Pet Care Spending Statistics 2026: How Much Do Americans Really Spend on Pets?
From $1,547 a year for a dog to $687 for a cat β we break down exactly where the money goes, what drives the differences, and how pet spending is changing across generations and regions.
π Last Updated: May 2026
πΎ Key Numbers at a Glance
$1,547
Avg annual spend per dog
Avg annual spend per dog
$687
Avg annual spend per cat
Avg annual spend per cat
$75/mo
Median dog owner budget
Median dog owner budget
33%
Of spend goes to food
Of spend goes to food
$1,788
Millennial spend per pet
Millennial spend per pet
$4B+
Annual pet travel spend
Annual pet travel spend
Jump to Section
π
Annual Spending Per Pet
$1,547
Average annual spend per dog owner, according to APPA’s 2023-2024 National Pet Owners Survey. That’s roughly $129 per month.
$687
Average annual spend per cat owner β about $57 per month. Cats are significantly cheaper than dogs, largely due to lower food volume and fewer services.
$276
Average annual spend per bird owner. Birds are among the least expensive pets to maintain, though veterinary care for birds can be costly.
$75
Median monthly pet budget for dog owners β half of dog owners spend more than this, half spend less. Cat owners’ median is $50 per month.
$4,272
Average total annual routine cost per pet β including food, vet care, grooming, supplies, and insurance, across all pet types.
$1,445
Average amount U.S. households spend per pet in 2026, across all species and expense categories combined.
π
Category Breakdown
33%
Of total pet spending goes to food β the single largest category. Premium and prescription diets are driving this percentage higher each year.
26%
Of spending goes to veterinary care β the second-largest category and the fastest-growing in terms of year-over-year cost increases.
21%
Of spending goes to supplies, accessories, and OTC medication β including leashes, beds, crates, flea prevention, and supplements.
8%
Of pet spending goes to grooming, boarding, and pet sitting services β a share that’s rising fast as more owners outsource pet care.
$339
Average annual food spending per dog owner. For cat owners, food costs average roughly $250 per year, depending on brand and diet type.
$367
Average annual veterinary spending per dog owner, according to Forbes Advisor. Cat owners average $264 in annual vet costs.
π₯
Generational Spending Habits
$1,788
Average annual spend per pet by Millennials β the highest-spending generation, driven by a willingness to pay for premium products and services.
$1,287
Average annual spend per pet by Baby Boomers β still significant, but more focused on essential care like vet visits and food versus services.
73%
Of Millennial pet owners say they’ve switched to a higher-quality pet food in the past two years β versus 52% of Boomers.
42%
Of Gen Z pet owners say they’d go into debt for their pet’s medical care β the highest of any generation, underscoring the strength of the human-animal bond.
π‘οΈ
Pet Insurance & Unexpected Costs
61%
Of pet owners have faced an unexpected vet bill exceeding $500 in the past two years. These surprise expenses are the #1 reason pet owners consider insurance.
+22%
Growth in pet insurance adoption in 2023 alone. As vet costs rise, more owners are treating insurance as a standard pet expense.
$640
Average annual premium for dog insurance ($53/month). Cat insurance averages $387/year ($32/month). Both have risen with vet costs.
Source: NAPHIA Average Premium Data 2023
$3K+
The threshold at which pet insurance typically breaks even β if your dog has one major illness costing $3,000+ within 3-4 years, insurance pays off.
πΊοΈ
Regional & Lifestyle Spending
20-30%
More spent by pet owners in the Northeast and West compared to the national average β higher cost of living translates directly to higher pet costs.
$4B+
Annual spending on pet travel β pet-friendly hotels, airline fees, boarding, and pet sitters while owners travel. This segment has nearly doubled since 2019.
$1,200+
Average annual cost for dog daycare for owners who use it regularly (2-3 days per week). A significant expense for urban professionals with dogs.
$35.65
Average monthly pet rent charged by U.S. landlords in 2025 β a recurring cost that adds $428 per year for renters with pets.
π Sources & Methodology
Spending data compiled from the American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Pet Ownership Sourcebook, Forbes Advisor, Fortunly, the World Animal Foundation, and the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Regional and lifestyle data from RentCafe and CBS News. All figures reflect the most recent data available as of May 2026. Survey-based spending figures are estimates and may vary by region, household income, and pet type. Where possible, we link directly to original sources. If you notice a stat that needs updating, let us know.