The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) predicts that global pet spending will hit a new high in 2025. Pet food, medical care, insurance, smart gadgets… The cost of raising a cat or dog might just outstrip the cost of raising a child!

The Annual Cost of a Pet Might Be Higher Than You Think

Have you ever sat down and calculated how much you spend on your pet in a year?

Premium Pet Food: A bag of imported freeze-dried food can easily cost over a thousand yuan. Add in main meal cans, nutritional pastes, and treats, and monthly expenses can effortlessly exceed 1,000 yuan.
Pet Healthcare: A routine checkup costs a few hundred yuan. Vaccines, deworming, dental cleanings, and spaying/neutering surgeries… If your pet gets sick, a single day in the hospital might cost more than a human hospital stay.
Smart Gadgets: Automatic feeders, smart litter boxes, pet surveillance cameras, even cat massage chairs… Your pet’s quality of life might outshine your own.
Pet Insurance: Young people skip insurance for themselves but buy it for their pets. Annual pet medical insurance, costing thousands of yuan, has become a “must-have” for many pet owners.

If you think that’s nothing extreme, check out these real-life examples—

Case 1: A ‘90s-Born Woman Buys Imported Freeze-Dried Food for Her Cat, Eats Instant Noodles Herself

Xiao Li is an ordinary office worker with a monthly salary of 8,000 yuan, but her cat’s monthly expenses come close to 3,000 yuan. Imported cat food, supplements, regular checkups, cat toys… She says, “I can cut corners for myself, but my cat can’t eat anything less.”

Case 2: A Pet Illness Costs Tens of Thousands in Treatment

Mr. Wang’s dog suddenly developed pancreatitis and was rushed to the vet. After a week in the hospital, the treatment bill hit 20,000 yuan. He sighed, “That’s enough for an overseas vacation, but what can you do? Pets are family.”

Why Are Young People Willing to Spend So Much on Pets?

Pets = Family, Emotional Bonds Outweigh Material Costs

More and more young people see their pets as “fur babies.” They’re not just animals—they’re companions and emotional anchors. Especially for those living alone, pets are their most vital source of company.
Pet Ownership = Social Currency, Fancy Pet Care Is the Trend

On social media, pets have become a “status symbol.” Some flaunt their lavish lifestyles; others show off their pampered pets. High-end pet food, custom pet gear, pet photography… These are now staples of “refined pet parenting.”
Pet Ownership = Consumption Upgrade, Pet Economy Is the New Frontier

From pet food to healthcare to smart devices, the pet economy has ballooned into a multi-billion-yuan market. Young people are eager to spend on their pets, and businesses are just as eager to roll out ever-fancier products.

Is Raising Pets More Expensive Than Raising Kids? It’s Not an Exaggeration

Some say, “Pets today live better than we did as kids.”

It’s true. In the past, pets might have gotten table scraps, but now, their diet, healthcare, and quality of life often surpass some people’s standards.

If you think pet expenses are already steep, compare them to the cost of raising a child—

Raising a Pet: Monthly costs of 2,000–5,000 yuan, totaling 24,000–60,000 yuan annually.
Raising a Child: Education, healthcare, and living expenses are high, but at least there are government subsidies and educational resources. For pets, every penny comes out of your own pocket.

So, some jokingly say, “In first-tier cities, raising a pet might actually cost more than raising a kid.”

Is Your Pet Spending Out of Control?

Have you ever calculated how much you spend on your pet in a year?

Would you buy imported food for your pet while eating instant noodles yourself?

Would you get insurance for your pet while skipping it for yourself?

Would you buy all sorts of smart gadgets for your pet but hesitate to upgrade your own phone?

In 2025, just how wild will the pet economy get? Are your pet expenses over the top? Share in the comments—how much does your furry overlord cost you each year?

2025: Is Raising Pets More Expensive Than Raising Kids? Young People Say: My Pet Lives Better Than Me!