Owning a dog can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with a price tag. From vet bills to food, toys, and treats, the costs can add up quickly. However, the cost of being a pet parent can vary significantly depending on where you live in the United States.
Consumer trends experts at Wethrift, an online discount platform, recently conducted a study to determine the most and least expensive states to be a dog owner. They took into consideration factors such as the price of premium dog food, adjusted for the cost of living, as well as pet insurance premiums. Their findings shed light on the financial implications of pet ownership in different parts of the country.
At the top of the list of the most expensive states to be a dog parent is Massachusetts. The total annual cost of owning a dog in the Bay State averages $2,275.97, which is 35.78% higher than the national average. Following closely behind are Hawaii and New York, with average annual costs of $2,198.30 and $2,164.24, respectively. Pet insurance in New York alone costs an average of $1,008.84 per year, while the high cost of living in Hawaii drives up expenses, especially when it comes to food, which averages $1,185.45 annually due to the need to transport supplies from the mainland.
Other states that made it to the list of the most expensive places to own a dog include Maryland, Connecticut, Arizona, Virginia, New Hampshire, California, and Alaska. These states all have above-average costs associated with dog ownership, making them less budget-friendly for pet parents.
On the flip side, Kansas emerges as the least expensive state to be a dog parent in. Pet owners in Kansas can expect to spend an average of $1,403.40 annually, which is 16.28% below the national average. Vaccines are particularly affordable in Kansas, costing an average of $201.67 per year, which is 9.40% below the national average. Following Kansas are Louisiana and Oklahoma, where annual costs average $1,432.04 and $1,435.09, respectively. Pet insurance in Louisiana is relatively inexpensive, at an average of $550.20 per year, while food costs in Oklahoma are notably low, averaging $569.54 annually.
The least expensive states to be a dog parent are primarily located in the Midwest and South regions of the United States. States like Mississippi, Missouri, Iowa, Kentucky, South Dakota, Illinois, and Michigan also offer cost-effective options for pet owners looking to save money while providing the best care for their furry companions.
Whether you reside in a more costly state like Massachusetts or a budget-friendly state like Kansas, there are ways to save money as a pet parent. From finding discounts on pet supplies to exploring affordable pet insurance options, being a savvy consumer can help offset some of the expenses associated with pet ownership. For more tips on how
