Are You Ready for the True Cost of Pet Ownership?
Are You Ready for the True Cost of Pet Ownership?
Are You Ready for the True Cost of Pet Ownership?
Sep 30, 2021
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Have you been contemplating adding a new pet to your family?
Or maybe you're like me and can't remember a time when you didn't have a furry companion.
Regardless of if you already have a pet or are planning to get one, there are several costs pet owners encounter that you may not be aware of.
I've had dogs and cats my whole life, but it wasn't until I deliberately started tracking our pet expenses that I realized just how many there are and how quickly they add up.
The cost of pet ownership is expensive!
Here are the top costs of owning a pet I’ve experienced.
*Update: We recently added a new puppy to our family! I've included a rundown of the first week's costs at the end of this post.
Food
The cost of food may seem like an obvious expense, but it's also one of the most variable ones.
Depending on the type of pet you have, its size, and the quality of food you choose to buy, your food expenses may be anywhere from $20 a month to $100 or more.
Our first adoption, Duke, was supposedly a lab puppy.
Labs usually weigh around 50 pounds or so.
Duke ended up topping out at 100 pounds.
A few years later we adopted Bandit, a German Shepherd mix who weighs in at around 65 pounds.
I don’t remember the exact cost of their food as puppies, but I know the pet food budget grew as they did and we ended up paying close to $200 a month just in food once the 2 of them were full-grown.
We bought a high-quality dog food brand when they were younger and eventually switched to a cheaper brand as they got older.
If you’re looking to cut down on the expense of food without sacrificing quality, check out Dog Food Advisor for reviews and comparisons.
Supplies
The type of pet you're getting will determine the supplies you need but here's a list of some of the most common ones:
collar, leash, harness, and tag
food and water bowls
bed, crate, or carrier
litter or pooper scooper
scratching post or climbing tower
cages, habitats, and accessories (for smaller pets)
These expenses will vary but knowing the extra costs associated with caring for your pet once you bring him home will help you prepare your budget ahead of time.
Medical Care
When you first adopt a pet, you'll have a whole host of medical expenses that you may not be expecting.
From the initial vet visit and vaccinations to any preventative care like heart-worm medication and flea treatments, your expenses can add up fast.
Also, most shelters require you to spay or neuter your pet, though they often include this procedure in your adoption fees.
And those are just the immediate expenses for a healthy pet.
When we picked up Bandit from the vet after her spaying, she ended up having distemper.
Within 24 hours she was hooked up to IV fluids and spent a weekend under veterinary care.
I don't remember the exact cost, but I know it was several hundreds of dollars we weren't expecting.
There’s no getting around the expense of veterinary bills, but preparing for them in advance can make those situations a lot less stressful.
Start by budgeting for your initial adoption and vaccination fees as well as any expected checkups.
Also, consider starting a sinking fund for the unexpected visits you're bound to make.
While there's not a lot of financial wiggle room with most vet visits, there are some ways you can reduce your costs.
Check with your local vet and pet stores to see if they offer free vaccine clinics
Order medications and food online
Consider purchasing pet insurance
I don’t have a lot of experience with pet insurance and I’ve read conflicting information so make sure to do your research.
Here are some resources to help decide if pet insurance is right for you:
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? - The Washington Post
Worried You Can’t Afford the Vet? Pet Insurance Could be the Answer - Penny Hoarder
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How Does Pet Insurance Work And Should I Get It? - Canine Journal
Toys
Most pets like to play. How much and with what is an exploration you'll get to experience, and an expense you may not expect.
While I tend to spoil my kids (furry or otherwise), I’ve learned over the years that they gravitate to either one specific toy or one type of toy.
Some of our pups' favorites have been balls, nesting toys, and anything that squeaks.
Unfortunately, these don't always last long.
You can spend a small fortune replenishing your dog's toy bin if you're not careful.
By far the cheapest, most popular, and longest-lasting toy I've ever bought has been a laser pointer.
Not only was it a hit with my cat, my dogs, and even the neighbor's dog, it's also the easiest, most durable, and least messy way to play with your pet.
Our most recent addition, Cosmo, is a destructive chewer as well as a bundle of energy so we signed him up for a BarkBox subscription.
Now he gets new toys he can destroy each month for much cheaper than the cost of buying them individually...not to mention the cost of replacing the carpet if he doesn't have a proper chew toy.
Grooming
Grooming is an expense that largely depends on the type of pet you get.
Assuming your new family member doesn’t bathe itself, you’re going to have to do the job yourself.
The cost of grooming tools will also be variable based on what you buy and if you need any specialty products.
