Top credit cards for pet-related expenses

If you have a furry companion, you'd likely go the extra mile for them — from treats to cozy beds, along with essential food and vet visits.

You're not alone in this! Research suggests that pet owners spend an average of over $600 on cats and more than $900 on dogs annually.

It’s disappointing to see people earning only one point per dollar spent on their pet expenses. Therefore, we’re highlighting our favorite credit cards and tips to earn extra points on pet purchases.

Top credit cards for pet expenses

A credit card that offers bonus points in specific categories

If your card provides bonus points at grocery stores, it’s wise to purchase essentials like food and treats while grocery shopping. For cards with rotating categories, like the Chase Freedom Flex®, consider buying your pet's necessities from stores that qualify for bonus categories each quarter, such as supermarkets, Amazon, or Target (5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter when activated).

TPG credit card writer Olivia Mittak earned 8 points per dollar on pet purchases by leveraging the Q2 category on her Freedom Flex. By ordering from pet stores through DoorDash, categorized as dining on Chase cards, she earned an extra 5 points per dollar on top of the standard 3 points she typically receives.

Olivia uses the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, allowing her to combine her Freedom Flex rewards into Ultimate Rewards points.

Many pet-related expenses don’t fall under bonus-earning categories, so it's best to choose a card with a reliable flat earning rate for expenses like vet visits, boarding, and grooming.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card serves as an excellent all-purpose card, earning 2 miles for every dollar spent.

Welcome bonus: Receive 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

As of July 2024, TPG assesses Capital One miles at 1.85 cents each. When factoring in the value of the miles alongside the Capital One Travel credit, this welcome bonus equates to $1,388.

Annual fee: $95 (see rates and fees)

What we appreciate: This card offers an unlimited 2 miles for every dollar spent.

Capital One miles are simple to redeem, allowing you to apply them to a travel purchase on your card or transfer them to any of Capital One’s 15-plus partners. Your pet’s yearly vaccinations and monthly grooming can contribute to your next getaway.

For more details, check out our comprehensive review of the Venture Rewards card.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an excellent option for those seeking strong rewards on everyday purchases along with bonus cash back in select categories.

Welcome bonus: Receive an extra 1.5% cash back on all purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year), totaling up to $300 cash back.

Annual fee: $0

What we appreciate: The Freedom Unlimited offers 5% cash back on purchases made through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstore buys, and 1.5% on all other purchases.

This earning structure makes it a better option than cards that only provide 1 point per dollar or 1% back on your pet spending. Its true potential is unlocked if you also have the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, as you can transfer your rewards to that account and utilize them with all of Chase's travel partners.

For more details, check out our comprehensive review of the Freedom Unlimited.

Citi Double Cash

The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) features a straightforward earning structure, making it ideal for those who prefer not to track multiple categories.

Welcome bonus: Receive $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

What we appreciate: The Double Cash offers 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay), providing a reliable cash return on all your pet expenses without the hassle of tracking where you shop.

For further information, check out our comprehensive review of the Citi Double Cash.

Additional ways to save on pet expenses

Merchant offers

Chase and American Express frequently provide merchant offers that can help you save on your pet-related purchases. Regularly check the offers on all your cards and add any that might be useful. Be sure to use the card with the offer and shop at participating locations before the offer expires.

We suggest keeping a note on your phone to track which offers are linked to which cards, making it easy to reference when you're ready to buy.

Gift cards

If you have a credit card that offers bonus points for purchases at grocery or office supply stores, consider exploring the gift cards available at those locations.

You can buy gift cards for pet stores or retailers like Target or Amazon, and then use them to shop for your pet’s essentials while earning bonus points on those purchases.

Shopping portals

Always check your preferred shopping portal for retailers where you can purchase pet supplies to earn extra points on your transactions.

Platforms like Rakuten offer additional cash back through their shopping portal at hundreds of well-known online retailers. It’s beneficial to visit these sites regularly, as their offers can combine with your credit card's merchant deals and any category rewards you’re earning.

Bottom line

Whether you’re boarding your pet during vacation or stocking up on essentials, be sure to use one of the best credit cards for pet expenses. Our top strategies will help you maximize points or cash back on everything that ensures your furry friend has the best life possible.