2021 UPDATE
|
Dog
|
Cat
|
Annual Costs
|
Food
|
$300
|
$225
|
Routine Medical Costs (Vaccines, Wellness Visits, etc)
|
$225
|
$160
|
Preventative Medication (Heartworm, Flea/ Tick)
|
$185
|
$140
|
|
Litter
|
|
$150
|
Toys
|
$37
|
$22
|
Treats
|
$60
|
$36
|
|
Health Insurance
|
$516
|
$348
|
|
Kennel / Boarding (per day)
|
$25
|
$25
|
|
|
|
License
|
$15
|
$15
|
Grooming Supplies (Shampoo, Conditioner)
|
$28
|
$28
|
Annual Total
|
$1,391
|
$1,149
|
|
Initial/One-Time Costs
|
Spay / Neuter
|
$300
|
$150
|
Initial Medical Costs (Vaccines, etc)
|
$300
|
$175
|
Collar / Leash / Harnesses
|
$60
|
$15
|
Microchipping
|
$20
|
$20
|
Litter Box
|
|
$20
|
Scratching Post
|
|
$15
|
Carrier
|
$50
|
$40
|
Crate
|
$60
|
|
Training Assets (Class, At Home Materials)
|
$200
|
|
Grooming Tools (Brushes, Clippers, Etc)
|
$40
|
$20
|
Initial Total
|
$1,030
|
$455
|
|
Special Costs
|
Professional Grooming
|
$300
|
|
Dental
|
$500
|
$300
|
First Year Total
|
$3,221
|
$1,904
|
We have a duty to look after our animal pals in good times and bad as responsible pet owners. But how can we provide for our pet's needs while pet care expenditures rise?
Here are some suggestions to help you cut costs on veterinary treatment for your pet.
Set up recurring checkups
Do not skip your pet's annual examination. Treating illnesses is significantly more expensive—and dangerous—than preventing them. Comparing preventative care rates between veterinarian clinics is another smart move.
Customize Your Pet's Vaccinations
While some immunizations are optional, others are crucial in the fight against deadly illnesses. Talk to your veterinarian about customising your pet's vaccination schedule if you must comply with local requirements or for the protection of your pet.
Neuter or Spay Your Pet
By avoiding significant health issues like uterine, ovarian, and testicular cancer, spaying or neutering your pet can help you save a lot of money. Numerous local shelters offer resources for free or discounted spay/neuter procedures.
Clean the Teeth of Your Pet
Dental disease can result in costly surgeries, heart and kidney issues, and kidney troubles. Create a dental routine for your pet to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Consult your veterinarian for advice on what to use and how frequently. Use only pet-safe toothpaste; human toothpaste includes fluoride and may cause stomach irritation.
Defend your pet from parasites.
Flea and tick infestations can result in a wide range of expensive medical issues, from mild skin rashes to potentially fatal blood loss. To keep the pests at bay, stick with a topical flea and tick treatment. Use items only in accordance with instructions. Never apply a dog-specific product to a cat.
Throw away the cigarettes
For pets, secondhand smoking is no joke; it can lead to lung, mouth, and nasal cancers as well as lymphoma, bronchitis, and asthma. You'll save money on vet bills if you stop right away. Avoid smoking around your pet whenever possible.
Think about getting pet insurance
Consider purchasing pet health insurance while your pet is still healthy if the cost of an urgent medical visit or major sickness might put a burden on your finances. Nevertheless, check the small print carefully because not all plans are made equal.
Purchase premium pet food
A high-quality pet food that has been manufactured in accordance with the standards of the American Association of Feed Control Officials is frequently more affordable than a homemade diet. Keep your pet from overeating, which can cause obesity and other health issues.
Pet grooming at home
Regularly cutting your pet nails and brushing your pet hair will help you avoid paying a groomer's visit fee. Your pet will benefit from it, there will be less hair in your home, and your cats will have fewer hairballs.