The true cost of owning a pet

Our recent study reveals the true cost of owning a pet in 2026 and how it compares to 2024 costs.

man and woman sitting on sofa with pet dog

Written by Hayley Bevan and Vanessa Stewart

Published on February 16th, 2026

Last reviewed on February 16th, 2026

9 mins read

News and insights

With more than half of all UK households owning a pet, there’s no doubt we are a nation of animal lovers. And they do give plenty back: according to the PDSA, 71% of owners say pets improve their physical health, while 88% say they benefit their mental wellbeing.

Owning a pet brings joy and companionship, but it also comes with a significant financial commitment. From food and insurance to vaccination and grooming, the costs can quickly add up to tens of thousands of pounds over its lifetime. But which types of pets tend to be the most expensive?

To find out, we analysed 10 of the UK’s most popular dog and cat breeds, comparing purchase prices alongside typical ongoing costs such as insurance, vaccination, grooming, and food. Everyone’s financial situation (and every pet) is different, so it’s important to note that costs can vary depending on the level of insurance cover you choose, health conditions, diet, lifestyle, and even location.

The most and least expensive dog breeds

Owning a dog can be hugely rewarding, but our research shows that financial commitment varies depending on the breed you choose.

The most to least expensive popular dog breeds

The Doberman ranks as the most expensive breed to own in the UK in 2026, costing nearly £23,000 across an average 11.5-year lifespan. As a large breed, it naturally requires more food than smaller dogs, averaging around £1.36 per day. This equates to around £496 per year. Dobermans are also the second-most expensive breed to insure (£1,037 annually) due to their higher risk of hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia and heart problems, pushing overall ownership costs significantly higher over time.

In second place comes the French Bulldog, costing £20,641 over its typical 12-year lifespan. Despite being smaller, it is actually the most expensive breed to insure in our research, with annual premiums averaging £1,084. This is largely due to its flat-faced anatomy, making breathing disorders and chronic health conditions more common. However, its short coat helps balance some costs, as grooming is among the cheapest of any breed analysed, at £35 a session.

The Rottweiler follows in third place at £19,344 over a lifetime. While it tends to live slightly fewer years than other breeds in the ranking (nine years on average), it is one of the most expensive breeds to buy as a puppy (£1,503) and the most expensive to feed, with daily food costs averaging £1.65 (equating to £602 per year).

At the other end of the scale, the most affordable breed to own is the Miniature Dachshund, at £12,734 across its lifetime. Their small size keeps food consumption low, only costing £0.35 per day, and their short coat reduces grooming costs, demonstrating how everyday maintenance (rather than the upfront purchase price) can often determine the true long-term expense of owning a dog.

Overall, getting and caring for a dog can become costly over time, so adoption may be a lower-cost option for some households. Buying a Golden Retriever puppy, for example, can cost nearly £2,000 on average, while adoption fees often start around £200, and typically include neutering and microchipping, reducing the upfront expense. To adopt a dog through charities like Dogs Trust, you’ll need to apply directly through them. Rather than choosing a specific breed, you’ll provide information about your home, lifestyle, and preferences so the charity can find your perfect match.

How the cost of owning a dog has risen in 2026

If you’re considering getting a dog in 2026, it is worth being aware that the costs involved may be higher than they were in previous years. UK search interest for “how to get a dog” rose by 12% over the past year alone, reflecting continued interest that may be associated with higher prices, combined with the rising cost of living.

Comparing the figures in our 2024 report with those in 2026 shows just how quickly the market has changed. In 2024, the average price of a Miniature Dachshund puppy was around £963. By 2026, this has risen to approximately £1,450, representing an increase of 50.5%. A similar trend can be seen for Rottweilers, with average prices increasing from £1,152 to £1,502, an uplift of 30%. While these changes in upfront purchase prices are clearly visible, it is the ongoing costs of care that are likely to have the greatest long-term impact on owners.

Veterinary care, in particular, has become significantly more expensive. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has found that vet prices have risen at nearly twice the rate of inflation, and routine preventative treatments have followed the same trend. Your dog’s first vaccine, needed before public walks, has increased from £68 to £95 since 2024, while booster vaccinations have risen from £47 to £65. These are essential costs if you want to keep your dog protected, meaning you’ll have to take these increases into account while budgeting.

Everyday maintenance costs have also increased. For example, grooming fees for a Golden Retriever now average £69 per session compared with £62 in 2024, while grooming a French Bulldog typically costs around £35, up from £29 two years ago. These figures suggest that, in addition to higher purchase prices, ongoing care and maintenance represent an important part of the overall cost of dog ownership.

