Average annual pet care costs
Pets for Patriots supports responsible pet adoption. Prospective pet owners need to educate themselves about what to expect when they adopt a pet, including costs, training, life expectancy and suitability for their particular lifestyle and family situation. Since cost of pet care is a chief reason both dogs and cats being relinquished to shelters, below are yearly pet maintenance estimates from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:
- Small dog: $1,314
- Medium dog: $1,580
- Large dog: $1,843
- Cat: $1,035
These estimates include food, medical, training and grooming fees, in addition to toys, licensing and equipment. In addition, the figures assume premium brand kibble for dogs, various preventative vaccinations, pet health insurance and microchip implantation.
Your costs will vary depending upon where you live, how you choose to care for your pet and the animal’s overall health quality.