What this calculator does
A pet costs more than the adoption fee. This calculator adds up the one-time costs of the first year, such as adoption, first vet visits and supplies, the monthly costs, such as food and preventive medicine, and the yearly costs, such as checkups, grooming, licenses and boarding. It shows the first-year cost, the monthly and yearly budget after that, and the total over the years you expect to have the pet.
How it is worked out
First year = one-time costs + 12 × monthly costs + yearly costs. Each later year = 12 × monthly costs + yearly costs, raised by the yearly price rise you enter. Example: $800 of one-time costs, $140 a month and $770 a year make $3,250 in the first year and $2,450 each year after; over 12 years that is $800 + 12 × $2,450 = $30,200. The emergency fund is money to keep aside for surprise vet bills, not money spent.
Ways to plan
- Ask a local shelter and vet for prices before you adopt: costs differ by animal, size, age and city.
- Many shelters include vaccines, a microchip and spay or neuter in the adoption fee.
- Compare pet insurance with saving the same amount in an emergency fund; read what each policy excludes.
- Check your city or county's pet license rules and fees.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the amounts come from?
They are examples to start from. Type your own prices: costs differ a lot by animal, breed, size and place.
Why is the first year more expensive?
It includes one-time costs such as adoption, first vaccines, spay or neuter, and supplies like a crate and bed.
Should I keep an emergency fund for my pet?
Many owners keep money aside for surprise vet bills. Enter the amount you want to set aside; the calculator shows it separately from yearly costs.
Is my information saved?
No. The numbers stay on this page.