Pet Ownership Costs in Canada: What to Budget For

Šapice Pet Wellness
2026-04-05T09:27:55-04:00

Pet ownership in Canada comes with real, ongoing costs that are easy to underestimate. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to budget for — dogs, cats, first year and beyond.
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Getting a pet is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. It's also one that comes with real, ongoing financial commitments that are easy to underestimate — particularly if you're a first-time pet owner. The upfront cost of acquiring a pet is often the smallest part of the total picture.

This guide breaks down the realistic costs of pet ownership in Canada in 2025, covering dogs and cats, so you can plan properly and avoid the financial stress that catches too many pet owners off guard.

*Costs below are estimates for 2026.

The True Cost of Getting a Pet

Adoption vs. Breeder

Adopting from a shelter or rescue in Canada typically costs between $150 and $500, depending on the organization and the animal. This fee usually includes spay/neuter, initial vaccinations, and a microchip — costs that would otherwise be paid separately.

Purchasing from a reputable breeder costs significantly more: $1,500 to $5,000+ for a dog, depending on breed and lineage, and $800 to $2,500+ for a purebred cat. Be cautious of prices that seem too low — they often indicate poor breeding conditions or health problems that will cost far more in veterinary bills later.

Initial Setup Costs

Before your pet comes home, you'll need equipment. Realistic first-year setup costs for a dog or cat:

Crate or carrier: $50–$200

Bed and bedding: $50–$150

Food and water bowls: $20–$80

Collar, leash, harness (dogs): $50–$150

Litter box and litter (cats): $30–$100 setup, then ongoing

Toys and enrichment: $50–$200

Grooming tools: $30–$100

Budget $300–$900 for initial setup, depending on the animal and your choices.

Ongoing Annual Costs: Dogs

Food

Food is the highest ongoing cost for most dog owners. Annual food costs in Canada vary significantly by dog size and food quality:

Small dog, mid-range food: $600–$1,200/year

Medium dog, mid-range food: $1,000–$2,000/year

Large dog, mid-range food: $1,500–$3,000/year

Premium or raw diets cost more. Treats, chews, and supplements are additional — budget $200–$600/year depending on what you use.

Veterinary Care

Routine veterinary care for a healthy dog in Canada typically costs $300–$700/year, covering an annual wellness exam, core vaccinations, and parasite prevention (heartworm, flea, tick). Dental cleanings, which most dogs need every one to three years, cost $400–$1,000+ depending on the clinic and the dog's dental health.

Unexpected illness or injury is where costs can escalate dramatically. A single emergency veterinary visit can cost $500–$5,000+. Surgery, hospitalization, or specialist referrals can run $3,000–$15,000 or more. This is the primary argument for pet insurance.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance in Canada costs $30–$100+/month for a dog, depending on breed, age, coverage level, and deductible. Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs) and large breeds with known health predispositions typically cost more to insure. Insurance is worth serious consideration — a single major health event can cost more than years of premiums.

Grooming

Dogs that require professional grooming — Poodles, Doodles, Shih Tzus, Bichons, and similar breeds — typically need grooming every six to eight weeks. Professional grooming in Canada costs $60–$150+ per session, depending on size and coat, adding $400–$1,200/year to the budget. Short-coated breeds that can be maintained at home have minimal grooming costs.

Training

Group obedience classes for puppies and adult dogs typically cost $150–$300 for a six to eight week course. Private training sessions cost $80–$200/hour. Budget at least one round of group classes for a new dog — it's one of the highest-return investments you can make in the first year.

Boarding and Daycare

If you travel or work long hours, boarding and daycare are high costs. Dog boarding in Canada costs $40–$90/night. Doggy daycare costs $25–$60/day. In-home pet sitting typically costs $50–$100/day. For owners who travel regularly or work full-time, this can add $1,000–$5,000+/year.

Ongoing Annual Costs: Cats

Food

Annual food costs for a cat on mid-range wet and dry food: $600–$1,500/year. Premium or raw diets cost more. Treats and supplements are additional.

Litter

Conventional clay litter costs $200–$400/year for a single cat. Plant-based litters (tofu, cassava, wood) are often comparable in cost and significantly better for the environment — and many are flushable, which reduces the volume of waste going to landfill.

Veterinary Care

Routine veterinary care for a healthy indoor cat costs $200–$500/year. Cats are often perceived as low-maintenance, but dental disease is extremely common and expensive to treat — budget for dental cleanings every two to three years at $400–$900+.

Pet Insurance

Cat insurance in Canada costs $20–$60/month depending on age, breed, and coverage. Worth considering, particularly for breeds with known health predispositions (Maine Coons, Persians, Bengals).

Lifetime Cost Summary

Over a dog's lifetime of 10–15 years, total ownership costs in Canada typically range from $15,000 to $50,000+, depending on size, breed, health, and lifestyle choices. Over a cat's lifetime of 12–18 years, total costs typically range from $10,000 to $30,000+.

These numbers aren't meant to discourage — they're meant to help you plan. A pet whose owner is financially prepared for their needs is a pet that gets the care they deserve throughout their life.

Where to Save Without Compromising Quality

Adopt rather than buy — adoption fees include spay/neuter and initial vaccinations, saving $500–$1,500 upfront

Invest in preventive care — regular dental care, parasite prevention, and a quality diet reduce expensive health problems later

Buy in bulk where appropriate — larger bags of food and litter cost less per unit and reduce packaging waste

Choose durable products — a long-lasting natural chew replaces dozens of cheap synthetic ones; a quality bed lasts years rather than months

Get pet insurance early — premiums are lowest when a pet is young and healthy; waiting until there's a problem means pre-existing conditions won't be covered

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to own a dog in Canada per year?

For a medium-sized dog, realistic annual costs in Canada range from $3,000 to $7,000+, covering food, routine veterinary care, grooming, treats, toys, and incidentals. This figure rises significantly if the dog requires specialist veterinary care, professional grooming, or regular boarding.

Is pet insurance worth it in Canada?

For most pet owners, yes — particularly for dogs. A single emergency or serious illness can cost $3,000–$15,000+. Pet insurance converts unpredictable large expenses into a predictable monthly cost. It's most valuable when purchased while the pet is young and healthy, before any pre-existing conditions develop.

How much does cat litter cost per year in Canada?

For a single cat, conventional clay litter costs approximately $200–$400/year. Plant-based litter is comparable in cost and significantly more sustainable. Multi-cat households should budget proportionally more, though some litters perform better with multiple cats and require less frequent full changes.

What is the cheapest pet to own in Canada?

Among common companion animals, cats are generally less expensive than dogs — lower food costs, no grooming fees for most breeds, no boarding or daycare costs, and no training classes. That said, veterinary costs can be comparable, and cats live long lives, so the total lifetime cost is still significant.