How dual-income, no-kids couples in the US are spending big on their pets

US couples with dual incomes and no kids (DINKs) are not immune to the challenging economic conditions that have resulted from higher prices and interest rates. But they are not willing to cut back on caring for their pets.

According to a survey from American insurance comparison website Insurify, 70% of DINKs are willingly making financial trade-offs to care for their pets, some even at the expense of their long-term savings or health coverage. 

These couples spend an average of $158 (€135) per month or around $1,906 (€1,634) per year on their pets, covering essentials like food (87%), treats (77%), toys (61%), vet care (47%), medication (35%), grooming (28%) and even tech like monitoring devices (6%). 

When buying pet food, their pet’s taste preferences (50%) rank slightly above affordability (48%) and higher than allergy/medical (37%) considerations. 

However, it’s not just the routine costs that worry them; 47% regularly budget for vet visits, as veterinary bills have increased by 8% in the past year alone. Almost half of the respondents (45%) say vet care is expensive but worth it, and 20% say it’s too expensive and causes financial stress. 

Pet parent profile

The survey sampled 750 people from households with a double income and no children, and at least 1 cat or dog. Respondents were between the ages of 22 and 44 at the time the survey was conducted in March 2025.

Most owners had 1 (60%) or 2 (28%) dogs, or 1 (48%) or 2 (35%) cats. Among those with pooches, the Chihuahua (14%), German shepherd (11%) and Labrador retriever (11%) were the most popular breeds. 

They are most likely to consider their pets as ‘fur babies’ (46%), family members (38%) or companions or friends (14%), and 81% refer to themselves as their pet’s mom or dad. 

More than half of the respondents report dressing their pet in clothes or costumes. 

Making sacrifices 

To stay afloat amid these rising costs, 68% of pet-owning DINKs are making real sacrifices.

According to the survey results, more than 3 out of 10 (34%) say they’ve taken on extra work or a side job, while 33% have turned to credit card or loan debt. 

An additional 29% note they halted contributions to savings, and 15% even delayed medical care for themselves in favor of their furry companions. 

Insurance gap

Respondents say they’d spend up to $5,004 for life-saving treatment for their pets, but 36% admit they’d be unable to handle a surprise vet bill. 70% have already faced an unexpected pet expense. 

However, just 31% have pet insurance, and among the 68% who say they’d go into debt in an emergency, credit cards (21%) or savings (27%) would be their first option before insurance. 

With average premiums of around $44 (€38) per month for dogs and $24 (€21) for cats, insurance remains underutilized. 

Spoiling their pets

Most DINKs don’t just cover the essentials; they go all in. 

While 11% never splurge on extras, 43% occasionally buy luxury treats or high-end toys, and 26% regularly spoil their pets without tracking expenses. 

A staggering 68% of DINKs say they prefer pets to kids, although 39% still plan to have kids eventually.

For now, though, these couples cite more financial freedom, lower costs, and emotional fulfillment as their main reasons for prioritizing pets over children. 

Most (94%) respondents treat their pets like they’re a person, 86% let their pets sleep in their bed, 65% play music or TV when they’re out, and 43% celebrate their pets’ birthdays.