With nearly half of all households owning a pet, the British are undoubtedly an animal loving nation but it’s important to remember that pets don’t come with a one-off fee. Inevitably, our furry friends have lifelong needs so it’s important to consider whether you can actually afford one in the first instance. We’re going to look at some of the key things your money will go towards if you decide to bring a pet into your home.

Pedigree or rescue?

So, you’ve decided that you want a pet but where do you want to get one? A pedigree cat or dog comes with a high price tag so you could be spending 300 – 1,000 for some breeds. If you’re concerned about costs then it may be better to re-home a rescue animal from a local shelter; it’ll be cheaper overall and you’ll be giving the animal a second chance at life.

Settling in

Food and water bowls, bedding (that you can get from somewhere like Animals Matter), carriers, crates, cat litter, cat flaps, leads, toys, treats: these are just some of the things you’ll need to ensure the comfort and happiness of your new pet. A bored cat or dog could end up destroying your favourite furniture, which could mean parting with more money than you would like.

Training

You’ve finally brought your playful puppy or cute kitten home but the real work is just beginning. Dogs, especially, require proper training so you may need to consider registering your pooch into some Gateshead Dog Training program or alike classes. These academies normally would cover basic training as well as allowing your dog the opportunity to socialise with other canines. There would also be various programms, that these training centers would offer. However, the dog training costs can vary depending on location and duration of sessions.

Grooming charges

Cats don’t need much upkeep but, depending on the breed of dog, regular grooming may be required. This could mean a trip to the groomers every couple of months; a haircut for smaller dogs can range from 20 – 40 while larger breeds could cost 40 to 70.

Veterinary Bills

Owning any pet requires taking responsibility for its overall health and well-being so factoring in veterinary bills is essential. If you opt for a puppy or kitten then it’ll be necessary to get them vaccinated against any diseases before exposing them to the outside world. These initial injections can cost between 20 and 60. Perhaps, you want to get your new family member neutered? This could cost in the region of 60 to 180. Microchipping is also important to keep track of your pet if it strays and can cost between 15 and 20. Other treatments will be ongoing, including worming and flea prevention but you could save money by purchasing and applying flea tablets for dogs yourself.

Dog Walking Services

Dogs specifically need regular exercise so if you’re planning on getting a dog but work full or part-time, you may need to consider employing a professional dog walker for days when you’re unavailable. Prices range from 8 to 12 per hour.

Pet sitting

Booking a holiday may come with further complications now you own a cat or dog. How long are you planning to be away and who will take care of your pet in your absence? Some owners opt for catteries or kennels which can be costly if you’re planning to holiday for a significant period. For example, the daily price could be between 8 and 20 per day.

Food

Your dog or cat is another mouth to feed so it’s important that you budget for this. Food for smaller dogs and cats will naturally be cheaper as they consume less than larger breeds but annual costs can amount to 180 – 240.

Figuring out your finances and contemplating the costs is paramount when considering whether to bring a pet into your family home. It might mean tightening your belt and cutting down costs elsewhere but the unconditional love and joy your pet will give in return is truly priceless.