About

True Cost of a Dog exists for one reason: most people underestimate what a dog costs, and the surprise usually arrives as a vet bill.

We're an independent publisher focused on honest, data-backed pet cost information. Our calculator and guides are built from published 2026 US figures — ASPCA and Rover ownership surveys, Insurify premium data, and aggregated insurer rate data — and we show our working wherever we can.

What we're not

We are not licensed insurance agents, financial advisors, or veterinarians. Our estimates are planning tools, not quotes or advice. Insurance premiums vary by provider, deductible, reimbursement level, and underwriting — always compare real quotes before buying a policy, and talk to your vet about your dog's health needs.

How we make money

This site is free to use. We may earn commissions if you click through to an insurance provider or retailer and make a purchase — see our affiliate disclosure. It doesn't change our estimates, and we don't rank providers by who pays us.

Contact

Questions, corrections, or data updates? Reach us via the contact page — we read everything.