Pet Cost of Ownership Calculator
The true lifetime cost of owning a dog or cat.
Most prospective pet owners drastically underestimate the cost of a dog or cat. Average lifetime cost in 2025 is €15,000–€25,000 for a dog and €10,000–€15,000 for a cat. This calculator turns your monthly food, insurance, grooming and vet spend into a year-by-year and lifetime total — so there are no surprises.
How this calculator works
The calculator multiplies recurring monthly costs by 12, then by the number of years, and adds one-time setup. We also recommend an emergency fund of around 2 months' costs (most vets ask for €1,000–€3,000 deposit on emergency surgery).
Frequently asked questions
Is pet insurance worth it?
For most owners, yes — average lifetime claim per pet is €3,000–€5,000, and a single emergency surgery can exceed €4,000. Compare a few providers and read the small print on pre-existing conditions.
What's the most underestimated cost?
Dental work. By age 8, around 40% of dogs need a clean under anaesthesia (€400–€800), and many seniors need extractions.
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