New AI tool can predict your pet’s annual vet bills before they happen — and the estimates are eye-opening for many owners
A general announcement drew wide attention with the launch of a new AI tool that can predict a pet’s annual veterinary costs in advance. The early estimates surprised many and quickly sparked interest. This set the stage for a closer look at what the tool offers, why it was created, and how it may help families plan for the expenses that keep climbing each year. The moment also reflected the growing pressure on households as they try to balance affection for their pets with financial limits, making a simple, free tool, introduced on November 11, 2025, for future expense planning all the more timely.
As reported by Trend Watching on Monday, November 17, 2025, Pet insurance provider Pumpkin has launched a free AI-powered Pet Health Predictor that uses a pet’s breed, age, and geographical location to estimate future veterinary expenses and highlight likely health conditions. The tool aims to give pet owners a clearer view of what is ahead, especially as costs continue to climb. The predictor breaks down future treatment needs, preventive steps, with examples showing how much bills can vary, and detailed wellness plan options. Here's an example by PR Newswire to better understand how it works: a four-year-old male French Bulldog in New York may face bills ranging from $1,305 to $2,710 each year, as per the tool. The launch comes at a time when many pet owners are skipping needed veterinary visits due to cost, reflecting a growing financial strain that the company believes this tool can help ease.
This rise in expenses has been building for years as pet care becomes more advanced and more expensive. Lifetime ownership costs in the US have gone up nearly 12% for dogs and 19.4% for cats since 2022. Dog owners often expect lower costs, guessing about $8,158 over 12.5 years, but real costs over 15 years can reach $60,602. Cat owners also underestimate, expecting $5,735, while costs may hit $47,106, per Pet Lifetime of Care. Even small pets cost more, rising from an expected $2,977 to about $14,938, according to The American Animal Hospital Association. The report delivered by the tool highlights common conditions tied to each pet’s profile and the likely cost of many services. Pumpkin explains that the aim is to help people stay ahead of both health risks and financial surprises.
The company says the predictor uses artificial intelligence to identify future risks and project realistic expense ranges. It also shows personalized options so families can decide how to plan their pet’s wellness needs. “Veterinary care is advancing rapidly, which is great for our pets–but it's also making care more expensive," shared Michael Landsberger, Chief Product & Growth Officer at Pumpkin. The company believes the tool supports its mission to help pets live longer, healthier lives by offering free access and clear information that any owner can use. With this tool, Pumpkin hopes pet families will be “better equipped to financially plan–and proactively care–for the dogs and cats they love,” reinforcing its position as one of the highest-rated and fastest-growing pet insurance providers in the US.