US pet price research

Cost of Ownership in the US

First year, annual and lifetime totals, assembled from the surveys on this site.

Compare published cost of ownership prices

Medians from the provider prices in each survey. Open a survey to inspect the sources and what is included.

No survey published here yet

We have not finished collecting prices for cost of ownership. When we do, this page will carry a table of every figure beneath it, with the sample size and the month it was collected, and each row will link to the full survey and its source list.

We publish medians from prices providers have published themselves. We do not estimate, and we do not publish a number before we have collected it. You can read how the surveys are run in the meantime.

Explore cost of ownership by topic

Find the right topic for your next cost question.

Dog Ownership Costs

First year, monthly, annual and lifetime cost of owning a dog.

Coming soon

Cat Ownership Costs

First year, monthly, annual and lifetime cost of owning a cat.

Coming soon

Before you compare quotes

A price is easier to compare when you know what it includes. Ask for an itemized estimate and compare the same procedure and services.

01
Check included servicesLook for the exam, medication and follow-up charges.
02
Match the procedureCompare like-for-like quotes and provider types.
03
Confirm the current pricePublished prices change. Ask the clinic directly.

Know what’s behind the numbers

Each survey links to provider sources and records the collection date, the sample size and the range.

Explore our methodology

Published sourcesWe link to the provider websites where prices were found.
Transparent samplesEach survey shows its sample size, collection date and range.
Corrections loggedWe update or correct figures when new information is available.

Questions about cost of ownership cost surveys

Are these prices a quote for my pet?: No. Each median describes a published sample. Your clinic can give you a written estimate for your own pet.
What does “prices found” mean?: The number of published price entries included in that survey's figures.
Why can two clinics charge different amounts?: Included services, provider type and your pet's needs can all differ. Compare itemized estimates.
Where can I check the original sources?: Open any survey to find its provider links, the dates we read them and the full price sheet.

Found a price that has changed?

Report a correction