Other expenses pet owners incur include pet deposits for housing, emergency vet bills, grooming, and pet-boarding or pet-sitting, among others.  

Lifetime costs

The lifetime cost of owning a cat as of 2026 can reach a staggering $72,595. If that sounds unsustainable, you’re also not alone. More than half of pet owners surveyed by Rover said rising costs have impacted their ability to provide their "preferred" level of care. 

Although 89% of pet owners surveyed said they felt financially prepared when they got a pet, 38% say they’d have to take on additional financial debt to cover the cost of an emergency vet visit.