Wicker and Wilde both believe that everyone should have a cat or a dog....or both! Especially kids.....it's wonderful to grow up with and animal. Plus these days a lot of Americans think of their pet as part of the family. But when adding a new four-legged member to the family, they might not realize how much it’ll cost them. Between vet visits, food and everything your furry friend needs, the expenses add up quickly and a new report reveals the true cost of owning a pet in 2024.
According to research from consumer spending site ValuePenguin:
Almost two-thirds (66%) of American households have at least one pet. Nearly half (49.4%) have a dog and over a third (35.3%) have a cat.
Overall, Americans are projected to spend $150.6-billion on their pets in 2024. Breaking that down, each of the 86.9-million U.S. households with a pet are expected to spend an average of $1,733.
The cost of being a dog owner varies depending on the size and breed of the pup, with smaller ones generally costing less than larger ones.
Dog owners can expect to spend an average of $1,248 on their pet in 2024. Veterinary care takes up the most money, $387 for the year, on average. The total also includes $349 on food, another $348 on products, and $148.78 on “other services.”
It costs slightly less to own a cat this year, an estimated $836. This includes $326 on products, $259 for food and $217 at the vet.
Pet insurance is another expense that’s continuing to increase in price, just like vet care. The average premium for accident and illness coverage for dogs in 2023 was $675.61, and it’s much less for cats, at $383.30.
While this does seem like a lot of money, dogs and cats can be seen as well worth it! And remember Wicker and Wilde always advise to #adoptdontshop
