The Cost Of Owning A Pet In Australia

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Updated 31/10/2023
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Written by

David Rayfield

Updated 31/10/2023

What changed?

Rewritten and checked sources and references
Our aim is to help you make better informed decisions. That’s why iSelect’s content is produced in accordance with our fact-checking and editorial guidelines.

Edited by

Laura Crowden

Find out more about how we make money.

View our Privacy Policy.

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Pet ownership in Australia

As of July 2022, there’s estimated to be more than 28 million pets in Australia.2Animal Medicines Australia – Pets in Australia That’s a lot of best friends and companions. So how much does a pet actually cost?

Following an increase in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic, cats and dogs still lead the way as the new residents in people’s homes.3nimal Medicines Australia – Pets in Australia 2022: A national survey of pets and people (page 6) The next most popular pets are fish, birds, reptiles, and small mammals (rabbits and guinea pigs).4As above (page 6)

And it’s clear they’re very special to us. Almost half of Australian humans let their furry friends sleep in the main bed, around 30% refer to themselves as their ‘parents’ and a small 6% have worn matching outfits with their pets.5As above (page 19)

Love and affection for our animals is infinite, but our money isn’t. It’s estimated around $33 billion is spent every year on pet food, health care and accessories across Australia.6As above (page 30) So, what does that mean for someone who wants to get a new animal friend?

How much does it cost to get a new pet?

Depending on the type of pet you’re after, upfront costs can vary, and some have increased significantly over the last few years. For example, the cost of getting a dog or cat has roughly doubled since before the pre-pandemic times of March 2020.7As above (page 4)

These days, you could pay anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars. A rescue cat, a couple of chickens or a designer breed doggie vastly changes the initial price. But there’s also a few more costs to consider:

  • Vet visits: Microchipping, desexing and vaccinations are necessary while your pet is young. If you get your pet from the local shelter or rescue service, the purchase fee often includes desexing and vaccinations. Desexing can range from $150 to $500 depending on the type of animal you have.8As above (page 45)
  • Accessories and products: The average household spends up to around $500 initially on collars, leads, bowls, bedding, litter trays and scratching posts.9As above (page 33)

How much should you budget for ongoing costs?

While you can save up for your first payment to get a pet, planning for the ongoing costs to maintain their healthy lifestyle is also crucial. In 2022, the average annual cost of having a dog or cat was between $1,700 and $3,200. This includes food, vet appointments and grooming.10As above (page 33)

Another expense to consider is healthcare such as treatments for worming, fleas, ticks, and dietary supplements. That’s just to keep your pet fit and healthy. If any injuries, illnesses, or emergency situations occur, more costs can happen unexpectedly.

What are the benefits of pet insurance?

Covering emergency costs is the most common claim of Australians who have pet insurance. As of July 2022, one in two dog owners made an insurance claim while two in three cat owners did the same. Cat owners especially, made an increased number of visits to after-hours emergency.11As above (page 48)

Having medical care for your pet can cover sudden costs and give you peace of mind when stressful events disrupt your life.

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*iSelect’s partnered with Choosi Pty Ltd (ABN 15 147 630 886) to help you compare pet insurance policies. iSelect earns a commission from Choosi for every policy sold through the website or contact centre. iSelect and Choosi do not compare all providers or policies in the market.

Any advice provided by iSelect on this website is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice we give you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on our advice or purchasing any policy. You should consider iSelect’s Financial Services Guide which provides information about our services and your rights as a client of iSelect.  iSelect receives commission for each policy sold by Choosi.