Dogs in Europe: 90 Million Strong — Key Numbers Every Owner Should Know

Dogs are Europe's favourite outdoor companions — and the numbers keep climbing. Here's what the latest European pet data says about our four-legged friends, and what it means for your wallet.

Where Europe's dogs live

The UK leads the pack with 11.7 million dogs, followed by Germany, Spain and Italy. Together these four countries are home to more than 40 million dogs — nearly half of Europe's total.

What a dog really costs in Europe

Costs vary hugely across the continent — from around €800 a year in Eastern Europe to €4,000+ in Norway. Here's the picture for a medium-sized dog:

Typical annual cost of a medium dog, selected countries (2025/26 estimates)

Country	Annual cost	What's included
🇩🇪 Germany	€1,750–3,200	Food, vet, insurance, Hundesteuer, grooming
🇫🇷 France	€1,660–3,100	Mandatory ID registration (I-CAD)
🇬🇧 UK	£1,500–2,500	PDSA PAW Report estimates
🇪🇸 Spain	€1,700–2,100	Fast-growing pet market
🇳🇴 Norway	€3,500–4,000	Highest vet costs in Europe
🇵🇱 Poland	€1,100–1,500	Most affordable ownership

Where the money goes

A typical German medium-dog budget breaks down roughly like this — food and vet care take more than half of the total:

• Food & treats — €600–900 (≈30%)
• Vet care — €400–800 (≈24%)
• Insurance — €300–600 (≈18%)
• Grooming — €200–400 (≈12%)
• Supplies & toys — €150–300 (≈9%)
• Dog tax — €100–200 (≈6%)

Sources: FEDIAF Facts & Figures 2025; PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2025; ABI pet insurance data 2024; national cost guides 2025/26. Figures are estimates and vary by region, breed and lifestyle.

What this means for owners

• Budget like a European: food and routine vet care are predictable; insurance smooths out the surprises.
• Check local rules: dog tax, liability insurance and even training courses are mandatory in parts of Germany and Switzerland.
• Invest in quality basics — a good harness, slow feeder and raincoat last years and cost less than one emergency vet visit.

Stock up on dog essentials — built for companions at home, on the trail and in the field.