Shampoos and conditioners range in pricing, but investing in a good brush will save you time and money down the road.
You can also outsource your grooming chores.
Survey your new friends at the dog park to get some names so you can shop around. Different groomers have different pricing models.
Some price by breed (the type of fur) while some price solely based on size.
Have them give you an estimate for your particular pet so you can determine if the cost is worth it.
Boarding/Sitting
We can’t always take our pets with us when we travel, so it's important to determine how often and when you'll need to board them or find a pet sitter.
Pet sitting and boarding costs can vary dramatically based on who you use, but some strategies avoid this.
If you have family or friends with pets you can try to swap sitting duties. Or if you have neighbors or know some responsible teenagers, you can often hire them for less than an advertised sitter.
Even if you don't have travel plans anytime soon, it's a good idea to get some names and price estimates so you can be ready when the time comes.
Licensing
Pet licenses may not be something you've ever heard of or considered but most cities and towns require you to license dogs.
I’m not sure about other animals, so you’ll want to check with your local authorities to see what’s required.
The cost of pet licenses isn't usually a lot, but some localities do make it a recurring expense tied to tracking your pup's current rabies vaccination.
While you may be tempted to avoid license fees, the financial penalties if you get caught are usually much higher.
Time
Finally, the biggest hidden expense of having a pet is the amount of time they demand.
Don’t bring a pet into your home and expect it to just play in a corner by itself.
You’ll need to plan for playtime, training time, feeding time, bathing time, exercise time, and if you get lucky enough to have a snuggly pet, snuggle time.
When you commit to bringing a pet into your home, you’re committing to giving up a lot of your time to care for it.
There’s a huge reward of love and companionship for making this sacrifice, but if you neglect to factor in just how much care a pet can take, it may cost you.
When we first got Duke, apparently we weren’t playing with him enough to keep him from getting bored. His remedy for that boredom was to lick holes in the walls.
Bandit is a chewer, but luckily she sticks to rocks and her toys. While the toys aren’t super expensive to replace, dogs that go after shoes or clothes might present more of a challenge.
Not paying enough attention to your pet can cause behavioral issues that may cost you even more time and money down the road.
The Cost of Pet Ownership is High, But Totally Worth It
Pets are great and I can’t imagine not having the companionship they bring.
But if you’re interested in bringing a furry friend into your home, it pays to be aware of the costs involved upfront.
Don’t let the aww factor turn into the doh! factor when pet expenses start stacking up. Be prepared and you’ll be best friends forever.
<a id="puppy-update"></a>
UPDATE
Meet Cosmo, the most recent addition to the GFB family. As proof you can never be too prepared, here's a rundown of the first week's expenses.
Adoption fee - $200
Bowls - $3.78
Bed - $9.99
Toys - $117.37
Leash/harness/collar - $27.97
Food - $30.97
Treats/Chews - $38.95
Crate - $79.99
ID tag - $13.99
Puppy playpen - $33.07
Training book - $10.91
Total cost in the first week: ~$570
Have you been contemplating adding a new pet to your family?
Or maybe you're like me and can't remember a time when you didn't have a furry companion.
Regardless of if you already have a pet or are planning to get one, there are several costs pet owners encounter that you may not be aware of.
I've had dogs and cats my whole life, but it wasn't until I deliberately started tracking our pet expenses that I realized just how many there are and how quickly they add up.
The cost of pet ownership is expensive!
Here are the top costs of owning a pet I’ve experienced.
*Update: We recently added a new puppy to our family! I've included a rundown of the first week's costs at the end of this post.
Food
The cost of food may seem like an obvious expense, but it's also one of the most variable ones.
Depending on the type of pet you have, its size, and the quality of food you choose to buy, your food expenses may be anywhere from $20 a month to $100 or more.
Our first adoption, Duke, was supposedly a lab puppy.
Labs usually weigh around 50 pounds or so.
Duke ended up topping out at 100 pounds.
A few years later we adopted Bandit, a German Shepherd mix who weighs in at around 65 pounds.
I don’t remember the exact cost of their food as puppies, but I know the pet food budget grew as they did and we ended up paying close to $200 a month just in food once the 2 of them were full-grown.
We bought a high-quality dog food brand when they were younger and eventually switched to a cheaper brand as they got older.
If you’re looking to cut down on the expense of food without sacrificing quality, check out Dog Food Advisor for reviews and comparisons.
Supplies
The type of pet you're getting will determine the supplies you need but here's a list of some of the most common ones:
collar, leash, harness, and tag
food and water bowls
bed, crate, or carrier
litter or pooper scooper
scratching post or climbing tower
cages, habitats, and accessories (for smaller pets)
These expenses will vary but knowing the extra costs associated with caring for your pet once you bring him home will help you prepare your budget ahead of time.
