Your pet can live an average of ten years. If you're committed to taking care of them, you can expect to spend at least $50,000. That's like buying a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)—twice.
However, some people desire to have a pet on an income level—one that can't afford the SUV and takes the public bus, perhaps still finishing the car loan payment.
No matter where you are on the financial totem pole, take time to check the price tag you'll pay should you decide to own a pet.
Deciding to own a pet can be compared to starting a business or building a house—but on a smaller scale. Just like the two, owning a pet is (1) an important financial decision and (2) incurs a one-off cost. So, before you open your heart and wallet on pet ownership, consider totaling these upfront costs.
Budget $0-300
Adopting a dog or a cat is free of charge for the most part. This is true if you're adopting a pet from a good friend or family member.
On the other hand, getting one or several pets from an animal adoption center is beneficial. They get to tell you more about the pet's behavior and personality. Plus, it's also well cared for. That being said, the care that the adoption center gives has a cost that they pass on to you if you decide to seal the deal.
Budget at $50-300
An unvaccinated pet is susceptible to a lot of illnesses. During its first year, it can suffer life-threatening conditions such as canine parvo or leptospirosis. Once they have contracted these illnesses, it's hard to care for them.
That's why vaccination is a must in the pet's first to the second month. So if you're adopting a puppy or a kitten, you'll need to get it vaccinated the soonest they're ready.
Budget at $50-300
Spaying and neutering pets is a form of pet ownership responsibility and safety. This is because certain aggressive behaviors manifest when a pet is not spayed or neutered.
For example, a cat can bite or scratch you even without you threatening them. They'll also likely howl more as it is a form of mating signal. Spaying and neutering help your pet tone down these behaviors. It also prevents any undue reproduction that fills the animal shelters unduly.
Budget at $300-1,000
Before and during your pet's arrival at your home, you'll need to purchase initial pet items. Things like tags, collars, and leashes are essential items you must get even before your dog arrives. Get a carrying case or crate so you can bring your pet home or to the vet conveniently. You'll also need a dog house or a cat sleeping pillow where they can rest.
Once you've made the initial investment for your pet, you'll have to consider the repeated cost. After all, a pet is a living, breathing creature that relies on you for care and quality of life. Therefore, most act of day-to-day pet care incurs a cost.
Annual budget at $200-1,000
Food is at the top of the list when it comes to your pet's daily needs. The amount of food your pet needs will depend on its size and breed.
If you get a Saint Bernard as a pet, most likely, you'll be spending a lot on food. On the other hand, smaller pets like cats may require less but may feed more often.
Annual budget at $100-700
Dogs and cats need vitamins and supplements to protect their health when interacting with the environment. For example, walking your pet dog or letting your cat play in the backyard entails some health risks. Supplements will help them combat those risks.
Another purpose of supplements is to protect your pet from harmful parasites such as worms, fleas, and ticks. It's a preventive treatment to ensure your vet bill doesn't skyrocket.
Annual budget at $500-2,500
Veterinarian services are another important cost you must prepare for. On average, you must take your pet to the vet every quarter for a quick health checkup.
Throughout the year, your pet may suffer an illness. So you'll need to pay your vet more than just the consultation fee. Services such as laboratory or boarding costs must be taken into consideration.
Annual budget at $50-500
We often think pet grooming is reserved for the posh dog breeds like a poodle or a Shi Tzu. But grooming extends to other breeds as well. Grooming is about cleaning. Professional groomers make sure that your dog or cat is in top hygiene condition so it doesn't attract parasites.
Getting your pet groomed professionally is recommended because it is difficult to do independently. In addition, your pet may act up or cry in pain if you don't know how to do it right. That's where pros come in handy.
Annual budget at $100-300
If you're going for a vacation or if you have a business trip, you'll need to part with your pet for a while. It's practical to leave it to your next-door neighbor and just give them a food allowance. But this may not be wise in the long run.
Eventually, you'll have to board your pet or hire a pet sitter. You'll need these people to make sure they give your pet care and attention while you're away.
Annual budget at $50-200
Play is part of the pleasures of owning a pet. After a stressful day, you just want to feed your dog or cat and have them fetch something or train them to sit. For you to do this effectively, you'll need toys and treats. If your idea of play is dressing up your pet, you'll need to invest in several costumes, too.
Toys and treats are considered unessential, but they enrich you and your pet's interaction.
Annual budget $50-300
Pets bite and scratch. And most of the time, they'll be biting and scratching and bumping on the pet supplies you initially bought.
For example, the cat's sleeping pillow will be torn apart, or the leash nearly bitten in half. Other initial pet items you bought will also wear out and get damaged. You'll need to replace them before they become unusable.
Apart from the cost we incur that benefits our pet, there are other costs that are hidden in plain sight. These are costs that we incur as part of the lifestyle of having a pet.
There are plenty of these indirect costs, but we'll focus on the more immediate and recurring ones.
Budget $200-1000
Certain landlords are okay with having pets in their rental homes. But they understand the potential risks and damages a pet may do to their rental property. That's why they charge a conditional amount.
For most rental policies that allow pets, there are two types of cost: the one-time pet deposit of around $200 and the pet rent that amounts to around $50 per month.
Budget $50-1,000
If you travel with your pet at least once a year, consider allotting as much as a thousand dollars. Traveling by air with your pet dog or cat has an estimated cost of $250. Note that this doesn't account for land travel and short trips, which will take another chuck of cost on the travel list.
Aside from that, there are other fees you need to consider paying. Lodging fees, cleaning fees, and train travel fees are some of them.
Budget may vary
Another indirect cost of owning a pet is liabilities. If your dog harms someone, you may have to pay the damage. Damage to personal properties caused by your dog, such as broken home furniture and appliances, may have you putting out for an unexpected replacement.
We know pet ownership can be financially daunting. But that doesn't mean it's impossible for you to own a pet. Even better, you can own a pet that you'll only spend money once and reap the benefits for as long as you like.
Why not get yourself a Perfect Petzzz? It's a life-like animal that is handcrafted to bring you the experience of having a pet but without the hassle of expenses.
Having a pet to love and care about is a beautiful thing. It should be an opportunity available to everyone. Whether you can afford a real pet or not, Perfect Petzz will remain a viable option for you. So take the opportunity to experience the joy of owning a pet without digging deep into your pockets. Take a leap with Perfect Petzzz today.
If you want to see more Perfect Petzzz, check out our website and find plenty of worthy and no-maintenance pet candidates. You can also check out our blog posts to get more tips and advice about pets and pet ownership.
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