Pet cost calculator: What does a new dog or cat really cost?

Good to know

The total is a guideline for your first year together. You can adjust any item directly, for example if you already have some equipment or are skipping neutering. Costs usually drop noticeably afterward, since the biggest one-time expenses (starter equipment, initial vaccinations) fall away.

How we calculate it

A new pet comes with noticeably higher costs in the first year than in the years after. On top of ongoing expenses like food, there are one-time purchases and basic veterinary care. Our calculator breaks down the main cost blocks separately for dogs and cats, based on common reference values for the DACH region, and also shows a separate estimate for typical ongoing monthly costs afterward.

For a puppy, we calculate around €205 for starter equipment (bed, bowls, leash, carrier), about €550 in food costs for the first year, around €320 for initial veterinary care (check-up, basic vaccinations, deworming, microchip), and €150 for dog tax and liability insurance in the first year. Neutering (approx. €280) and puppy school (approx. €150) can be optionally added, since not every owner chooses these.

For kittens, some items differ: around €225 for starter equipment (litter box, scratching post, carrier), about €400 in food for the first year, and around €280 for initial veterinary care. Neutering (approx. €150) and cat insurance (approx. €150) are also optional.

All values are editable: if you already have a carrier, for example, or aren't planning to neuter, just adjust or disable that item. The total updates automatically.

Background

Starter equipment doesn't have to break the budget. With a few simple tricks you can often save several hundred euros without compromising on quality.

• Buy used where you can: carriers, scratching posts or playpens are often only needed briefly and can be bought used cheaply or borrowed from friends.
• Don't buy everything at once: some pets simply don't like certain toys or accessories. Better to wait before investing in large quantities.
• Plan for staggered vaccinations: basic immunization happens over several appointments. Ask your vet about package prices, it often saves compared to individual visits.
• Use discount codes: especially for starter equipment, it's worth checking current coupons. For larger orders of food, bowls or toys, discounts often make a noticeable difference.
• Compare insurance early: if you're planning health or surgery insurance, it's worth taking it out as early as possible in your pet's life. Premiums increase with age.

With these tips you can keep costs under control without your new family member missing out. And for the ongoing expenses afterward, it's always worth checking our current coupons.

Frequently asked questions