If you think dog ownership is expensive, these states will drain your wallet even faster.
Dogs bring love, companionship, and joy into our lives, but they also come with a hefty price tag. While pet expenses can be costly no matter where you live, some states make dog ownership an even bigger financial burden. From sky-high vet bills to overpriced pet insurance and rising food costs, these states will have you questioning if you can really afford a furry friend.
Whether it’s routine medical care or the never-ending cost of grooming and supplies, dog owners in certain states are paying way more than the national average. And as inflation continues to impact pet-related expenses, the costs are only getting worse. If you live in one of these states, be prepared to spend a small fortune on keeping your pup happy and healthy. Here are the 15 most expensive states for dog ownership and why they might just break your budget.
1. Delaware will drain your pet budget faster than any other state.
Delaware ranks as the most expensive state for dog ownership, with an average cost of $2,864 per year. Food expenses alone account for a staggering $1,610 annually, making Delaware one of the priciest places to feed your pup. Add in pet insurance, which costs around $550 a year, and routine vet visits, and it’s easy to see why this state tops the list.
According to Pawdown, pet owners in Delaware are spending significantly more than the national average on every aspect of dog care. Even routine expenses like flea and tick prevention, grooming, and training classes are more costly. If you live here and want a dog, you’ll need to budget carefully—or risk emptying your wallet faster than you expected.
2. Hawaii’s paradise comes with sky-high pet costs.
Hawaii is already known for its high cost of living, and pet ownership is no exception. The average cost of owning a dog in Hawaii is $2,198.30 per year, with a major chunk of that going toward food, which is significantly more expensive due to shipping costs. Veterinary services and pet insurance also come at a premium, making even routine care a financial headache.
As Yahoo Finance points out, pet-related expenses in Hawaii are among the highest in the nation. If you need emergency vet care, expect to pay even more, as specialists and advanced treatments are harder to access on the islands. Between food, medical bills, and grooming services, owning a dog in Hawaii is a serious financial commitment.
3. New York dogs come with luxury price tags.
New York is home to some of the most pampered pets in the country, and the cost of dog ownership reflects that. With an annual average of $2,164.24, pet parents in the Empire State face higher-than-average expenses for food, medical care, and boarding. Apartment living also means extra costs for pet-friendly housing, dog walking services, and city-approved pet licenses.
According to Global Pet Industry, veterinary costs in New York have surged in recent years, adding to the already steep price of pet care. If you live in New York City, the costs are even worse, with premium vet clinics, upscale groomers, and specialty pet stores charging a fortune.
4. California’s vet bills and pet insurance costs are through the roof.
California is another state where dog ownership isn’t cheap, with an annual cost of around $2,264. Veterinary care is particularly pricey, averaging $71.95 per visit, which is well above the national average. Pet insurance is also more expensive in California, adding another financial strain for dog owners.
As noted by Verm-X, California dog owners are dealing with rising costs across the board. Whether it’s premium dog food, training, or pet-friendly rentals, everything comes with a high price tag. And if you need specialized vet care, expect to pay even more, especially in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
5. Washington is another state where pet ownership isn’t cheap.
Washington dog owners spend an average of $2,201 per year on their furry friends, making it one of the most expensive states for pet care. The biggest costs come from veterinary visits, pet insurance, and high-quality food. With rising inflation and increased demand for pet-related services, expenses in Washington continue to climb.
The state’s urban areas, like Seattle, have higher-than-average costs for grooming and boarding services. Many dog-friendly rentals also require hefty pet deposits and monthly fees, further adding to the financial burden. If you’re living in Washington and thinking about getting a dog, be sure to plan for these extra expenses.
6. New Hampshire has some of the highest vet costs in the country.
Dog owners in New Hampshire spend around $2,022 annually on their pets, and a big part of that cost comes from veterinary bills. Routine checkups, vaccinations, and emergency care all cost more here than in many other states. With fewer low-cost clinics available, pet owners often have no choice but to pay premium prices.
Grooming and pet supplies are also more expensive, particularly in smaller towns where options are limited. Even basic pet necessities like flea prevention and high-quality dog food come at a higher cost compared to the national average, making ownership even more challenging.
