Many people may choose a pet without first looking into the full cost of ownership. In the UK, only 24% of surveyed pet owners said they had looked into pet ownership costs before choosing a pet, according to the PDSA PAW Report 2024 as cited by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). That finding is a warning to plan ahead—not proof that the other respondents knew nothing about costs, or that limited research causes later difficulty paying for care.
What the surveys say about researching and paying for pet care
The available figures come from different countries, surveys and questions. They should not be treated as one global measure or as proof of cause and effect.
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| Finding | What it measures | Important context |
|---|---|---|
| 24% said they looked into the cost of owning a pet before choosing one | Reported advance cost research | UK PDSA survey of 5,258 pet owners, reported in 2024 and cited in the CMA report. The other respondents did not necessarily lack cost knowledge; they did not report researching costs before choosing. CMA report |
| Nearly eight in ten underestimated the cost of care | Owners’ estimates of care costs | Synchrony’s announcement describes an online survey of 4,861 pet owners conducted January 31–February 22, 2025. Synchrony provides veterinary financing, so the sponsor is relevant context; the result is not a quote for any individual pet. Synchrony study announcement |
| 52% reported skipping or declining needed veterinary care in the prior year | Reported care decisions, not advance research | PetSmart Charities-Gallup surveyed 2,498 U.S. adults who owned at least one dog or cat, using Gallup’s probability-based panel from November 13, 2024, to January 9, 2025. The finding does not show why each person skipped or declined care. PetSmart Charities-Gallup study |
| 73% of owners who declined care because of cost said they were not offered a more affordable option | Reported experience among owners declining care for cost | From the same U.S. PetSmart Charities-Gallup study. It supports asking about options, but does not mean every treatment has a medically appropriate lower-cost substitute. PetSmart Charities-Gallup study |
| $200 average reported cost of the most recent veterinary visit | Self-reported recent visit spending | AVMA’s 2025 sourcebook introduction says findings are largely based on surveys conducted in 2023, 2024 and 2025, with respondents reporting behavior during the preceding calendar year. This broad average is not a local price list or estimate for a particular service. AVMA ownership statistics |
Together, these findings show that advance cost research is not universal and that affordability can affect care decisions. They do not establish that owners who did little research are the same people who later declined care, or that one behavior caused the other.
What costs to estimate before choosing a pet
Build an estimate around the animal you are considering and the prices where you live. Ask local veterinary practices what routine care is likely to involve, and separate predictable expenses from costs that may arise unexpectedly.
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- Routine veterinary care: Ask about preventive visits and care appropriate to the pet’s age, species and health.
- One-off setup costs: Include initial veterinary needs and the supplies or services required to care for the animal.
- Recurring ownership costs: Account for food and other ongoing needs as well as routine veterinary care.
- Unexpected illness or injury: Consider how you would handle a bill that is larger than an ordinary visit.
Costs vary with location, the pet’s age and health, and the care involved. National survey averages cannot predict your clinic’s fees or your pet’s future needs. Ask for local estimates rather than relying on a single headline figure.
How to prepare for an unexpected veterinary bill
Before you bring a pet home
- Contact nearby veterinary practices. Ask about costs for routine care and the likely needs of the animal you are considering.
- Make a household budget. Include recurring expenses and decide how you would manage an unplanned veterinary bill. There is no single savings target established by these survey findings that fits every household and pet.
- Compare ways to manage risk. Savings, insurance, financing and assistance programs work differently; assess each against your budget and the care your pet may need.
If cost is a concern when care is needed
- Ask the veterinary team for an itemized estimate. Clarify which services are proposed and what each costs.
- Explain your budget concern and ask about options. Ask whether there are medically appropriate alternatives, different timing, or assistance resources. Not every procedure has a suitable substitute, and decisions about treatment should be made with veterinary professionals.
- Check reliable guidance and support resources. The AVMA advises owners to seek trusted pet-health information from veterinarians and their staff and provides financial-assistance information. AVMA financial assistance for veterinary care
How to assess insurance, savings, financing and assistance
These approaches are not interchangeable. Compare the details and consider whether an option is usable when care is needed, affordable over time, and suitable for your pet.
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| Option | What to examine | Key trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Savings | How much you can set aside, how quickly funds accumulate and whether they remain accessible | You avoid a repayment obligation, but the available amount depends on what you have saved. |
| Pet insurance | Premiums, covered care, exclusions, waiting periods, deductibles and reimbursement limits | Coverage depends on the policy terms; premiums and out-of-pocket costs still matter. |
| Credit or veterinary financing | Interest, fees, repayment schedule and what happens if payments are missed | It may spread a bill over time, but creates a repayment obligation and can cost more than the original bill. |
| Financial assistance | Eligibility, covered needs, application requirements and availability | Programs may have limits or eligibility rules; do not assume assistance will be available for every bill. |
Read the actual policy or financing terms before relying on an option. A financing provider’s sponsored survey can describe reported owner views, but it does not establish that financing is right for a particular household.
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