A pet is becoming more and more expensive in Belgium: almost €2,500 per year for a dog (infographics)

74.7% of expenses for food

Among the major expense items, what costs owners the most remains food reaching approximately 74.7% of expenses on average. A Belgian would spend on average €1,858 per year to feed your dog. Next come routine health expenses, such as hygiene products, veterinary visits and vaccines, which represent 17.4% of expenses.

Other expenses represent approximately 7.9% of the total, including costs related to cleanliness, the purchase of toys, as well as the acquisition of care products.

Health costs can climb up to €1,820

But among these expenses, health costs can quickly skyrocket the bill.

In Belgium, they can rise up to €1,820 per year in 2023. Which is not without problems for the poorest households.

Emergency veterinary consultations vary from €140 to €1,400 per year depending on the severity of the animal’s health situation and the duration of treatment necessary. Which can make the bill even heavier…

In Belgium, 28% of families own at least one dog and 32% a cat. Only 3% are currently covered by insurance.

Is it worth taking out health insurance for your dog? “We are going further in care, and this is reflected in costs”