The Most Expensive U.S. Cities to Have a Pet

Owning a pet is one of life’s great joys, offering emotional comfort, companionship, and mental well-being. However, in many major U.S. cities, pet ownership also comes with a hefty price tag. From pet deposits and monthly “pet rent” to rising veterinary care, insurance, grooming, and dog daycare costs, some places are simply more expensive to raise an animal companion.

This article explores the U.S. cities where owning a pet is the most financially demanding. Drawing insights from trusted sources, including Cuteness.com and veterinary pricing studies, it also touches on the housing-related challenges pet owners face and how services like RealESALetter.com may play a role in addressing some of those obstacles.

Top 8 Most Expensive U.S. Cities to Own a Pet

San Francisco

San Francisco, California, tops the list as one of the most expensive cities in the country to own a pet. The cost of living in general is sky-high, and the cost of caring for a pet reflects that. A routine veterinary visit in San Francisco can easily cost over $200. Dog daycare facilities are both in high demand and costly, with prices reaching as high as $700 a month.

Monthly pet insurance in the area averages between $80 and $90, and grooming services, boarding, and pet food costs are significantly more expensive than the national average. In addition to these regular expenses, renters in San Francisco often have to pay monthly “pet rent,” non-refundable deposits, and sometimes face breed or weight restrictions, making it even more difficult and expensive to house a pet.

San Jose

In San Jose, California, the pet care costs are just as burdensome. This city, which lies in the heart of Silicon Valley, has one of the highest overall living costs in the country. For pet owners, this means elevated prices for everything from food and grooming to vet services and boarding. On average, dog daycare services cost around $40 per day, and pet insurance hovers around $50 per month.

Veterinary care is not cheap either, with basic services often exceeding $150 per visit. Housing plays a significant role in these expenses, as many landlords impose additional fees and conditions for tenants with pets. In fact, some studies have identified San Jose as the most expensive city in the nation to own a pet when costs are compared with average local income.

New York City

New York City also remains one of the priciest cities to own a pet. While NYC offers a pet-friendly culture with parks and services galore, the convenience comes at a steep cost. Veterinary visits average between $85 and $150 depending on the service and location. Many pet owners in New York rely on dog-walking services because of their busy lifestyles, and these services can total over $7,000 per year for full-time care.

Daycare and boarding services typically cost $50 per day or more. Monthly pet rent, often hidden in lease agreements, can range from $50 to as high as $1,000 depending on building policies and the breed or size of the pet. With limited housing options and strict pet policies in co-ops or apartment buildings, pet ownership in New York requires serious financial planning.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California, is another city where pets are expensive to care for. Though LA is known for being pet-friendly, the cost of pet ownership is significantly higher than the national average. Veterinary appointments in LA can cost more than $150 per visit, and grooming services range from $60 to $120 depending on the size and breed of the animal.

Pet daycare and boarding services are also among the most expensive in the country, with average rates between $40 and $70 per day. Additionally, landlords often charge extra fees, deposits, or monthly rent for pets. These policies, combined with a shortage of pet-friendly housing, make LA a tough place for many pet owners, especially renters.

Seattle

Seattle and its nearby suburb Bellevue in Washington State are not far behind. In Seattle, the price of pet care has steadily increased, with vet visits averaging around $150 to $180. Insurance premiums typically fall between $60 and $70 per month, and daycare rates range from $45 to $60 per day. Boarding facilities, particularly those offering higher-end services, can charge up to $500 per week.

Bellevue, though smaller than Seattle, sees similar prices because of its growing tech industry and rising income levels. These rising costs, combined with housing pressures and pet restrictions in many apartments, contribute to making this region one of the most expensive for pet ownership.

Santa Monica and Pasadena

Santa Monica and Pasadena in Southern California are two other cities where pet ownership can be financially demanding. These cities offer walkability, access to parks, and a strong animal welfare culture, but they also come with high living expenses. In Santa Monica, vet visits can exceed $180, and doggy daycare may cost over $45 a day.

Grooming services, especially for long-haired or high-maintenance breeds, are frequently priced at $80 to $100 per session. Pasadena experiences similar costs, and while it may offer slightly more affordable housing than Los Angeles, additional pet-related charges still apply. These include pet deposits, breed restrictions, and building-imposed monthly pet fees.

Oakland

Oakland, California, often seen as a more affordable alternative to San Francisco, also ranks high when it comes to the cost of owning a pet. The city has undergone rapid development and gentrification, which has driven up living costs, including pet care. A veterinary visit in Oakland costs around $150 on average, and dog daycare services can reach $70 per day.

Many rental properties in the city require pet fees and deposits, and insurance costs for pet owners remain elevated. While some services may cost less than in neighboring San Francisco, the difference is often negligible when it comes to year-round expenses.

Interestingly, some smaller cities also appear on the list when pet care costs are considered relative to local income levels. Cities like Winston-Salem and Greensboro in North Carolina may not have the absolute highest prices, but they can still be expensive places to have a pet when wages are lower. For example, in Winston-Salem, the cost of full-time daycare for a dog can exceed $2,700 annually.

When combined with vet visits, food, grooming, and insurance, the total cost of pet ownership can take up to 5% of a household’s yearly income. The same is true for other cities like Bakersfield, El Paso, Las Vegas, and Tucson. These areas may have lower housing costs, but the relative burden of pet care is often higher due to lower local income levels.

Why Are These Cities So Expensive for Pets?

Several factors contribute to why pet care is more expensive in some cities than others. One major factor is the housing market. In expensive cities, renters often face added fees such as pet deposits, monthly pet rent, and restrictions on breed or size. These costs can easily add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. Veterinary care has also seen a sharp increase across the country, but the rise is especially steep in urban areas.

The consolidation of vet clinics by large corporations and the growing availability of specialized treatments have pushed prices up dramatically. Pet insurance premiums also vary by zip code, and cities with higher vet costs usually come with higher monthly insurance rates. Additionally, premium services like gourmet food, mobile grooming vans, luxury dog hotels, and pet fitness centers are far more common in wealthier urban areas, where people are willing to spend more on their pets.

The Human Cost: Pet Surrender and Welfare Concerns

As the cost of pet ownership rises, so too does the number of people who find themselves unable to afford their pets. Shelters in cities like Los Angeles and New York have reported an increase in pet surrenders due to financial hardship. Many renters are unable to find affordable, pet-friendly housing and may be forced to choose between keeping their animal or finding a place to live. In such cases, some turn to emotional support animal documentation to request housing accommodations.

Services like RealESALetter.com are relevant here, as they provide legitimate ESA letters for individuals who qualify under mental health guidelines. While not a guaranteed solution for all housing challenges, ESA letters can allow tenants to legally keep their pets in no-pet housing without paying additional fees, making them a valuable tool for some urban pet owners.

Conclusion

Pet ownership is deeply fulfilling, but in many cities across the United States, it’s also a significant financial commitment. From San Francisco and San Jose to New York, Seattle, and Los Angeles, the costs of veterinary care, pet insurance, grooming, and housing are climbing. Even in smaller cities like Winston-Salem or El Paso, the percentage of income required to maintain a pet can be overwhelming.

As expenses rise and housing becomes more competitive, it’s crucial for pet owners to understand the financial landscape of their city. Planning ahead, knowing their rights, and seeking help when necessary—such as through ESA accommodations—can make a big difference in ensuring that pets and their people can stay together.