Pet Ownership Cost Statistics

Based on the LendingTree survey of 1,000+ pet owners and CitizenShipper research on dog ownership costs. 2025 edition — figures frozen.

The cost of pet ownership has increased significantly in recent years, with many pet owners reporting financial strain due to inflation and rising veterinary costs. These interactive visualizations break down the financial impact and how pet owners are adapting.

Top 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds: First Year Costs Breakdown

Average cost based on high and low estimates. “Others” combines grooming, training, pet insurance, toys & treats, and licensing. 2025 edition.

Purchase CostMedical CareFoodOthersTotal first year

Irish Wolfhound

$2,500

$1,400

$1,700

$4,020

$9,620

American Bully

$6,000

$400

$900

$1,640

$8,940

Irish Setter

$2,100

$1,100

$3,670

$7,970

Lagotto Romagnolo

$2,750

$750

$1,980

$2,175

$7,655

Mastiff

$2,500

$1,150

$1,200

$2,570

$7,420

Miniature Bull Terrier

$4,000

$900

$450

$2,020

$7,370

Neapolitan Mastiff

$2,750

$900

$1,050

$2,570

$7,270

Goldendoodle

$3,500

$950

$900

$1,845

$7,195

Great Dane

$1,800

$1,333

$1,650

$2,400

$7,183

Leonberger

$2,250

$1,050

$1,200

$2,570

$7,070

Source: CitizenShipper's ResearchCitizenShipper

Inflation Gets the Blame for Pet Expenses

77% of pet owners blame inflation for rising pet costs. % identifying each factor as a cause of rising costs.

Food costs

73%

Veterinary costs

63%

−10 pts vs Food costs (73%)

Medication costs

39%

−34 pts vs Food costs (73%)

Insurance costs

25%

−48 pts vs Food costs (73%)

Grooming costs

24%

−49 pts vs Food costs (73%)

Supplies costs

19%

−54 pts vs Food costs (73%)

Training costs

−68 pts vs Food costs (73%)

Source: LendingTree survey of 1,008 pet owners, 2024CitizenShipper

Pet Surrendering & Ownership Trends

Financial impact on pet surrenders and future ownership decisions. % of pet owners (Gen Z figures are for owners ages 18–27).

46%

Gen Z Considering Petless

39%

No Future Pets

25%

Gen Z Actual Surrenders

23%

Considered Surrendering

12%

Actual Surrenders

Source: LendingTree survey of 1,008 pet owners, 2024CitizenShipper

How Pet Owners Are Cutting Costs

Cost-saving measures reported by pet owners.

Switched to cheaper food

43%

DIY grooming instead of professional

35%

−8 pts vs Switched to cheaper food (43%)

Buying fewer toys/accessories

33%

−10 pts vs Switched to cheaper food (43%)

Delaying vet visits

30%

−13 pts vs Switched to cheaper food (43%)

Cutting back on treats

25%

−18 pts vs Switched to cheaper food (43%)

Seeking cheaper medication alternatives

21%

−22 pts vs Switched to cheaper food (43%)

Skipping pet insurance

14%

−29 pts vs Switched to cheaper food (43%)

None of these

Source: LendingTree survey of 1,008 pet owners, 2024CitizenShipper

Financial Sacrifices Pet Owners Have Made

64% of pet owners have made financial sacrifices for their pets. % who made each sacrifice.

Cut Personal Spending

29%

Skipped Vacations

19%

−10 pts vs Cut Personal Spending (29%)

Took on Additional Debt

19%

−10 pts vs Cut Personal Spending (29%)

Source: LendingTree survey of 1,008 pet owners, 2024CitizenShipper

Pet Owners Say: “Treating My Pet Comes Before My Own Needs”

% of pet owners who agree or disagree with the statement.

Agree

65%

Disagree

35%

−30 pts vs Agree (65%)

Source: LendingTree survey of 1,008 pet owners, 2024CitizenShipper

Pet Care Services Owners Can't Afford

% of pet owners who say they can't afford each service.

Emergency veterinary care

45%

Dental care

38%

−7 pts vs Emergency veterinary care (45%)

Preventive care

36%

−9 pts vs Emergency veterinary care (45%)

Grooming

31%

−14 pts vs Emergency veterinary care (45%)

High-quality food

30%

−15 pts vs Emergency veterinary care (45%)

Medications

28%

−17 pts vs Emergency veterinary care (45%)

Pet sitting/boarding

26%

−19 pts vs Emergency veterinary care (45%)

Treats and toys

23%

−22 pts vs Emergency veterinary care (45%)

None of these

25%

Source: LendingTree survey of 1,008 pet owners, 2024CitizenShipper