The Cost of Owning a Pet in 2026
What pet ownership costs in 2026 — debt, industry spending, ownership trends, vet-care barriers, and the lifetime cost of a dog.
What pet expenses pushed owners into debt
% of indebted pet owners who cited each expense. 1 in 7 owners (15%) are experiencing “pet poverty.”
Where Americans' $158 billion in pet spending went in 2025
U.S. pet industry expenditures by category, 2025. Total $158B (+3.7% vs 2024); $165B projected for 2026.
$68.3B
Food43% of the $158B total$41B
Veterinary Care26% of the $158B total$34.4B
Supplies, Medications & Live Animals22% of the $158B total$14.3B
Other9% of the $158B total
Who owns America's pets, by generation
Share of U.S. pet owners by generation, 2024 vs 2025. Shares may not sum to 100% due to rounding.
20242025
Gen Z
Millennial
Gen X
Boomer
7 in 10 pet owners who skip vet care cite cost
% who declined or skipped vet care because they couldn't afford it or felt it wasn't worth the cost, by demographic.
The Cost of Owning a Dog in 2026
Low-to-high cost ranges for bringing a dog home, caring for one each year, and over a lifetime.
Upfront
What you'll spend bringing a dog home
Low
$1,195
High
$4,650
Annual
Yearly care once they're home
Low
$1,695
High
$6,025
Lifetime
Total over a dog's life (10–13 years)
Low
$19,840
High
$58,875
