Infographic: Comparing the Costs of Pets

There are few things more rewarding than owning a pet. Animals provide comfort and companionship, and they make any household much happier.

It’s tough, though, to know exactly what you’re getting into financially when deciding to adopt a pet. Many factors come into play, such as the cost of pet supplies, food, veterinary care and more.

Read on to learn about all of the expenses involved in caring for the most common pets.

Comparing the Costs of Pets - Ebates



The adoption rate for the average furry feline usually ranges between $0 and $200. Pricing depends on the breed of the cat and any special needs it may have. The yearly cost of cat food averages out to about $120 for regular food but can rocket up to $500 for fancier or special brands.

When it comes to veterinary care, the first year of exams will cost anywhere between $50 and $100. Every year after that will cost about $50 to $400. Those prices won’t necessarily break your bank, but be mindful of emergency vet care; that can cost up to a staggering $2,000. Spaying and neutering your cat is considerably less expensive. Certain places will do it for free, and the most it will cost is generally around $200. It should be noted, however, that it is usually $25 to $30 extra to neuter your kitty if it is in heat and $50 to $100 more if the cat is pregnant.

Waste management can cost a little more than the average pet: litter boxes are about $20, kitty litter (two bags a month) runs about $15 and a generic scooper starts at $5. Boarding your kitten usually costs between $20 to $100 a day, per cat, and cat-sitters charge about $16 a visit.

When it comes to training, the average cost is nothing but a whole lot of hissing and scratching (seriously, don’t attempt to train your wonderfully independent cat. It’ll have none of it).


The adoption rate for the average dog usually ranges between $0 and $500, depending on availability and breed. It usually costs $120 to $500 a year for generic dog food and between $840 and $1,000 a year for higher-quality or specialty dog food.

The first year of doggy vet care is ultimately a bit more expensive than cats’, ranging from $45 to $200. Every year afterwards costs anywhere between $20 and $100. Emergency care, though, can cost up to $2,000, the same as cats. Spaying and neutering your dog is considerably more expensive than your average cat. It can cost anywhere between $35 and $200, plus $25 extra if it’s in heat and $50 to $125 if pregnant.

Waste management is pretty affordable when it comes to dogs: One pack of doggy waste bags, purchased twice a month, will cost $10 to $20, and professional waste cleanup services generally cost about $10 to $15 weekly. Depending on the establishment and services offered, boarding a dog will cost anywhere from $50 to $100 a day, per dog, and it’ll be, on average, $15 to $25 per day to hire a dog walker. Training your dog will usually cost $30 to $250 in the first year, and up to $200 every year afterwards.


Purchasing fish is a relatively cheap investment. Depending on the species, your average freshwater fish will cost anywhere between $1 and $25. The deepest investment comes with the fish tank and its setup. A small to medium freshwater tank usually costs between $100 and $200, gravel costs about $15, decorative tank plants cost about $35 and the filter will cost around $40.  Food for the average freshwater fish costs a mere $20 a year.


The adoption price of a rabbit is generally inexpensive and, depending on the particular store and breed, ranges between $5 and $50. Depending on its size and complexity, your rabbit’s cage and/or enclosure will usually cost anywhere from $30 to $200. When feeding your rabbit, you can opt for hay or pellets, or you can do both. Hay generally costs between $7 and $30 monthly, and pellets around $10 a month. Waste management is relatively inexpensive for rabbits: Wood pellets cost about $4.50 a month and wood shavings are $10 for five bales every two months. Veterinary care ranges from $40 to $100 yearly, and you can expect between $100 and $150 for emergency visits.


Depending on their size and breed, birds can cost anywhere from $20 to a whopping $3,000. Also depending on size, birdcages cost anywhere between $60 and $1,000. For smaller and more generic breeds, bird feed usually costs around $9, but for larger or more exotic breeds, feed can cost up to $20 a pop. Veterinary care isn’t too pricey, and exams usually range from about $50 to $100.


Hamsters are a pretty cheap (and cute) investment, and their purchase rate is generally between $0 and $10. Hamster cages often cost around $30, with hamster water bottles selling for around $8 and hamster wheels around $15. Bedding will usually cost $15 in total. Food is pretty inexpensive as well, costing $12 for a typical 5-pound bag.

No matter the costs, pets provide the best form of companionship and love. Shop for supplies for your furry and non-furry friends at these stores to earn Cash Back: PetSmart, Pet Fancy, BarkBox, and Pet Plus.




Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

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One Comment

  1. Ric

    My dog was free. Food = $177.76 per year, for Purina. Vet, $90.00 – 1st year, then $45.00 per year. No emergency care, we actually care for our pooch. Neutering was $65.00. Flea, tick, heartworm, etc. – $190.00, per year. Waste management = $0.00, we have six acres. Boarding = $0.00, we have good friends and good relatives. Dog walking = $0.00, we aren’t totally lazy, and we love our dog. Training = $19.95, bought an excellent training book, one time cost, ever heard of DIY.
    Total first year cost = $542.71
    Yearly costs, subsequent years = $412.76

    Your numbers seem …… well, skewed.