Pet ownership has been on the rise in recent decades, with 70% of American households having a pet, up from 56% in 1988, according to the American Pet Products Association.But if you want to be a pet parent, you should be prepared for how expensive these companions can be. The average dog owner, for example, spends $4,512 per year on their pet, according to a USA Today Blueprint survey.Veterinary care can be particularly pricey, especially if your pet has a significant accident or illness.
01 for cats, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association .In comparison, accident-only plans cost an average of $200.58 per year for dogs and $122.19 per year for cats. But while you might save a few hundred dollars per year going for less comprehensive pet insurance, if your pet does get sick and needs treatments for things like cancer, gum disease, parasites, etc., then you could end up paying a lot more out of pocket for treatment.