CritterWhat does a pet actually cost?
CritterCost is a neutral cost reference — one consistent, sourced cost table and one lifetime calculator for every dog and cat breed. Every figure is assembled from public survey, registry and insurer data and dated, with the full method shown. We are not an insurer or a broker and earn no commission on any policy.
Estimate your pet's lifetime cost
| Year 1 (incl. purchase + setup) | $3,284–$9,085 |
| Typical year | $1,364–$2,410 |
| Food | $132–$264 |
| Routine vet | $360–$540 |
| Grooming (professional) | $60–$90 |
| Insurance (adult) | $812–$1,516 |
| One-time setup | $420–$1,675 |
| Purchase price | $1,500–$5,000 |
All figures are assembled ranges before tax, not quotes. Insurance = national average × your state × age × breed loading; food is computed from the breed’s energy needs. Emergencies are shown separately, never in the totals.
Most-searched dog breeds
Popular cat breeds
National pet-insurance snapshot
The average US pet-insurance premium (accident & illness) runs about $749/yr for a dog and $386/yr for a cat (NAPHIA 2024). Your actual premium moves with breed, age and state — see pet insurance cost by state.
Explore
2026 Cost-to-Own Index
The most and least expensive dog breeds over a lifetime — the full ranking.
Vet procedure costs
Typical US and AU price ranges for spay/neuter, dental, cruciate surgery and more.
How we build the numbers
The energy-based food model, the factor tables, and every source — in plain English.
Figures assembled July 20, 2026. Baselines: AVMA 2025 · NAPHIA 2024 · AMA 2025. These are assembled estimates, not measured costs — see how we build them.