How much does it really cost to own a pet in NZ?

Bringing a new pet into your life is pure magic. From the chaotic zoom moments to the quiet purrs, they quickly become part of the family — a constant source of comfort, companionship and laughter. Science shows it is so healthy for us to have pets as its stimulates all those feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine!

Of course, as every pet parent knows, love isn’t the only thing you’ll be giving. Caring for a cat or dog also comes with financial responsibilities, and being prepared means you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your life together.

In this article, I break down the costs of owning a pet! 

As you read, please remember - there are huge variables here. Some people keep things simple: they make DIY enrichment toys, take their pets on holiday with them, or have family who can help with care. Others happily spend hundreds on puzzle feeders, elaborate home set-ups, pet sitters or boarding kennels. Diets also vary: some owners feed pricier raw diets, others stick to basic kibble. So the numbers below are averages, not rules.

It’s important to have a realistic picture of what a pet might cost, so we don’t end up with pets being sent to rescue centres because owners didn’t realise what was involved. 

The first year: getting set up

Welcoming a new puppy or kitten is a little like welcoming a new baby — there are things you’ll need to buy, and they can add up.

Adoption or purchase fees:

• Rescue puppy: $200–500 (this will often cover desexing, microchipping and vaccinations)
• Pedigree puppy: $1,000–3,000+
• Rescue kitten: $125–300 (this will often cover desexing, microchipping and vaccinations)
• Pedigree kitten: $800–2,000+
  

Starter essentials:

• Dog: crate, bed, bowls, collars, lead, grooming gear, toys: around $300–600
• Cat: litter tray, scratching post, bed, tower, bowls, carrier, toys: around $200–400
  

Initial vet care:

• Vaccinations: $100–200
• Microchipping: $40–60
• Desexing: $200–400 for cats, $300–600 for dogs
  

👉 Estimated first-year set-up cost:

• Rescue puppy: $500–1,800
• Pedigree puppy: $2,500–4,500+
• Rescue kitten: $325–1,000
• Pedigree kitten: $1,200–2,800+

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Everyday costs: food, care and play

Once your pet is settled in, you’ll have ongoing costs to budget for:

• Food: Dogs typically cost $600–1,500/year to feed, while cats average $400–1,200.
• Vet visits: Annual check-ups and vaccinations usually add $150–300.
• Preventatives: Flea/worm control costs around $120–250/year.
• Doggy daycare: Totally optional depending on your set up, but will cost around $50 a day, adding upwards of $7000 per year if your dog goes three times a week.
• Extras: Toys, treats, grooming, cattery or boarding, or the occasional dog walker. This could be $200 a year if you keep it simple, or $1,000+ if you love splurging on your little friend.
  

👉 Estimated yearly costs:

• Dog: $1000 - $3000+ (or $10,000 with doggy daycare)
• Cat: $600 - $2500+
  

On average, the SPCA estimates that caring for a dog costs around $1,600+ per year, and a cat around $600+ per year — before any emergencies.

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The unexpected

Pets, like people, sometimes get sick or injured out of the blue. However unlike people, they don’t have access to public healthcare or ACC. A swallowed sock, a broken bone, or a sudden illness can lead to vet bills that quickly run into the thousands.

Check out some of the vet care costs involved in common issues for both cats and dogs.

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When the unexpected happens, we’re reminded that pets aren’t “just animals” — they’re family. And when family needs help, we don’t hesitate. But if the thought of footing a bill like this makes you shudder, it’s well worth protecting your pet, so you’re NOT left with an enormous, unexpected bill. 

A safety net

I’m a huge believer in pet insurance (and always have been). For me, it’s an essential cost to factor in when you have a pet, not a nice extra. Pet insurance helps you build a reliable budget for your pet - helping to cover those big, unplanned vet bills so that if illness or injury crop up, you can make decisions based on what is best for your pet without worrying about financial stress.

I choose Southern Cross Pet Insurance for Awa and Zen. There are various plan options to suit budgets and pets, and it may not cost as much as you think. 

If you’re getting a new pet, Southern Cross Pet Insurance also offers 6 weeks of free cover for puppies and kittens aged 6-26 weeks. This is a simple way to give yourself breathing room while you figure out the long-term plan for your pet. Pet insurance should start the day you get your new pup or kitten - when they are young they are more delicate and prone to injury, more vulnerable to poisoning, and much sillier and more likely to get themselves into all kinds of trouble…so don’t delay! 

👉 Check out Southern Cross Pet Insurance FreeCover here

In the long term, I suggest budgeting around $30-$100/month for a dog, and $15-$50/month for a cat, depending on your pet’s age, breed and cover level.

The real price of love

So what’s the bottom line?

For a dog, expect to spend approximately $1,430–4,250 per year (including food, vet care, enrichment, and insurance).

For a cat, budget around $950–2,850 per year depending on diet, enrichment, and whether you use catteries or sitters when you travel.

The parts that are priceless

The cost of caring for a pet is significant, I know…but the love, laughter, and companionship they bring? You really can’t put a price on that. Whether it’s muddy pawprints on the carpet, a wriggly excited greeting after a tough day, or the quiet weight of a purring cat on your lap — these are the things that make a house a home.

By planning for the practical side of pet ownership (and protecting yourself from large unexpected bills!), you’ll be free to soak up all the joy, mischief, and unconditional love that comes with sharing your life with a furry family member.

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This content is created in partnership with Southern Cross Pet Insurance.

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