The cost of dog and cat ownership has more than doubled for Canadians over the past year as escalating pet food prices and rising veterinary costs add to larger bills overall for pet parents.
Dog owners can expect to shell out at least $965 a year at a minimum—and that’s if they are lucky. If your dog requires special dog food, medicines, or extra care, annual costs spike to as much as $4,020 a year, the report found.
The average dog owner can expect to spend in excess of $2,500 a year with a median monthly cost of $210, a huge jump from the $70 average in 2023.
Cat owners will likely spend anywhere from $930 to $2,400 a year, with most cat parents spending between $80 and $200 a month, according to the report. Overall, cat parents have seen their pet-related expenses rise by roughly $70 more in 2024 than in 2023.
One of the biggest contributing factors to the rise in monthly costs is pet food, the report noted.
Some dog food brands cost 130 percent more than they did last year, while cat food can cost up to 120 percent more.
Fifty-two percent of pet parents polled identified the cost of pet-specific goods and services as more costly than other frequently purchased items, like groceries and personal care items.
“There’s no doubt that inflationary pressures are still weighing on Canadian pet parents and there’s real sticker shock when it comes to getting a new dog or cat in 2024, but one undeniable sentiment—that I see and hear on a daily basis—is that the bond people share with their pets is stronger than ever,” said Toronto-based vet Dr. Rebecca Greenstein.
Dog Ownership
Those considering buying a puppy can expect to pay 44 percent more than they would have last year, the report found. The total average cost for bringing home a new dog can range anywhere from $2,465 to $4,770 in the first year.Start-up costs include items like adoption fees, licences, vet visits, and vaccinations, as well as a collar and leash, dog dishes, a dog bed and crate, and grooming items. Spay or neuter surgery when your pup is old enough will be your largest cost, however, averaging anywhere from $755 to $1,080 depending on the sex and size of your pet.
Those with senior dogs can also expect to spend more—anywhere from $1,145 to $4,350 more depending on the dog’s unique needs, the report said.
Canine parents polled for the report said the biggest financial impacts of dog ownership are the increasing cost of essentials such as pet food and vet visits, but also noted an increase in the cost of treats and toys.
Cat Ownership
Adopting a cat may be more expensive than you think. In fact, it can often come with some surprising start-up expenses you may not have considered.If you’re planning to bring a kitten or an adult cat home this year, you can expect the upfront costs to range from $1,875 to $3,345 in the first year. Vet fees and vaccinations will likely be the largest portion of your budget, but you’ll also need to purchase quite a few items beyond food and litter. You’ll likely need a collar, bed, food dishes, a carrier, a scratching post, grooming items, and toys to make your new furry friend feel at home.
Unless you adopt a cat through a specialty cat breeder, you likely won’t have to pay an adoption fee, but when your kitty is old enough, most vets recommend paying for spay or neuter surgery. The surgery for female cats can cost up to $970, while neutering for male cats comes in at roughly $670 maximum.
“Cat parents can expect to spend between $520-$1,450 on food, depending on the brand, type of food, and how much (and how often) your kitty needs to eat,” the report said. “Another essential for all indoor cats, litter typically costs between $265-$660 a year to keep your cat’s bathroom fresh and clean.”
Dealing with an older cat can also be costly if his or her health is ailing. Costs range from $1,035 to $4,110 depending on your cat’s needs.
