The Surprising Costs of Caring for Our Dogs: A Real-Life Story
A few weeks ago I finally hit "Buy Now" on a new collar for Carolina.
It felt like a long time coming. Lira had been wearing her Paco Collars V-Neck since 2021 — and even after everything, it still looks brand new. Truly a quality investment. If you're looking for the best in custom leather collars, go check them out.
Carolina is extremely noise-sensitive, which is ironic because she is also objectively the loudest dog in our house. One thing she genuinely cannot handle is the sound of her tag clanging against her food bowl. She squints up her little eyes and backs away and it absolutely crushes my heart. I tried plastic bowls and silicone bowls to keep things quiet — but I much prefer stainless steel for cleanliness, so the search for a solution was real.
The answer was a matching v-neck Paco Collar like her big sister Lira’s. Which, yes, is a thing I spent money on. Happily.
It feels like everything is getting more expensive, especially when it comes to our pets. As someone who runs a pet-focused business and lives on a farm with dogs, a horse, goats, pigs, donkeys, and cats — I feel this acutely. So I did some digging into the numbers.
Lira’s Paco V-Neck Collar
I decided to get her a V-neck collar like Lira’s. This unique collar design has the tag fitted into the leather of the collar, so they won’t dangle or make noise when she eats or drinks. As I completed my purchase, I couldn’t help but notice... the price of that same collar had increased by 71% since I last bought one just 3 years ago!
The Real Numbers
According to the ASPCA, the average annual cost of owning a dog or cat ranges from $700 to over $1,000.
Honestly? That feels like the floor, not the ceiling.
If you're anything like me, the "basics" are just the beginning. On top of food, routine vet care, and supplies, there's also: training classes and dog sports, specialized veterinary care — physical therapy, canine massage, laser therapy, acupuncture — crash-tested travel crates, high-quality treats (novel protein formulas for the sensitive ones), multiple leashes and harnesses and yes, fancy collars. And the photo sessions. And the toys. And the beds. Multiple beds per dog, minimum.
I'll just go ahead and tell you about my own dogs, because I think it's important that you know you're not alone.
In August 2025 I upgraded my SUV and splurged for the platinum version — because it has heated seats in the back. Lira had been cold. That was the deciding factor. I regret nothing.
This year alone Poppy has seen a neurologist, had an MRI, and sees the chiropractor weekly. Mikey attends weekly barn hunt classes. Carolina goes to agility every week. Neither of them competes — they just genuinely love it, and that's reason enough to drive 1.5 hours each way every week and pay thousands of dollars a year. Nearly every year of Lira’s 9.5 years cost $10,000+ in veterinary care.
We have a primary care vet, a nutritionist, a cardiologist, an internal medicine specialist, a neurologist, a chiropractor, massage therapists, trainers, physical therapists, and laser therapists across our pack. That care is extraordinary. It is also not cheap.
According to NPR, prices for pet products and services have surged 25.8% in the last five years. Veterinary services alone have risen 38.6%.
Do I Regret Any of It?
Not for a single second.
Would I spend twice as much to get even one more year with any of my dogs? In a heartbeat. Without hesitation. No math required.
The cost of loving a dog well is real. The return is incalculable.
What About You?
Have you noticed the rise in pet care costs? Are there splurges you're saving up for, or one you recently indulged in that was absolutely worth it?
I'd love to hear — drop it in the comments. There's no judgment here, only solidarity.
Plus, I might need to add to their collections…
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