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The cost of living crisis is placing extra pressure on both pet owners both new and old. With spiralling prices, the cost of owning a pet is more expensive than ever. Reports coming to the VCMS are showing that many pet owners are worried about the cost of vet bills and how to provide the best care for their pets. In today’s blog we look at the costs associated with owning a cat and dog.
Owning a pet can be an immensely rewarding and enjoyable experience – however before buying a pet it is important to understand the costs that are associated with ownership. We explore some of the key costs to consider to ensure that caring for your pet properly won’t be too expensive.
Buying a pet
Understandably, the cost of buying a pet can vary immensely depending on the animal in question from a £5 goldfish to a £20,000 horse. Looking into your lifestyle and budget can help you understand the prices and pets that work for you. The most popular pets in the UK are cats and dogs and we focus on the costs of owning both.
Dogs
Dogs can range from £50 up into the thousands and more for rare pedigree puppies. The cost of dogs has also risen dramatically due to many people choosing to purchase a dog during the Covid lockdowns of the last 2 years. If you decided to go for the UK’s most common dog breed, the Labrador Retriever, a puppy would likely cost around £3,500.
Cats
Cats are usually less expensive than dogs and most cats cost between £50 and £150, but rarer breeds can reach well into the thousands.
Adoption
For those who may struggle at these levels, adoption could be an option. Rehoming fees at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home start at £95 for cats and £175 for dogs.
For dogs this cost includes microchipping, initial vaccinations, flea and worming treatment, neutering, a collar, identification tag and lead, a starter pack of food, advice and special offers, and four weeks’ free Petplan insurance.
For cats the fee will get you a full vet and behaviour assessment, microchipping, flea and worm treatment, neutering, initial vaccinations, a starter pack of food and four weeks of free Petplan insurance.
It may be worthwhile to research your local pet adoption service and find out who they have available and what their adoption fees include.
Day-to-day costs
Regular costs can differ depending on the size of your pet and level of pet insurance cover you buy.
Most dogs will cost owners at least £23,000 over their lifetime, with cats a cheaper option at around £12,000.
However, these prices can be much higher of your pet suffers from a chronic condition which requires regular trips to the vet and ongoing medication. Costs can also rise if your pet suffers an accident, or injures a third party and you do not have sufficient pet insurance cover.
Pet insurance
Other than food, healthcare is likely to be your biggest regular pet cost, so choosing the right pet cover can make a big difference.
Your policy can cover everything from accidents to acupuncture, we recommend thoroughly researching the options available to find the best one for your own circumstances and pet.
Pet insurance is not a legal requirement like car insurance, but it can still be a crucial failsafe if something goes wrong.
Extra costs
Pet passports
While a pet passport application costs £60, your pet will need to be vaccinated and microchipped so the costs could be more.
Putting your pet to sleep
When the time comes, it will cost between £100 and £450 to put your pet to sleep, depending on their size and whether euthanasia takes place at your home or at the practice.
Pet euthanasia may be covered by your pet insurance, so check your policy documents carefully
Pet cremation
Cremating your pet will likely set you back between £250 and £500.
If you are struggling with the cost of pet ownership, you may be eligible for assistance. Find out more via https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/care/financial
