Having a pet is a wonderful decision that fills your life with love and friendship. At mybestie.gr, we always keep in mind the advice for first-time parents of the pet: check the money first. In Greece, where the country's average monthly salary ranges from €900–1,200€ and rents are €500–€700 in large cities, it's worth knowing if you can financially support a cuddly friend. Let us break down the real costs of keeping a dog or a cat in Greece.

Initial costs of owning a dog in Greece

Dogs are wonderful pets, but their cost varies remarkably depending on size. Let us compare a small dog (5–12 kg) and a large dog (25–45 kg) in Greek conditions.

• Adoption: Shelters take €50–€100 (to cover vaccines/sterilization).
• Buy from breeders: Small companion breeds are usually €600–€1,200, while large pedigree breeds usually start at €900 and more than €1,500.

Veterinary care for dogs

Both require vaccinations and check-ups, but prices can rise for large breeds due to bigger doses of medication.

• Vaccinations: €60–€80 annually (same for both).
• Regular check-ups: €30–€50 per visit.

Parasite prevention for dogs

• Small dogs: ~€10 per month (€120/a year).
• Large dogs: ~€20 per month (€240/a year).

Annual vet costs for dogs

• Little dog: €220–€320.
• Large dog: €300–€450.

Dog food

This is where size enters the picture:

• Small dog: €25–€40 per month → €300–€480 per year.
• Large dog: €60–€80 per month → €700–€950 per year.

Grooming & maintenance for dogs

• Small dog: Professional grooming €30–€40/visit, 3–4 times a year. Yearly total €120–€160.
• Large dog: Grooming €50–€60/visit, 3–4 times a year. Yearly total €180–€240.

Even not counting grooming, shampoos, brushes, and nail trims are ~€50–€100 per year.

Dog lifestyle & extras

• Toys/treats: €10–€20 per month (same for both).
• Dog sitting: €10–€20 per night (larger breeds cost a bit more at times).

Estimated yearly cost for dogs in Greece

• Small dog (5–12 kg): €750–€1,100 (excluding emergencies).
• Large dog (25–45 kg): €1,300–€1,800 (excluding emergencies).

Initial costs of owning a cat in Greece

Cats are not as expensive and demanding, yet still require regular care.

• Adoption: Around €50–€120, which includes normally vaccinations and sterilization.
• Purchase: Pedigree cats range from €400–€900.

Estimated annual costs for cats

€150–€250 for basic veterinary care.

• Yearly vaccinations: €50–€70.
• Regular check-ups: €30–€50.
• Parasite control: €5–€10 a month.

Cat food

Cats don't consume as much as dogs, yet good food still costs €25–€40 per month. That's roughly €300–€480 annually.

Maintenance & grooming for cats

Cats groom themselves, but long-haired types will need professional grooming once or twice a year (€25–€40). The essentials for extras include brushes, scratching posts, and nail clippings.

Daily supplies & cat sitting cost

• Litter: €10–€15 per month (€120–€180 per annum).
• Toys/treats: €5–€10 per month.
• Cat sitting: €15 per visit.

Annual cost estimate for a cat in Greece

€600–€900 (excluding emergencies). Having an animal is a joyful obligation, yet it is also one that involves economics. In today's economic context of Greece, families and individuals must consider whether or not they can pay for the yearly costs:

• Little dog: €750–€1,100
• Big dog: €1,300–€1,800
• Cat: €600–€900

Beyond the numbers, pets offer priceless emotional rewards: unconditional love, companionship, and daily happiness. If your budget allows, adopting a pet may be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. If not, it’s wise to wait until your circumstances improve—because love alone, though powerful, cannot pay for food or medical care.