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The ASPCA's cost table, line by line, with notes on where today's prices may differ.
ASPCA cost table (2021), read Oct 2, 2026. See source
The ASPCA publishes a table of typical pet costs, last updated in 20211. It is the clearest public breakdown we found, but prices have risen since: treat each line as a starting point and check local prices, especially for vet care.
| Item | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Spay or neuter1 | $300 | $150 |
| Initial vaccines and medical1 | $300 | $175 |
| Collar, leash, harness1 | $60 | $15 |
| Microchip1 | $20 | $20 |
| Litter box and scratching post1 | None | $35 |
| Carrier1 | $50 | $40 |
| Crate1 | $60 | None |
| Training class or materials1 | $200 | None |
| Grooming tools1 | $40 | $20 |
| One-time total1 | $1,030 | $455 |
ASPCA 2021 update. The cat's litter box ($20) and scratching post ($15) are combined here.
| Item | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Food1 | $300 | $225 |
| Routine vet care (vaccines, wellness visits)1 | $225 | $160 |
| Preventive medication (heartworm, flea and tick)1 | $185 | $140 |
| Litter1 | None | $150 |
| Toys and treats1 | $97 | $58 |
| Health insurance1 | $516 | $348 |
| License1 | $15 | $15 |
| Grooming supplies1 | $28 | $28 |
| Yearly total1 | $1,391 | $1,149 |
ASPCA 2021 update; toys and treats combined here. Boarding is listed separately at about $25 a day.
Add professional grooming ($300 for a dog) and dental care ($500 for a dog, $300 for a cat) to the one-time and yearly costs, and the ASPCA's first-year total is $3,221 for a dog and $1,904 for a cat1.
Insurance is the line most out of date. The ASPCA's table allows $516 a year for a dog and $348 for a cat. Embrace cites AAHA's 2025 averages of $62.44 a month for dogs and $32.21 for cats2, which is about $749 and $387 a year (our arithmetic). Compare real quotes for your pet on pet insurance.
Travel adds up. At the ASPCA's $25 a day for boarding, a one-week trip adds $1751; check current local prices on pet sitting and boarding.
Start from the ASPCA's yearly dog total without insurance ($875), then add your own insurance premium and boarding nights.
Estimated yearly cost for a dog
$1,794
Source: ASPCA, Cutting pet care costs (2021 table), read Oct 2, 2026.
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