The Real Cost of Being a Pet Parent? Try $20K and Up

A new study has revealed what many of us suspected every time we tapped our debit card at the vet — owning a pet can seriously dent your bank account.

Caring for a cat will now cost you anywhere from $20,000 to $47,000 over their lifetime. And if you're a dog person? You're looking at anywhere from $22,000 to nearly $61,000.

Yes, sixty-one thousand dollars. For a furry roommate who still won’t stop chewing your shoes.

On average, that works out to at least $1,300 a year for cats, and $1,500 for dogs — and those numbers are on the rise. The cost of having a dog has jumped 12% in just three years, while cat expenses have spiked 19%.

RELATED: What Do Dogs Dream About? Exploring the Nightly Adventures of Our Furry Friends

Blame inflation, premium food, or the sheer audacity of vet bills these days.

And while having more than one pet might save a bit per animal (thanks to shared toys and bulk food), the discount isn’t exactly life-changing.

Multiple pets still mean multiple mouths to feed — and vet visits, and litter boxes, and the occasional emergency because someone ate the couch.

So, if you're thinking of getting a furry friend, just remember: pets are priceless… but they’re not cheap.