How much does a dog cost per month?

A dog costs between 150 and 400 euros per month depending on size. Small dogs run about 150-200 euros, medium dogs 200-300 euros, and large dogs 300-400 euros monthly. The biggest items are food (50-120 euros), preventive vet care (30-45 euros), insurance (35-60 euros) and dog tax (5-13 euros). Add grooming, accessories and prorated pet sitting costs for vacations.

What are the lifetime costs of a dog?

The lifetime costs of a dog range from 15,000 to 50,000 euros, depending on size and life expectancy. A small dog (14-year lifespan) costs about 25,000-35,000 euros, a medium dog (12 years) 30,000-40,000 euros, and a large dog (10 years) 35,000-50,000 euros. This includes purchase, initial equipment, ongoing costs and a reserve for unexpected vet bills.

How much does a cat cost compared to a dog?

A cat is significantly cheaper than a dog. Monthly costs are about 100-150 euros compared to 150-400 euros for dogs. Over its lifetime (16 years), a cat costs about 15,000-25,000 euros. The biggest difference: no dog tax for cats, lower food costs, and lower insurance costs. However, cats live on average 4-6 years longer than dogs.

Do I have to pay dog tax and how much is it?

Yes, dog tax is mandatory for all dog owners in Germany. It's levied by the local municipality and varies greatly: from about 60 euros/year in rural areas to over 180 euros/year in major cities like Berlin or Bremen. For a second dog, the tax is often double. Certain breeds (listed dogs) can be taxed even higher. Registration must be done at the municipal office.

Is pet health insurance worth it?

Pet health insurance is especially worthwhile for dogs, as surgery costs can quickly reach 2,000 to 5,000 euros. Surgery insurance costs about 15-30 euros/month, comprehensive insurance 30-80 euros/month. For cats, surgery costs are lower (averaging 1,500 euros), so some owners build a reserve instead. For small animals like rabbits or birds, there are hardly any worthwhile insurance options.

What does the initial equipment for a dog cost?

Initial equipment for a dog costs 350 to 550 euros depending on size. This includes: dog bed (30-100 euros), bowls (15-40 euros), leash and collar/harness (30-80 euros), transport crate (40-150 euros), grooming tools (20-50 euros), toys (20-40 euros) and initial food supply (30-60 euros). Add costs for the first vet visit with vaccinations (200-300 euros) and microchip (50-70 euros).

How much does dog food cost per month?

Dog food costs between 50 and 120 euros per month depending on dog size and food quality. A small dog gets by with about 50-70 euros, a medium dog needs 70-100 euros, and a large dog 100-150 euros. Premium wet food is significantly more expensive than dry food. BARF (raw feeding) runs 80-200 euros/month. Treats add another 10-20 euros/month.

What does a dog surgery cost on average?

Common dog surgeries cost: cruciate ligament tear 1,500-3,000 euros, gastric torsion 2,000-4,000 euros, tumor removal 500-3,000 euros, dental cleaning 200-500 euros, and neutering 200-600 euros (depending on gender and size). With the updated GOT (veterinary fee schedule) from 2022, costs have risen significantly. Emergency surgery at night or on weekends can be 50-100% more expensive.

Which ongoing costs are often forgotten?

Commonly forgotten costs include: dog tax (60-180 euros/year), liability insurance (40-80 euros/year, mandatory for dogs in many states), pet sitting during vacations (20-50 euros/day), tick prevention and deworming (100-200 euros/year), dental care (50-100 euros/year), and ongoing replacement of toys, leashes and beds. Dog school in the first year (500-1,000 euros) is also often underestimated.

What is cheaper: a dog from a breeder or a shelter?

A shelter dog is significantly cheaper to acquire: the adoption fee is about 200-400 euros, while a purebred dog from a breeder costs 1,000-3,000 euros. However, ongoing costs for food, vet and insurance are identical. Shelter dogs are usually already vaccinated, chipped and neutered. Long-term, you save about 1,000-2,500 euros with a shelter dog — but only on acquisition costs.

Cat or Dog: What Actually Costs More Per Year? | Pet Cost Calculator

Cat or Dog: What Actually Costs More Per Year?

The decision between a cat and a dog is not just a question of lifestyle but also of budget. Both pets bring years of joy, but the financial differences are substantial. In this detailed comparison, we put all cost items side by side.

Acquisition Costs Compared

Acquisition costs are generally higher for dogs. A purebred dog from a breeder costs 1,000 to 3,500 euros, a pedigree cat 500 to 1,500 euros. From a shelter, the adoption fee is 200 to 400 euros for dogs and 80 to 200 euros for cats.

The initial equipment for a dog (350 to 550 euros) is also more expensive than for a cat (200 to 350 euros), as dogs need larger accessories such as transport crates, sturdier leashes and often a car crate.

Monthly Costs: The Big Difference

Food: A medium-sized dog needs 80 to 100 euros monthly, a cat only 40 to 60 euros. Vet/preventive care: Dog 35 euros/month, cat 25 euros/month. Insurance: Dog 45 euros/month (liability + health), cat 15 to 25 euros/month. Dog tax: 5 to 13 euros/month — cats are tax-free. Grooming: Dog 20 to 30 euros/month, cat 10 euros/month.

In total, a medium-sized dog costs 200 to 300 euros monthly, while a cat costs only 100 to 150 euros. That's a difference of 100 to 150 euros per month or 1,200 to 1,800 euros per year.

Lifespan and Total Costs

Cats live an average of 15 to 18 years, dogs depending on size 8 to 15 years. Although cats live longer and thus incur costs for longer, the total costs are significantly lower: A cat costs about 20,000 to 28,000 euros over its lifetime, a medium-sized dog 35,000 to 45,000 euros.

Hidden Costs Often Forgotten

Dogs incur additional costs that don't apply to cats: dog tax (60 to 180 euros/year), dog liability insurance (mandatory in many states, 40 to 80 euros/year), dog school in the first year (500 to 1,000 euros) and higher pet sitting costs on vacation (30 to 50 euros/day vs. 10 to 20 euros/day for cats).

Cats have their own hidden costs though: scratching posts need regular replacement (50 to 200 euros every 2 to 3 years), outdoor cats need cat insurance (from 5 euros/month), and indoor cats need more enrichment toys.

Our Conclusion

If the budget is tight, a cat is the clearly cheaper choice. Those who want to afford a dog should plan for at least 200 euros more per month. Use our pet cost calculator to compare your individual costs for both options.