How much should you budget for a pet?

According to the latest Animal Medicines Australia 2025 report, Aussies are spending:

• Around $2,520 per year (~$48/week) on a dog
• Around $1,656 per year (~$32/week) on a cat.

That’s thousands of dollars over your pet’s lifetime… we’ve done the maths, and a dog could cost $30,000 to $40,000+ over 12–15 years at average annual spend, and that’s before the unexpected costs kick in.

But here’s the real question… can your budget handle it long-term?

Because it’s not just food and toys. It’s vet bills, emergencies, and those “how did this cost THAT much?” moments. It’s things like pet insurance, veterinary services, and ongoing pet healthcare that really add up.

If you’ve been thinking “it’ll probably be fine”… you’re not the only one. With the cost of living so high, most pet owners feel the squeeze at some point. The good news is, you don’t need to figure this out alone or guess your way through it.

Let’s break it down properly so you can decide with confidence.

Did you know?

73% of Australian households now own a pet.

(Source: Animal Medicines Australia, Pets in Australia 2025)

You can afford a pet if you can comfortably cover weekly costs, routine vet care, and set aside money for emergencies.

If that already feels tight, a pet can quickly become financial stress instead of joy.

If you’re unsure, that’s completely normal. Many Australians want a pet but worry about the ongoing cost. You can take a step back and plan this properly before committing.

This is where a clear budget makes all the difference. So you can say yes to a pet without second guessing it later.

Because once you can see the numbers clearly, you can make a confident decision, not an emotional one.

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple guide on how to set up a budget.

On average, owning a pet in Australia costs around $500 to $2,500+ per year, depending on the type of animal.

According to the latest Animal Medicines Australia 2025 report:

• Dogs: ~$2,520 per year (~$48 per week)
• Cats: ~$1,656 per year (~$32 per week).

So, how much does a dog cost per year in Australia? Around $2,520 on average.

Pet expenses breakdown: weekly and monthly costs

Source: Animal Medicines Australia, Pets in Australia 2025

Did you know?

Over $1,090 a year is spent on dog food alone. That’s around $21 per week just on feeding your pet.

(Source: Animal Medicines Australia, Pets in Australia 2025)

Seeing it weekly makes it feel more real. It’s not “just a dog”… it’s another $50 a week expense in your life.

Try and budget around $200 to $300+ per month for a pet in Australia, depending on the animal and your lifestyle.

Here’s a simple breakdown (this is an example budget to guide you, not a fixed industry standard):

It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to exist so nothing catches you off guard.

Upfront pet costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on how you get your pet and what you need to set up.

The first month is usually the most expensive because you’re setting everything up at once including essentials like food bowls, a dog crate, pet toys, and other puppy essentials checklist items.

Animal Medicines Australia (2025) found the average purchase price is around $1,419 for dogs and $419 for cats.

You’re not just buying a pet… you’re setting up their whole little life in one go.

Ongoing pet costs include food, vet care, insurance, and unexpected expenses, and they add up more than most people expect.

Ongoing pet costs fall into three main categories, and this is where people tend to underestimate things.

Routine vet costs

These aren’t monthly, but they are guaranteed:

• Annual check-ups
• Vaccinations
• Flea, tick and worming treatments
• Dental care.

Spreading these across the year in your budget makes them much easier to manage.

Unexpected pet costs are things like emergency vet bills, illness, or last-minute boarding, and they can quickly blow out your budget.

This is the part most people don’t plan for, and it’s often what causes stress later. Preparing for the “what ifs” now can save a lot of pressure down the track.

Unexpected pet costs are one of the biggest reasons budgets blow out.

Think:

• Emergency vet visits
• Illness or injury
• Last-minute boarding.

They’re not “if”… they’re “when”. Having a buffer makes a huge difference.

Did you know?

69% of Australian households own a pet.

(Source: Animal Medicines Australia, Pets in Australia 2025)

You can save money on pet expenses by planning ahead, doing your research, and setting up small savings buffers.

You don’t need to cut corners, just be smart about where your money goes.

• Buy pet food in bulk
• Compare prices online for pet supplies and accessories
• Learn basic dog grooming at home
• Adopt from animal shelters to reduce upfront costs
• Build a pet budget early.

Spend less where it doesn’t matter, and don’t skimp where it does.

Read our full guide of How to save money in Australia for more info.

Pet insurance is worth it if you don’t have savings set aside for unexpected vet bills.

Pet insurance can be worth it if you don’t have savings set aside for emergencies.

If you already have a strong emergency fund, you may prefer to self-fund instead.

There’s no one-size answer, just what works for your situation and your budget.

If you’ve ever thought “I should probably get on top of my money first”… you’re definitely not the only one. Life is busy, and budgeting often falls to the bottom of the list. That’s exactly why having someone guide you through it can make all the difference.

If you’re not sure whether a pet fits into your budget, we can help you map it out properly.

Budgeting for a pet becomes much easier when you can see exactly where your money is going. It’s all part of building a plan that helps you manage your money with confidence.

We’ve helped over 130,000 Australians:

• Get clear on what they can actually afford
• Build savings (including emergency funds)
• Stay on track without sacrificing lifestyle.

A pet should add joy to your life, not financial stress.

Start a personal budget to plan for your pet costs to see exactly what’s possible.

A pet isn’t just a one-off decision, it’s a financial commitment for years.

The good news? With a clear plan, it’s absolutely doable.

Enquire online

Or call us today on 1300 300 922.