Average Cost of Owning a Pet Per Month in 2025 (With Free Online Pet Cost Calculator)
Last Updated: September 2025
Dear Pet Mom,
Bringing a pet into your life is a joy, but it also comes with ongoing costs that many new pet parents underestimate. From food to vet visits, the average cost of owning a pet per month adds up quickly, and it is important to plan ahead so you can care for your furry friend without financial stress.
In this post, we will cover the typical monthly expenses for pets, what factors affect those costs, and how to use our free online Pet Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate for your own pet.
👉 Looking for the calculator? Jump to our free online Pet Cost Calculator and get your monthly and annual estimate in just a few clicks.
Average Monthly Pet Costs (2025)
While every household is different, most pet parents spend between $150 and $300 per month on their pet. Here’s a breakdown of common expenses:
Food & treats: $50–$120
Routine grooming: $30–$90
Preventive medications: $20–$60
Pet insurance premiums: $25–$70
Toys and enrichment: $10–$25
Pet sitting, daycare, or walking: $50–$200
That means the average cost of owning a pet per month is about $150–$425 depending on your pet’s size, health, and lifestyle.
Factors That Influence Monthly Pet Costs
Type of pet: Dogs typically cost more than cats or small animals due to food and vet needs.
Size of pet: Larger pets eat more and may require pricier medications or supplies.
Location: Vet fees, grooming, and even food prices vary widely depending on where you live.
Lifestyle choices: Boarding, daycare, or higher-end foods and toys can increase costs.
Find Your Exact Monthly Cost With the Calculator
The averages mentioned are a helpful starting point, but your own pet’s needs may be higher or lower. To get a personalized estimate, try our free online Pet Cost Calculator. Simply enter your details for food, grooming, insurance, and more, and see your monthly and yearly totals in seconds.
You can also use the preset figures we’ve included for different kinds of pets. To use those presets, open the full calculator.
Pet Cost Mini Calculator
Quick estimate for monthly and first year costs.
More categories
Ongoing Monthly Total
First Year • Avg Monthly
Final Thoughts
Knowing the average monthly cost of owning a pet is a great first step, but the real peace of mind comes from working with your own numbers. That is where the free online Pet Cost Calculator comes in handy: it gives you a personalized estimate so you can see exactly what your pet costs each month and each year.
From there, the key is consistency in budgeting. Some pet parents like using a simple spreadsheet to track expenses, while others prefer printable planners they can keep handy at home. Choose the format that feels easiest for you, and you will be far more likely to stick with it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Expenses
1. What is the average monthly cost of owning a pet in 2025?
Most pet parents spend between $150 and $425 per month depending on their pet’s size, health, and lifestyle. Food, vet care, grooming, and insurance are the biggest recurring costs.
2. How can I calculate my pet’s monthly expenses?
You can use our online Pet Cost Calculator to enter details for food, grooming, insurance, and other costs. Our free calculator gives you both monthly and annual totals in just a few clicks.
3. Do dogs cost more than cats?
Yes, in most cases. Dogs often require more food, grooming, and preventive medications. Cats generally cost less per month, although vet bills for either can vary depending on health.
4. What is the first-year cost of owning a pet?
The first year is typically the most expensive due to one-time costs like adoption fees, vaccinations, spay/neuter, and initial supplies. New pet parents can expect $1,500–$3,000 in the first year, depending on the pet.
5. How do I budget for pet emergencies?
A good rule of thumb is to set aside at least $500–$1,000 in a pet emergency fund, or add a small monthly contribution (such as $40–$50) into your budget. Using a tracker or budget planner makes this much easier.
6. What’s the difference between a pet cost calculator, an expense tracker, and a budget planner?
A pet cost calculator gives you an estimate of monthly and yearly expenses.
A pet expense tracker records what you actually spend each month so you can see patterns and adjust your budget.
A pet Budget Planner takes it a step further by helping you plan ahead, not just track. It includes step-by-step guidance, monthly reflection pages, and space to set future goals, making it perfect for pet parents who want to be proactive with their budget.
👉 All three tools work best together: estimate costs, track actuals, and plan for the future.
Free Pet Expense Tracker
Trying to stay on top of pet expenses? Download my free spreadsheet: simple, clean, and made just for pet moms.
Get the free tracker
❤️ Want a printable version that’s as lovely as it is practical for planning, not just tracking?
Check out the monthly Pet Budget Planner. It’s made to make budgeting feel more intentional, so you can plan for your expenses, not just track them. This Planner is especially useful for pet moms who may be new to budgeting, as it includes gentle step-by-step instructions so you can truly feel confident about budgeting for your pet.
Explore the Pet Budget Planner in our Etsy store.
