How Much Do Pet Owners Spend? A Look at the Rising Costs of Pet Care
Pets are family. As costs rise, pet care is getting more expensive. In the UK, corporate chains are buying up vet clinics. No joke! It’s been investigated by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority). For you and I, this means less competition and higher prices.
Essentials like food, insurance, and poop bags also keep getting pricier. If you’re feeling the squeeze, you’re not alone.
So, how much do pet owners really spend? And where can you cut costs without hurting your pet’s well-being? Let’s break it down.
The Rising Cost of Pet Ownership
Owning a pet isn’t cheap. You pay for food, toys, vet visits, and more.
- In the UK, pet owners spend £112 per month on average. That’s £1,344 per year. Gen Z (ages 13–28 in 2025 ) spends the most at £145 per month, while those over 65 spend £70 per month (GoCompare).
- In the U.S., pet spending hit $136.8 billion in 2022. Most of that goes toward food, healthcare, and grooming (APPA).
What Percentage of Income Goes to Pets?
Spending depends on income level.
- In the UK, low-income households spend £4.10 per week on pets. Higher-income households spend £10.60 per week (Statista).
- 71% of UK pet owners are “are willing to spend more on their pet than themselves” (Pet Product Marketing).
Hidden & Ongoing Costs Pet Owners Forget
It’s easy to budget for food and vaccinations. But what about the small, ongoing costs?
- Training & Socialisation – If you attend dog socialisation classes, do you budget for treats? Fuel? Small costs add up!
- Dog Chews & Toys – How often do you replace chews? Cheap toys wear out fast and need replacing more often. The nylon toys we get from Home Bargains cost £1.99 each when they’re in stock. When they’re not, the exact same ones are £9.99 from online retailers and marketplaces.
- Poop Bags & Waste Disposal – Poop bags, bin bags, and garden scoops cost more over time than you’d think. We usually need to replace the scooper annually, sometimes more if it breaks (usually in the winter).
- Grooming Supplies – Even home grooming has costs. Shampoo, brushes, and pet toothpaste add up. If you have a pet that needs professional grooming, costs will be higher.
How to Budget Smartly & Plan for Vet Costs
Vet bills are a big concern. Corporate chains set prices high. If you don’t have pet insurance, how do you prepare?
- Self-Insurance (Pet Savings Account) – No insurance? Put money in a savings account each month. I was lucky to qualify for a Help to Save account. For £50 a month saved, there’s a 50% bonus. Over the term of the acocunt, it’s a £1,200 boost, bringing the total to £3,600.
- Plan for Insurance Excess Fees – Even with insurance, you’ll pay an excess fee before coverage kicks in. Plan to save at least the excess you’ll need.
- Shop Around for Vets – Prices vary. If a treatment seems expensive, check other pet clinics in nearby areas.
- Preventative Care Saves Money – Regular check-ups, dental care, and vaccines prevent bigger (more costly) issues.
- Stay Vigilant on Walks – Stopping your dog from eating something harmful or falling into a river, or running over a cattle grid (risking a leg injury) can prevent expensive vet visits.
- See: 11 of the Most Essential Commands to Teach Your Dog (recall is a big one)!
Final Thoughts
The cost of pet ownership is rising. Particularly, dog ownership. With rising prices and fewer independent vet clinics, smart budgeting is key.
By tracking hidden costs, planning for medical bills, and making smart spending choices, you can care for your pet without financial stress.
How much do you spend on your pet? Have you found ways to cut costs?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
This article really got me thinking about the hidden costs of pet care—it’s not just the obvious expenses like food and vet visits, but all those little things that add up over time. I was surprised to see how much more high-income households spend on pets compared to low-income ones, and the point about corporate chains driving up vet costs really resonated. I’m curious—has anyone found creative ways to save money without compromising the quality of care for their furry friends? For me, setting up a pet savings account has been a game-changer. What budgeting tips have worked for you?
Hi Dan. When you see the stats, it does make you stop and think – how much are we actually spending? I look in the toy basket, I’m like, even at a couple of quid each, that’s some expensive chewing boys. If it was the online prices at a tenner a pop, that’d be triple figures – just on throw away toys. As for creative ways to save, this past couple of weeks, we’ve switched from regular treats to meaty chunks. Looking at the ingredients, it’s better quality, and given that they come in 3 kg bags, it goes a lot further.
The cost of pet care has definitely increased over the years, and I’ve personally felt it with routine vet visits and the rising prices of quality pet food. Even basic necessities like grooming and vaccinations seem to be getting more expensive. While I always prioritize my pet’s well-being, I’ve had to adjust my budget to accommodate these growing costs. Buying in bulk and looking for discounts on supplies has helped, but medical expenses remain unpredictable. It’s interesting to see how pet ownership is becoming a bigger financial commitment than ever before.
The unpredictability is the scary part, Slavisa. Particularly, vet bills. I’m deadset against what’s going on with corporates getting involved for investment growth. That’s just wrong!
I had trouble getting the treats we usually buy for the dogs at the local store. Online, they’re 3x the price. I Googled the brand, emailed the company explaining I was having trouble getting stock locally, asking where else I could get them. They got back to me, letting me know I can buy in bulk from them and pay by direct transfer. Min. spend, as expected though.
Whatever you’re buying in bulk, look the brand up and see if you can get a deal directly with the manufacturer or wholesaler. I think some distributors are happy to help lower the cost by selling direct to customers, not just businesses.