How to Save Money on Pet Costs

We love our furry friends — but pet costs are rising along with the cost of living. Here are some ways to save money on pet care.

A puppy and kitten get close together on a sofa.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Seven out of 10 American households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). And pet costs consume a significant portion of many people's budgets. Dog and cat owners, for example, spend an average of $111 each month on their animals, according to a recent AskVet survey. Some surveys suggest pet costs may be even higher. According to a 2022 Lemonade poll, pet owners spend an average of $276 on their animals each month.

Multiply the monthly cost by the typical lifespan of your pet, and you’re talking serious money. However, many people “underestimate the lifetime cost of owning a pet,” says Brandi Hunter Munden, a spokeswoman for the American Kennel Club. “From emergency vet visits to food to doggy bags, these costs add up.” And 26% of pet owners said they were struggling to afford their pet due to inflation, an August LendingTree survey found. The good news is there are smart ways to trim your pet’s expenses. These tips will help you keep your pet healthy and happy for less.

Daniel Bortz
Contributing Writer, Kiplinger's Personal Finance

Daniel Bortz is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Va. His work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, and Money magazine, among others.