With inflation, the budget for a dog has increased by 27% in three years. Expenses for food remain the most important.
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Welcoming a dog represents a significant financial commitment that many Belgians underestimate. In 2024, the average annual budget for a dog will reach €2,488, a figure up 3.24% compared to the previous year. This sum includes food, veterinary care and accessories, items of expenditure which regularly increase, in part because of inflation.
Food: the main item of expenditure
According to the study, food constitutes the largest part of the budget, representing 74.7% of annual expenses, or €1,858. This expense is difficult to reduce, because quality food is essential to the animal’s well-being. Alongside this, other costs such as hygiene products (8.3%) and regular veterinary care (6%) are less important in absolute value, but remain essential to maintain the health and cleanliness of the dog. Additional expenses, such as toys or beauty treatments, although lower, complete the budget necessary to meet the animal’s needs.
Low pet insurance coverage in Belgium
In Belgium, only 3% of pets are insured in 2024, a proportion which should however increase to 5% by 2028. Indeed, the animal insurance market is growing in Europe, driven by demand increasing. Insurance reimbursements in Belgium are expected to increase to €2.53 billion in 2028, according to estimates, allowing owners to better protect themselves against unforeseen costs.
An increase in costs over three years
Between 2021 and 2024, the annual budget for a dog increased from €1,959 to €2,488, an increase of 27%. This increase reflects the impact of inflation, which affects the costs of producing and distributing animal goods and services, including food and veterinary care. Owners must therefore anticipate these increases to guarantee the well-being of their animal, an increasingly important financial responsibility in the current economic context.
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