06/03/2026
Having a dog is getting more expensive. 😔
A new report from Rover estimates that dog parents can expect pet-related costs to rise by as much as 15% in 2026. According to a survey of 1,000 pet parents, 83% said they’ve noticed higher costs over the past year, with veterinary care, food, and medications among the biggest increases.
The report estimates that a dog’s lifetime care can range from about $19,800 for a small breed to nearly $59,000 for a large breed. Annual costs can vary widely depending on a dog’s size, age, and medical needs, with emergency vet bills remaining one of the biggest unexpected expenses for many families.
