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Some Chase cards are currently not available on CNBC Select but you can check out our marketplace to compare offers from other issuers including American Express and Citi. While having a furry friend can be one of the greatest joys, it's also expensive. According to Rover's 2026 Cost of Pet Parenthood Report , released in June, the median lifetime cost of owning a medium-sized dog is $39,350 and $32,527 for the average cat owner.
From the same survey, pet costs are expected to increase up to 15%, partly due to rising veterinary fees and tariff-inflated prices on pet food and gear. Eighty-three percent of pet owners noticed rising prices over the past year, with 34% noting the change as significant. Pet owners are known for going above and beyond on pet care, and while you can't stop prices from rising, you can choose how you react.
For those who love spoiling their beloved pets, here are some of the top credit cards to consider. Do you have a credit card or travel rewards question? Senior reporter Jason Stauffer can answer your questions about how to make the most of your credit cards in his weekly Points Pro column.
Submit yours here . Best for online pet purchases Who's this for? If you do most of your shopping for your pets online, the American Express Blue Cash Everyday earns 3% cash back on the first $6,000 per year in U.S. online retail purchases (then 1%).
Under the Amex consumer categories, online retail purchases include pet stores like Chewy.com. Other great perks: On top of the 3% you're earning online, you'll earn the same rate at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations, each on up to $6,000 per year in spending (then 1%). The savings at supermarkets can be a nice bonus if you feel like grabbing some pet treats along with your own food.
Best for complimentary pet insurance Who’s this for? The Nibbles Pet Rewards Card comes with complimentary pet insurance for a qualifying pet six weeks or older. The policies cover dogs and cats, and once you hit the annual deductible of $700, 80% of all remaining and future eligible expenses will be covered, up to a maximum of $10,000 per year.
Other great perks: Nibbles is currently available in 41 states and Washington, D.C., and the pet insurance policy offered can be customized for your specific needs. The card also earns 3X rewards on pet stores, pet services and at any licensed vet (just note rewards can only be redeemed for a statement credit). Best for flat-rate rewards Who’s this for?
The Wells Fargo Active Cash ® Card doesn’t offer elevated bonus categories on pet purchases, but you’ll earn a flat 2% cash rewards on everything from new toys to vet bills. Other great perks: The main power of this card lies in the unlimited 2% back on all purchases, but it does offer other perks like an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers and cell phone protection. If you anticipate a large, pet-related cost, the introductory period on purchases could be quite helpful.
Best for earning on vet purchases Who's this for? While it might be less conventional, the TSC® Visa® Card could be great for those making frequent trips to the vet. On top of earning 5% on all Tractor Supply Company purchases, you also earn 3% rewards on veterinary services (and grocery stores and gas stations).
Other great perks: Preferred Plus Neighbor's Club members receive 3 credits per quarter to redeem toward an available benefit, including a free pet wash. TSC Visa cardholders in good standing are automatically considered Preferred Plus Neighbors. Just be aware you should use your earned rewards quickly, as they expire 60 days from when they're awarded Best for flexible categories Who’s this for?
If you love your pet but wouldn’t mind a category that rewards yourself, too, the Citi StrataSM Card is a great fit. On top of 3X points at supermarkets and at gas and EV charging stations, the card also earns 3X points on an eligible self-select category of your choice. There are five options to pick from, including pet supply stores.
Other great perks: The other self-selected categories (which you can change quarterly) are fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment or cosmetic stores/barbershops/hair salons. The card also comes with a $0 annual fee, making it a lower-cost option. Best for rotating categories Who’s this for?
A card with rotating categories can be a slight gamble, but it can also bring some great value; these cards typically earn up to 5% in unique categories that other cards don’t offer. The Chase Freedom Flex® earns 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each time you activate the quarterly bonus (then 1%). Other great perks: The last time the Chase Freedom Flex offered a direct pet-related category was Q4 of 2024, but that doesn’t mean the other options aren’t helpful.
Other earning categories (like Amazon or grocery stores) may also offer pet supplies, or you can splurge for yourself on another category you love. Subscribe to the CNBC Select newsletter! The CNBC Select Recommends newsletter delivers practical money tips each week along with expert-picked financial product recommendations.
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Source: CNBC
