A Banki.ru study, the results of which were reviewed by socialbites.ca, shows that almost one in five Russians spends less than 1,000 rubles a month on pet care. This figure highlights how pet ownership sits inside household budgets across the country. For many families that small amount covers only the basics: a modest bag of pet food, a bit of litter, perhaps a simple toy or two. In towns and cities where living costs squeeze budgets, more people trim back on nonessential items for their animals, while in wealthier regions some households stretch the budget to cover routine checkups, preventive care, and occasional grooming. The data come from a broad survey of pet owners asking them to report typical monthly expenses. Taken together, they reveal a landscape where a sizable portion of pet owners treat pet care as a modest recurring line item, closely tied to broader economic conditions, wages, inflation, and household priorities. These patterns remind us that pets are beloved companions whose care competes with other everyday spending rather than representing pure luxury.
About half of respondents allocate between 1,000 and 5,000 rubles per month to their pets, while 14 percent report monthly pet expenses in the 5,000 to 10,000 ruble range. Those mid-tier budgets typically cover a mix of regular meals, preventive health measures, routine grooming, and occasional treats or accessories. The distribution signals that many households manage a stable routine of care, balancing ongoing costs with occasional spikes for vaccines, dental work, or seasonal needs. In urban settings where incomes are higher and access to veterinary services is easier, this middle band is especially common. Families with more than one pet tend to accumulate monthly costs quickly, pushing total expenditures into higher bands and sometimes beyond. The numbers also reflect how inflation, currency movements, and rising costs for food and supplies shape daily decisions about keeping companion animals.
Only 4 percent of respondents are willing to spend more than 10,000 rubles a month on their pets, while 12 percent admit they do not track these expenses. Those spending at the upper end often have one or more animals with special needs or preferences for premium products and frequent veterinary care. Not tracking expenses can indicate informal budgeting practices or limited use of financial tools, even when pet health and happiness rely on steady, predictable care. The spread shows a clear gap between households that invest heavily in pet wellness and those that keep care tight, underscoring how financial planning intersects with animal welfare in modern Russian households.
At the same time, spending on pets rose last year for 49 percent of respondents. Another 31 percent did not notice any change in care costs, and 4 percent started spending less. The year-over-year uptick is driven by higher prices for pet food, veterinary services, medications, grooming, and accessories, along with broader inflation that touches every corner of the pet economy. Families are adjusting by prioritizing essential services, comparing brands, or seeking value without compromising essential care. While a fair share of owners saw costs rise, many maintained stable patterns, demonstrating that pet ownership remains a meaningful, steady expense even amid economic pressures.
Most often Russians keep cats at home, with 77 percent reporting cat ownership. Dogs come in second at 44 percent. The field of other pets—birds, rodents, fish, and reptiles—lags far behind, reflecting a preference for the most manageable companions in home environments. The popularity of cats is linked to apartment living and relatively lower maintenance, while dogs demand more space and time. Birds and small mammals appeal to families seeking affordable companionship, though they require specific enclosures and ongoing care. In the broader economy, the pet-care sector has shown signs of growth as well, with vacancies rising by about 57 percent over the past two years. This uptick signals stronger demand for veterinary clinics, grooming salons, pet-sitting services, and pet-product retailers, pointing to a maturing ecosystem around pet ownership that offers new opportunities for professionals and businesses in urban centers nationwide.