7. Alabama may seem affordable, but vet costs are rising fast.
While Alabama isn’t usually associated with high costs, the reality is that pet expenses are climbing. Dog owners spend an average of $1,945 per year, with veterinary care making up a significant portion of that amount. Rising inflation has also impacted the cost of dog food, making it more expensive to feed larger breeds.
Pet insurance rates have also increased, making it harder for owners to keep up with medical costs. Many pet owners are finding that even routine care, such as dental cleanings and vaccinations, is becoming less affordable over time.
8. Connecticut’s cost of living extends to pet care.
Connecticut is another state where owning a dog isn’t cheap, with annual expenses averaging $1,869. Veterinary visits are costly, and pet insurance premiums are higher than in neighboring states. Many towns also have strict pet regulations that require additional licensing and fees.
Dog food and grooming services in Connecticut also tend to be on the expensive side. In urban areas, boarding services and daycare fees can be particularly high, making travel or long work hours an added financial burden.
9. Louisiana pet owners are struggling with rising expenses.
Owning a dog in Louisiana will set you back around $1,863 per year. While this might seem lower compared to some other states, the costs are rising. Veterinary care, pet insurance, and dog food prices have all increased, putting added financial pressure on pet owners.
The state’s humid climate also means more frequent grooming and flea prevention, adding to the overall cost of dog care. Unexpected expenses, like hurricane preparedness for pets, also contribute to the financial strain in this region.
10. Arizona’s extreme weather makes pet care more expensive.
Arizona dog owners face unique challenges that drive up the cost of pet ownership. With an annual expense of $1,852, one of the biggest costs is veterinary care, especially for heat-related issues. The extreme temperatures require extra precautions, including cooling mats, hydration solutions, and frequent vet checkups.
Pet insurance in Arizona is also pricey, averaging around $640 per year. Dogs in this region are also more susceptible to rattlesnake bites and cactus-related injuries, leading to costly emergency vet visits that many owners don’t anticipate.
11. Georgia’s rising pet costs are making dog ownership more expensive.
Dog owners in Georgia are feeling the pinch as expenses climb higher than expected. With an average annual cost of $1,843, everything from veterinary bills to high-quality pet food is getting pricier. The state’s warm climate also means year-round flea and tick prevention, adding even more to the total cost.
Boarding and daycare services are seeing price hikes as well, making it harder for busy pet owners to find affordable care. While Georgia isn’t the most expensive state on this list, these rising costs make responsible dog ownership a growing financial challenge.
12. New Jersey dog owners are paying extra for just about everything.
Living with a dog in New Jersey comes with a price tag of around $1,820 per year—and that number keeps climbing. Veterinary care in the state is notoriously expensive, with routine visits and emergency treatments costing significantly more than in many other areas.
Housing costs can also be a hurdle, as many landlords require pet deposits or monthly pet fees. Those who rely on dog walkers or daycare services in urban areas find themselves paying premium rates, making New Jersey an unexpectedly costly place to own a pet.
13. Pennsylvania’s dog-related expenses are creeping up faster than expected.
Pennsylvania might not be the first place that comes to mind for expensive pet ownership, but the numbers tell a different story. Dog owners here spend an average of $1,819 per year, with prices steadily increasing for veterinary care, food, and grooming services.
City dwellers in places like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh often face higher costs for dog-friendly housing and pet services. Even routine expenses, like vaccinations and dental care, are becoming more costly, making Pennsylvania a surprisingly expensive place for pet lovers.
14. Maine’s veterinary costs have skyrocketed in just a year.
Dog owners in Maine have been hit with a 21% increase in vet bills between 2023 and 2024, making it one of the fastest-rising costs in the country. Cold winters also bring extra expenses, including heated dog beds, winter coats, and indoor exercise options for dogs that can’t handle the freezing temperatures.
Access to veterinary care is another challenge, especially in rural areas where emergency visits may require long-distance travel. For anyone considering getting a dog in Maine, planning for these growing expenses is an absolute must.
15. Utah’s pet-related costs are climbing at an alarming rate.
Utah dog owners are paying significantly more than they were just a year ago, with veterinary costs jumping 17% in a short period. Rising prices for pet food, grooming, and medical care are making it harder for families to keep up with the financial demands of dog ownership.
Extreme weather conditions also add to the cost, as pet owners need to invest in summer cooling solutions and winter gear to keep their dogs comfortable. If prices continue to rise at this rate, Utah could soon become one of the most expensive states for owning a dog.