In May 2024, the cost of keeping a dog in Moscow rose compared with May 2023 by about 9.4 percent, according to Alexandra Lvova, the chief economist at the Main Directorate of the Central Federal District of the Central Bank of Russia. Her assessment was reported by socialbites.ca, and it reflects how pet ownership expenses have been shifting in the capital city.
Lvova emphasized that while a dog remains a valued companion and member of many households, responsible ownership means ensuring proper nutrition and regular health monitoring. She pointed out that dog nutrition represents a significant portion of monthly pet-related costs, noting that the price of dry dog food in Moscow climbed roughly 5 percent over the year. This is part of a broader inflationary trend that affects routine pet care as well as other household expenses.
One of the pivotal factors driving higher pet-care costs is the rise in feed prices driven by increases in the costs of raw materials such as chicken, meat ingredients, and their derivatives, as well as other additives, including imported components. In addition to higher raw materials, logistics and packaging costs for pet feed have also surged, contributing to the overall price pressure. These dynamics were highlighted by Lvova as major contributors to the observed price movement for pet food in the city.
Lvova also drew attention to the veterinary sector, noting that Moscow residents have faced higher costs for veterinary services. Prices for imported vaccines, as well as the acquisition and upkeep of foreign veterinary equipment, have risen. As a result, the expense of a typical veterinary examination increased by about 9 percent year over year, while the cost of vaccinations for pets rose by around 10 percent.
She cautioned that inflating inflation should not be judged solely by a narrow basket of goods, such as what might be called a hypothetical Dog Index. Rosstat’s broader calculations include around 570 goods and services across Russia, spanning food, clothing, medicines, equipment, services, and more. This wider scope means the official inflation picture often presents a different view from the more focused trends observed in pet-related expenses.
According to Lvova, Moscow’s overall annual inflation rate in May stood at about 9.2 percent. The Central Bank of Russia aims for an inflation target near 4 percent to support the country’s economic stability and growth. To steer the economy toward this goal, monetary policy measures are implemented with the expectation that inflation will move back toward the 4 percent target in 2025.
Earlier forecasts from financial analysts suggested that inflation might average around 6 percent by the end of 2024, reflecting a period of adjustment in consumer prices as the economy responds to various domestic and global pressures. These projections underscore the interplay between consumer expenses, including pet care, and the broader macroeconomic environment in which households operate.