Medical Care
When you first adopt a pet, you'll have a whole host of medical expenses that you may not be expecting.
From the initial vet visit and vaccinations to any preventative care like heart-worm medication and flea treatments, your expenses can add up fast.
Also, most shelters require you to spay or neuter your pet, though they often include this procedure in your adoption fees.
And those are just the immediate expenses for a healthy pet.
When we picked up Bandit from the vet after her spaying, she ended up having distemper.
Within 24 hours she was hooked up to IV fluids and spent a weekend under veterinary care.
I don't remember the exact cost, but I know it was several hundreds of dollars we weren't expecting.
There’s no getting around the expense of veterinary bills, but preparing for them in advance can make those situations a lot less stressful.
Start by budgeting for your initial adoption and vaccination fees as well as any expected checkups.
Also, consider starting a sinking fund for the unexpected visits you're bound to make.
While there's not a lot of financial wiggle room with most vet visits, there are some ways you can reduce your costs.
Check with your local vet and pet stores to see if they offer free vaccine clinics
Order medications and food online
Consider purchasing pet insurance
I don’t have a lot of experience with pet insurance and I’ve read conflicting information so make sure to do your research.
Here are some resources to help decide if pet insurance is right for you:
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? - The Washington Post
Worried You Can’t Afford the Vet? Pet Insurance Could be the Answer - Penny Hoarder
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How Does Pet Insurance Work And Should I Get It? - Canine Journal
Toys
Most pets like to play. How much and with what is an exploration you'll get to experience, and an expense you may not expect.
While I tend to spoil my kids (furry or otherwise), I’ve learned over the years that they gravitate to either one specific toy or one type of toy.
Some of our pups' favorites have been balls, nesting toys, and anything that squeaks.
Unfortunately, these don't always last long.
You can spend a small fortune replenishing your dog's toy bin if you're not careful.
By far the cheapest, most popular, and longest-lasting toy I've ever bought has been a laser pointer.
Not only was it a hit with my cat, my dogs, and even the neighbor's dog, it's also the easiest, most durable, and least messy way to play with your pet.
Our most recent addition, Cosmo, is a destructive chewer as well as a bundle of energy so we signed him up for a BarkBox subscription.
Now he gets new toys he can destroy each month for much cheaper than the cost of buying them individually...not to mention the cost of replacing the carpet if he doesn't have a proper chew toy.
Grooming
Grooming is an expense that largely depends on the type of pet you get.
Assuming your new family member doesn’t bathe itself, you’re going to have to do the job yourself.
The cost of grooming tools will also be variable based on what you buy and if you need any specialty products.
Shampoos and conditioners range in pricing, but investing in a good brush will save you time and money down the road.
You can also outsource your grooming chores.
Survey your new friends at the dog park to get some names so you can shop around. Different groomers have different pricing models.
Some price by breed (the type of fur) while some price solely based on size.
Have them give you an estimate for your particular pet so you can determine if the cost is worth it.
Boarding/Sitting
We can’t always take our pets with us when we travel, so it's important to determine how often and when you'll need to board them or find a pet sitter.
Pet sitting and boarding costs can vary dramatically based on who you use, but some strategies avoid this.
If you have family or friends with pets you can try to swap sitting duties. Or if you have neighbors or know some responsible teenagers, you can often hire them for less than an advertised sitter.
Even if you don't have travel plans anytime soon, it's a good idea to get some names and price estimates so you can be ready when the time comes.
Licensing
Pet licenses may not be something you've ever heard of or considered but most cities and towns require you to license dogs.
I’m not sure about other animals, so you’ll want to check with your local authorities to see what’s required.
The cost of pet licenses isn't usually a lot, but some localities do make it a recurring expense tied to tracking your pup's current rabies vaccination.
While you may be tempted to avoid license fees, the financial penalties if you get caught are usually much higher.
Time
Finally, the biggest hidden expense of having a pet is the amount of time they demand.
Don’t bring a pet into your home and expect it to just play in a corner by itself.
You’ll need to plan for playtime, training time, feeding time, bathing time, exercise time, and if you get lucky enough to have a snuggly pet, snuggle time.
When you commit to bringing a pet into your home, you’re committing to giving up a lot of your time to care for it.
There’s a huge reward of love and companionship for making this sacrifice, but if you neglect to factor in just how much care a pet can take, it may cost you.
When we first got Duke, apparently we weren’t playing with him enough to keep him from getting bored. His remedy for that boredom was to lick holes in the walls.
