The Cost of Owning a Dog in the UK in 2026: Facts and Money-Saving Tips

The Cost of Owning a Dog in the UK in 2026: Facts and Money-Saving Tips

Short answer: owning a dog in the UK costs more than most people expect. PDSA found 46% of dog owners say it's more expensive than they thought, and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found average vet prices rose by 63% between 2016 and 2023. The good news is that simple prevention and planning can help keep costs predictable.

What owners say

  • 46% of dog owners say owning a pet is more expensive than they expected, up from about a third in 2023 (PDSA PAW Mini Report 2025, 2,566 dog owners).
  • 90% of dog owners agree the cost of owning a pet has increased.
  • 51% of pet owners are worried about being able to afford vet care.
  • Pet insurance is the most common way owners plan to pay an unexpected vet bill (35%), followed by savings (23%) and credit cards (15%).

Why vet bills have risen

The CMA, the UK's competition regulator, investigated the £6.3 billion vet services market. In its provisional decision (October 2025) it found that average vet prices rose by 63% between 2016 and 2023, well above inflation. It proposed reforms so owners can compare prices more easily, including clearer published prices.

What it means for you: it's worth asking your practice for prices up front, checking whether prescriptions can be filled elsewhere, and comparing insurance carefully.

The main costs of owning a dog

  • Food and treats: the biggest regular cost. Choose a complete, balanced food that suits your dog's age and size.
  • Routine vet care: vaccinations, flea, tick and worming treatment, and health checks.
  • Insurance: the main safety net for unexpected bills. Read what is excluded and how premiums change with age.
  • Grooming, kennels or dog walkers, depending on breed and lifestyle.
  • Extras: beds, leads, toys, training and any supplements.

Prevention: the cheapest care

UK research shows the most common reasons dogs see a vet are dental disease (12.5% of dogs in a year), ear infections (7.3%) and being overweight (7.1%), according to the Royal Veterinary College. Everyday habits help with all three:

  1. Brush your dog's teeth regularly with a dog toothpaste.
  2. Check ears weekly for redness, smell or scratching, and see your vet if you notice changes.
  3. Keep your dog slim. Extra weight is linked to joint problems later. Read our guide to overweight dogs.
  4. Keep up vaccinations and parasite control.
  5. Act early. A quick call to your vet about a small change can avoid a bigger bill later.

Budgeting for everyday health

If you give your dog a daily supplement, spreading the cost helps. Lakshio chews come in 300 g tubs of 120 chews, which lasts about four months for a dog up to 11 kg, two months for 12 to 34 kg, and six weeks for dogs over 34 kg. Subscribe and save gives 15% off every delivery, and you can skip or cancel anytime. Mixing tubs also qualifies for multi-buy savings (10% off 2 tubs, 15% off 3 or more).

Supplements are optional extras, not a substitute for vet care or a balanced diet. Read how UK dog supplements are regulated.

Sources

  • PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Mini Report 2025.
  • Competition and Markets Authority, veterinary services market investigation, provisional decision (15 October 2025).
  • Royal Veterinary College VetCompass, prevalence of common disorders in UK dogs (2021).

This guide is general information, not financial or veterinary advice.

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