Does this include emergencies?

Not automatically — fold a buffer into 'other per year' or add a line for an emergency fund; a single surgery can run thousands.

How long do pets live?

Many dogs 10–15 years and cats 12–18; use a realistic number for the breed to get an honest total.

Calculators › Everyday Money Decisions › Pet Lifetime Cost Calculator

Calconomics

Pet Lifetime Cost Calculator

A pet is a years-long financial commitment, not just an adoption fee. Enter your upfront cost and the monthly and yearly expenses to see the true lifetime cost — and the honest monthly average.

Upfront

Upfront cost adoption, supplies, spay/neuter

Ongoing

Food / month

Vet / year checkups, vaccines, meds

Other / year grooming, insurance, toys, boarding

Expected lifespan

yrs

Total lifetime cost

$20,940

Cost per year

$1,620

Average per month

$145

US$3.99 · download & own it forever

Prices in

How it's calculated

Annual cost = (food per month × 12) + vet per year + other per year.
Lifetime cost = upfront cost + annual cost × expected lifespan.
Monthly average spreads the whole lifetime cost across every month.

Our methodology & 2026 data sources →

Frequently asked questions

Does this include emergencies?: Not automatically — fold a buffer into 'other per year' or add a line for an emergency fund; a single surgery can run thousands.
How long do pets live?: Many dogs 10–15 years and cats 12–18; use a realistic number for the breed to get an honest total.