Bandit is a chewer, but luckily she sticks to rocks and her toys. While the toys aren’t super expensive to replace, dogs that go after shoes or clothes might present more of a challenge.
Not paying enough attention to your pet can cause behavioral issues that may cost you even more time and money down the road.
The Cost of Pet Ownership is High, But Totally Worth It
Pets are great and I can’t imagine not having the companionship they bring.
But if you’re interested in bringing a furry friend into your home, it pays to be aware of the costs involved upfront.
Don’t let the aww factor turn into the doh! factor when pet expenses start stacking up. Be prepared and you’ll be best friends forever.
<a id="puppy-update"></a>
UPDATE
Meet Cosmo, the most recent addition to the GFB family. As proof you can never be too prepared, here's a rundown of the first week's expenses.
Adoption fee - $200
Bowls - $3.78
Bed - $9.99
Toys - $117.37
Leash/harness/collar - $27.97
Food - $30.97
Treats/Chews - $38.95
Crate - $79.99
ID tag - $13.99
Puppy playpen - $33.07
Training book - $10.91
Total cost in the first week: ~$570
Have you been contemplating adding a new pet to your family?
Or maybe you're like me and can't remember a time when you didn't have a furry companion.
Regardless of if you already have a pet or are planning to get one, there are several costs pet owners encounter that you may not be aware of.
I've had dogs and cats my whole life, but it wasn't until I deliberately started tracking our pet expenses that I realized just how many there are and how quickly they add up.
The cost of pet ownership is expensive!
Here are the top costs of owning a pet I’ve experienced.
*Update: We recently added a new puppy to our family! I've included a rundown of the first week's costs at the end of this post.
Food
The cost of food may seem like an obvious expense, but it's also one of the most variable ones.
Depending on the type of pet you have, its size, and the quality of food you choose to buy, your food expenses may be anywhere from $20 a month to $100 or more.
Our first adoption, Duke, was supposedly a lab puppy.
Labs usually weigh around 50 pounds or so.
Duke ended up topping out at 100 pounds.
A few years later we adopted Bandit, a German Shepherd mix who weighs in at around 65 pounds.
I don’t remember the exact cost of their food as puppies, but I know the pet food budget grew as they did and we ended up paying close to $200 a month just in food once the 2 of them were full-grown.
We bought a high-quality dog food brand when they were younger and eventually switched to a cheaper brand as they got older.
If you’re looking to cut down on the expense of food without sacrificing quality, check out Dog Food Advisor for reviews and comparisons.
Supplies
The type of pet you're getting will determine the supplies you need but here's a list of some of the most common ones:
collar, leash, harness, and tag
food and water bowls
bed, crate, or carrier
litter or pooper scooper
scratching post or climbing tower
cages, habitats, and accessories (for smaller pets)
These expenses will vary but knowing the extra costs associated with caring for your pet once you bring him home will help you prepare your budget ahead of time.
Medical Care
When you first adopt a pet, you'll have a whole host of medical expenses that you may not be expecting.
From the initial vet visit and vaccinations to any preventative care like heart-worm medication and flea treatments, your expenses can add up fast.
Also, most shelters require you to spay or neuter your pet, though they often include this procedure in your adoption fees.
And those are just the immediate expenses for a healthy pet.
When we picked up Bandit from the vet after her spaying, she ended up having distemper.
Within 24 hours she was hooked up to IV fluids and spent a weekend under veterinary care.
I don't remember the exact cost, but I know it was several hundreds of dollars we weren't expecting.
There’s no getting around the expense of veterinary bills, but preparing for them in advance can make those situations a lot less stressful.
Start by budgeting for your initial adoption and vaccination fees as well as any expected checkups.
Also, consider starting a sinking fund for the unexpected visits you're bound to make.
While there's not a lot of financial wiggle room with most vet visits, there are some ways you can reduce your costs.
Check with your local vet and pet stores to see if they offer free vaccine clinics
Order medications and food online
Consider purchasing pet insurance
I don’t have a lot of experience with pet insurance and I’ve read conflicting information so make sure to do your research.
Here are some resources to help decide if pet insurance is right for you:
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? - The Washington Post
Worried You Can’t Afford the Vet? Pet Insurance Could be the Answer - Penny Hoarder
Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How Does Pet Insurance Work And Should I Get It? - Canine Journal
Toys
Most pets like to play. How much and with what is an exploration you'll get to experience, and an expense you may not expect.
While I tend to spoil my kids (furry or otherwise), I’ve learned over the years that they gravitate to either one specific toy or one type of toy.
