Here's what a new dog or cat really costs Canadians in the first year in 2026

If this is the year you've decided to bring home a pet, we've broken down the costs you can expect in the first year for a new dog or cat. We've focused on dogs and cats as they are the most popular — and typically most expensive — pets in Canada, but many of these budgeting principles apply to other animals, too.

Bringing a new dog home: First-year costs

When you bring a new dog into your home, there are several initial expenses to consider. These one-time costs include both the price of acquiring your pet and the essential supplies needed to provide proper care.

While these are typically considered one-time purchases, it's important to budget for eventual replacements. Items may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear, and puppies will outgrow their initial supplies as they mature. Investing in quality products upfront can actually save money over time — a well-made harness will cost more initially, but replacing a cheaper model every few months adds up fast.

According to the OVMA's 2025 Cost of Care report, the core expenses of owning a puppy — veterinary care, food, supplies, insurance and licensing — add up to $5,493 to $5,595 in the first year, before you've paid anything to bring the puppy home. Add a breeder fee or adoption cost on top of that, and a purebred puppy realistically runs $6,500 to $10,000-plus in year one, depending on the breed. Adopting an adult dog is less expensive — closer to $6,000 all-in — and most adoptable dogs come already spayed or neutered, which helps reduce those early vet costs.

Here are some of the common first-year costs for a puppy or dog (approximate, in Canadian dollars):

• Breeder costs: $1,000 to $4,500
• Adoption fees: $200 to $800
• Veterinary exams with vaccines: $642
• Neuter/spay: $1,016 to $1,118
• Microchip: $137
• Deworming medication: $91
• Pet insurance: roughly $1,200 to $1,900 per year on average, though premiums range from about $400 to $1,600-plus depending on breed, age and coverage
• Pet food: $866
• Grooming: $60 to $150
• Collar and leash: $55
• Bed: $78
• Crate: $100 to $300
• Obedience classes: $555 for a typical group-class course; private training runs higher
• Licence: fees vary by municipality — Toronto, for example, charges $25 for a spayed or neutered dog; other cities may charge more or less

Additional costs to consider include pet care services like dog walkers or doggy daycare, especially if you work full-time outside the home. These services ensure your pet gets proper exercise and attention during the day. When planning vacations, you'll also need to factor in boarding facilities or pet-sitting services.

Property damage is another financial consideration. Dogs may occasionally have accidents indoors, and puppies or anxious dogs can exhibit destructive behaviour like chewing furniture or damaging flooring. It's smart to budget for potential repairs or replacements of damaged items — because it happens to almost everyone.

Bringing a new cat home: First-year costs

The financial commitment of cat ownership is generally less than that of dogs, but first-year costs are still significant. The OVMA's 2025 Cost of Care report puts the first year of kitten care at $3,928 to $4,114 in core costs. This higher first-year expense — compared to subsequent years — is due to one-time purchases and essential medical procedures that set your kitten up for a healthy life.