What does a pet cost? Dated figures from the AVMA
Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.
In 2025 US pet owners reported spending around $1,700 a year on their pets, the AVMA reported on 15 October 2025. Its 2026 survey puts average yearly veterinary spending per household at $595 for dogs and $426 for cats (AVMA). These are averages. Your costs depend on where you live and on your pet.
Checked October 29, 2026.
| Figure | Amount | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Total spent on pets per owner, a year | About $1,700 | AVMA, 2025 owners, published 15 Oct 2025 |
| Vet care for a dog household, a year | $595 | AVMA 2026 sourcebook, online survey, early spring 2026 |
| Vet care for a cat household, a year | $426 | AVMA 2026 sourcebook |
What families forget
- Emergency vet visits that aren't in a yearly average.
- Boarding or a sitter when you travel (make a sitter sheet).
- Replacing chewed or scratched things.
- The cost of a microchip and keeping its registration current.
We give only the figures the AVMA publishes, with their dates. For prices near you, ask a local vet or shelter.
Sources
- AVMA: Evolving pet owner economics (15 October 2025) (checked October 29, 2026)
- AVMA: U.S. pet ownership statistics (2026 sourcebook) (checked October 29, 2026)