Some of our pups' favorites have been balls, nesting toys, and anything that squeaks.
Unfortunately, these don't always last long.
You can spend a small fortune replenishing your dog's toy bin if you're not careful.
By far the cheapest, most popular, and longest-lasting toy I've ever bought has been a laser pointer.
Not only was it a hit with my cat, my dogs, and even the neighbor's dog, it's also the easiest, most durable, and least messy way to play with your pet.
Our most recent addition, Cosmo, is a destructive chewer as well as a bundle of energy so we signed him up for a BarkBox subscription.
Now he gets new toys he can destroy each month for much cheaper than the cost of buying them individually...not to mention the cost of replacing the carpet if he doesn't have a proper chew toy.
Grooming
Grooming is an expense that largely depends on the type of pet you get.
Assuming your new family member doesn’t bathe itself, you’re going to have to do the job yourself.
The cost of grooming tools will also be variable based on what you buy and if you need any specialty products.
Shampoos and conditioners range in pricing, but investing in a good brush will save you time and money down the road.
You can also outsource your grooming chores.
Survey your new friends at the dog park to get some names so you can shop around. Different groomers have different pricing models.
Some price by breed (the type of fur) while some price solely based on size.
Have them give you an estimate for your particular pet so you can determine if the cost is worth it.
Boarding/Sitting
We can’t always take our pets with us when we travel, so it's important to determine how often and when you'll need to board them or find a pet sitter.
Pet sitting and boarding costs can vary dramatically based on who you use, but some strategies avoid this.
If you have family or friends with pets you can try to swap sitting duties. Or if you have neighbors or know some responsible teenagers, you can often hire them for less than an advertised sitter.
Even if you don't have travel plans anytime soon, it's a good idea to get some names and price estimates so you can be ready when the time comes.
Licensing
Pet licenses may not be something you've ever heard of or considered but most cities and towns require you to license dogs.
I’m not sure about other animals, so you’ll want to check with your local authorities to see what’s required.
The cost of pet licenses isn't usually a lot, but some localities do make it a recurring expense tied to tracking your pup's current rabies vaccination.
While you may be tempted to avoid license fees, the financial penalties if you get caught are usually much higher.
Time
Finally, the biggest hidden expense of having a pet is the amount of time they demand.
Don’t bring a pet into your home and expect it to just play in a corner by itself.
You’ll need to plan for playtime, training time, feeding time, bathing time, exercise time, and if you get lucky enough to have a snuggly pet, snuggle time.
When you commit to bringing a pet into your home, you’re committing to giving up a lot of your time to care for it.
There’s a huge reward of love and companionship for making this sacrifice, but if you neglect to factor in just how much care a pet can take, it may cost you.
When we first got Duke, apparently we weren’t playing with him enough to keep him from getting bored. His remedy for that boredom was to lick holes in the walls.
Bandit is a chewer, but luckily she sticks to rocks and her toys. While the toys aren’t super expensive to replace, dogs that go after shoes or clothes might present more of a challenge.
Not paying enough attention to your pet can cause behavioral issues that may cost you even more time and money down the road.
The Cost of Pet Ownership is High, But Totally Worth It
Pets are great and I can’t imagine not having the companionship they bring.
But if you’re interested in bringing a furry friend into your home, it pays to be aware of the costs involved upfront.
Don’t let the aww factor turn into the doh! factor when pet expenses start stacking up. Be prepared and you’ll be best friends forever.
<a id="puppy-update"></a>
UPDATE
Meet Cosmo, the most recent addition to the GFB family. As proof you can never be too prepared, here's a rundown of the first week's expenses.
Adoption fee - $200
Bowls - $3.78
Bed - $9.99
Toys - $117.37
Leash/harness/collar - $27.97
Food - $30.97
Treats/Chews - $38.95
Crate - $79.99
ID tag - $13.99
Puppy playpen - $33.07
Training book - $10.91
Total cost in the first week: ~$570
Need some help?
Whether you're struggling to stick to a budget, overwhelmed with debt, or just wanting to feel a bit more in control, I'm happy to guide you toward your best next step.
Need some help?
Whether you're struggling to stick to a budget, overwhelmed with debt, or just wanting to feel a bit more in control, I'm happy to guide you toward your best next step.
Need some help?
Whether you're struggling to stick to a budget, overwhelmed with debt, or just wanting to feel a bit more in control, I'm happy to guide you toward your best next step.
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© 2024 GO FROM BROKE
This site may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy for more info.
© 2024 GO FROM BROKE
This site may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy for more info.
© 2024 GO FROM BROKE
This site may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy for more info.