However, one cost that has fallen in recent years is insurance premiums. In 2024, the average cost of insuring a Golden Retriever was around £643. By 2026, this figure had dropped to approximately £414.

The most and least expensive cat breeds

As much as we love dogs, Brits are also very fond of their furry friends. And for the feline lovers, we also analysed popular cat breeds to reveal which ones are the most and least expensive to buy and care for over a lifetime in the UK. For this ranking, we considered the cost of insurance, vaccination and food.

The most to least expensive popular cat breeds

Cats are often considered a lower-cost alternative to dogs, but our analysis shows lifetime costs can still exceed £17,000 depending on breed, lifespan, and healthcare needs.

Our data reveals that the Siamese is the most expensive breed to own, costing £17,281 over an average lifespan of 17.5 years - the longest of any breed analysed. Interestingly, it is also the cheapest breed to buy initially (£631). Its top spot is therefore not driven by purchase price, but by the cumulative cost of care over many years, such as insurance and yearly vaccination, highlighting how longevity significantly impacts total ownership costs.

The Maine Coon follows at £16,236 across its lifetime. As one of the largest domestic cat breeds, it carries higher ongoing expenses, particularly insurance and food. Indeed, the Maine Coon is both the most expensive breed to insure, at almost £600 per year (£591), and to feed, at £0.44 per day.

The Sphynx rounds off the top three most expensive cat breeds to own, costing £15,762 over a lifetime. Although not the most expensive to buy (£960), its relatively long lifespan of 15 years increases the total care costs over time.

On the other hand, the British Shorthair is the most affordable breed to own. Its lifetime cost (including purchase, vaccination, insurance, and food) is under £10,000, at £9,761 (the only one in the ranking) across their 10-year lifespan. Ragdolls follow as the next low-cost option, at £12,780 over a lifetime, and the most affordable annual cost (£860).

However, with everyone’s financial situation being different, adoption may be a more budget-friendly option for many households across the UK, typically costing around £85 to £100 and often including vaccinations and microchipping, reducing early expenses. To adopt a cat, search for the ones available near you through organisations like RSCPA, complete an application form, and go meet your chosen cat at the centre for the first time. The centre will usually arrange a home visit to give you tips on how to welcome your new furry friend, to keep them safe and happy in their new home.

Top tips on how to budget for a pet and avoid unexpected bills

1. Research before buying or adopting is crucial

Before you decide to bring a pet into your home, the first step is to research the breed you’re interested in. Different cats and dogs have very different needs, health risks and lifespans, which will all affect how much you spend. Understanding these potential challenges beforehand means you won’t be caught off guard by unexpected vet bills later on.

2. Plan for one-time and ongoing costs

You’ll also need to plan for both one-time and ongoing costs. Upfront expenses include the purchase or adoption fees, your pet’s first vet visit and vaccinations, and essential supplies such as a bed, a leash, a litter box, and so on. Training classes could also be necessary at the start, especially if you’re getting a high-energy dog like a Border Collie or a German Shepherd. Then, recurring costs like food, treats, routine care, and grooming will quickly add up. Being aware of when these payments will occur each month will help you manage your budget more effectively.

3. Prepare for the unexpected

As with any financial responsibility, it is important to prepare for unexpected events. Often overlooked, building a pet emergency fund by setting money aside each month may be a good way to save ahead of any urgent vet bills. On top of this, having a suitable level of pet insurance can protect you from major bills, giving you peace of mind if something goes wrong.

4. Save smartly without cutting corners

Finally, there are ways to save without cutting corners on your pet’s care. Buying food and litter in bulk, for example, may help reduce long-term costs, and learning basic grooming at home can save a surprising amount, especially with most dogs requiring it every two months. Staying up to date on preventive care is often cheaper than treating serious problems later, and comparing pet insurance plans carefully will help you choose the right coverage to avoid over-insuring and paying higher premiums than necessary.

Sources & Methodology

Aqua pulled together a seed list of the top 10 most popular cat and dog breeds. The study then analysed the following metrics for each breed:

Cost of insurance - per year
Cost to buy - as a puppy or kitten
Cost of kitten/puppy vaccinations and boosters
Dry food allowance for cat/dog
Cost of food for cat/dog - calculated using dry food allowance, cost is per day
Cat litter cost - per year
Lifespan of each breed of cat/dog
Cost of grooming for dog - per session, yearly average calculated based on dogs going to groomers six times a year. Overall lifetime costs for cats were calculated without grooming fees, due to many cat owners choosing to groom their pet themselves.

The research then calculated the initial first-year cost of owning a pet, and then the ongoing annual cost. The ongoing costs were then multiplied by each breed’s average lifespan and added to the initial first-year costs to determine the lifetime cost of each breed.

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