California Named the MOST EXPENSIVE State To Own A Dog in 2024!

Do you own a dog in California? Or maybe even two? If so, you already know the struggle (and joy) of keeping up with all the costs. I’ve had my fair share of pups over the years, but none quite like my favorite, Ollie. He’s a toy Golden Doodle who’s so smart and sweet that he makes Lassie look like a slacker. Ollie’s now living with my ex and son across the country, but he’ll always be the dog I compare all future pets to. I mean, seriously, how could I get anything that’s not a Golden Doodle after Ollie? That is, if I could afford another dog in this economy…

You probably didn’t need me to tell you this, but owning a dog in California? Let’s just say it's not cheap. In fact, California has officially claimed the crown for the most expensive state in the entire country to own a dog. I’m talking about a whopping $35,452 over your dog’s lifetime! According to MarketWatch, which crunched the numbers on things like vet care, food, grooming, and pet insurance, the national average is around $28,800. So, congratulations California, we’re way above average yet again!

MOST EXPENSIVE STATES TO OWN A DOG:

California: $35,452
New York: $34,248
Massachusetts: $33,318
New Jersey: $32,947
Washington: $32,894

LEAST EXPENSIVE STATES TO OWN A DOG:

Oklahoma: $24,855
Mississippi: $25,104
Indiana: $25,479
Nebraska: $25,662
Louisiana: $25,760

For comparison, New York’s a close second at $34,248, while states like Oklahoma and Mississippi are chilling with costs under $25,000.

On average, MarketWatch says Americans fork out around $2,524 a year for dog-related expenses. But here in California, those numbers feel more like a starting point than the finish line. So whether you're grabbing the fanciest kibble or booking yet another grooming appointment, just remember, it’s all part of the “joy” of owning a dog in the Golden State!

The entire Market Watch Pet Spending Report can be found HERE!