With over 62% of UK households owning a pet, it’s no secret that we’re a nation of pet lovers. But if you’re considering joining the cohorts, you should know how much pets can cost.
Costs to consider
Pet insurance
Just like any insurance, pet insurance is designed to protect you against vet bills if your pet becomes ill or has an accident. With treatments and surgeries being in excess of thousands, over their lifetime these charges can put a serious dent in anyone’s savings.
If you’re desperate to get a pet, but you’re working on a seriously tight budget, you could get accident-only insurance. This is the cheapest type of insurance and will cover vet bills if they’re injured in an accident.
Microchipping, neutering, and vaccinations
If you have a dog, it’s a legal requirement to have them microchipped. Whilst cats don’t have to be chipped, it will give you that peace of mind that, should they end up lost, they can be identified by a vet and returned home safely.
Unless you plan on breeding your pet, you should consider neutering them. Neutering a pet comes with myriad benefits, including reducing the risk of spraying and marking territory, which in turn leads to them being less aggressive.
Like humans, animals get sick too. There are some diseases that are preventable with vaccinations. If you’re purchasing a puppy or a kitten from a responsible breeder, they should have their first vaccinations before you take them home, but it is then your responsibility to pay for any additional vaccinations.
Flea and worm treatments
Flea and worm treatments aren’t just a one-off. You’ll need to keep on top of treating your pet every few months to reduce the risk of infestation. Whilst treatments are relatively cheap, you’re still looking at several installments a year on flea and worming tablets.
How to save money on pet costs?
Pets are a life-long commitment. Whilst there’s no denying the love and companionship they offer, they are a financial burden. Before you pick up your pet, you should seriously think about your finances and how much you can afford to pay on a daily, monthly, and annual basis.
But, if you’re committed to becoming a pet parent, there are some money-saving tips you should know:
- Buying food in bulk is often cheaper, but make sure your pet actually likes it first!
- If your pet needs medication, it can sometimes be cheaper to ask for a prescription and find an online pharmacist.
- Just as you would shop around for the best car or home insurance, you should consider looking at price comparison sites for the best insurance policies.
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