The Cost of Owning a Pet in 2025

Owning a pet is a dream for many families in India. Whether it’s a cute dog wagging its tail at the door or a cat curling on the sofa, pets bring happiness, companionship and love. But behind the joy comes responsibility and one of the biggest parts of that responsibility is money. In 2025, the cost of owning a pet in India has risen sharply due to food prices, veterinary care, relocation rules and health care needs.

If you are planning to adopt or already have a pet, it is important to understand the cat ownership costs, pet relocation cost, rabies titer test and microchip cost and overseas pet healthcare expenses. Let’s dive in. 

How Much Is the Cost of Owning A Dog In 2025?

Dogs are the most popular pets in India, but they are also among the costliest to maintain. The cost can vary a lot depending on the breed, size, and lifestyle you give them. The initial costs begin with adoption or buying. Adoption fees in shelters range from Rs. 2,000 to 10,000 while buying a purebred puppy from a breeder can cost anywhere between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 2,00,000. On top of this, you’ll spend around Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000 on essentials like a crate, bed, food bowls, leash, toys, and vaccinations. Then come other expenses such as: 

• Monthly Food Costs: A medium-sized dog eats food worth Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 7,000 per month. Premium imported kibble or prescription diets can easily push this to Rs. 10,000.
• Medical Expenses: Routine vet visits in India cost Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 per consultation. Vaccinations, deworming, and preventive medicines for ticks and fleas add up to Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 8,000 a year. Emergency surgeries or treatment for chronic diseases can cost anywhere between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 1,00,000.
• Grooming and Training: Breeds like Shih Tzus, Poodles, or Golden Retrievers require regular grooming. Each session costs Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000. Training classes in metro cities can range from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 25,000 for a basic obedience course.

In short, the cost of owning a dog in 2025 in India can easily range between Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 3,00,000 per year.

What is the Cat Ownership Cost Worldwide?

Cats are generally less expensive than dogs, but their costs are often underestimated. In India, adoption fees for cats range from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000, but purebred cats like Persians or Maine Coons can cost Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 70,000. There are other expenses as well such as:

• Food and Litter: A cat’s monthly food bill is around Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 depending on diet. Add Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,200 per month for cat litter.
• Healthcare: Annual vaccinations and vet visits cost around Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 8,000. However, dental treatments, urinary tract care, or surgeries can add much more.
• Grooming: Long-haired cats like Persians need grooming every 4–6 weeks, costing around Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,500 per session.

When compared with cat ownership costs worldwide, Indian costs are lower. For example, in the U.S. or Europe, annual cat ownership costs can exceed $1,200 to $2,000 (Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs.1,60,000), while in India it may be around Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 80,000 for the same lifestyle. Still, imported cat food and medicine in India can make the expense much higher.

Pet Relocation Cost Breakdown

One of the biggest challenges for pet parents in 2025 is international relocation. If you are moving overseas, your pet’s travel will not be cheap. A simple pet relocation cost breakdown for India:

Overall, relocating a medium-sized dog from India to countries like the U.S., UK, or Australia can cost anywhere between Rs. 2,00,000 and Rs. 7,00,000. Cats are a little cheaper, but not by much.

How much do Rabies Titer Test and Microchip Cost

These costs are small compared to relocation but are mandatory. Microchip costs around Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 3,000 in India. It’s a one-time expense and required for international travel. While the rabies titer test costs around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000. This blood test checks if your pet has enough rabies antibodies. It must be done months in advance for many countries. These costs may look minor, but missing them can mean denied boarding or quarantine delays, which could be more expensive.

How to Manage the Costs

Here are some tips to make pet ownership affordable in 2025:

• Adopt from shelters instead of buying expensive breeds
• Buy pet food in bulk to save on costs
• Keep up with preventive care to avoid big medical bills later
• Consider pet insurance if available
• Plan well in advance for relocation to avoid last-minute charges

Conclusion

Pets bring love, laughter, and a sense of family. But they also require financial planning. The cost of owning a dog in 2025 or even a cat is not just about food, it includes healthcare, relocation, and hidden expenses. If you understand the pet relocation cost breakdown, budget for the rabies titer test and microchip costs, and prepare for overseas pet healthcare expenses, you can enjoy pet parenting without financial stress. Owning a pet is not just about being able to afford one, it’s about being prepared to give them the best life possible.