Christ Yoder
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During the pandemic, many regional animal shelters were unprecedentedly empty. Still, shelters are filling up again‡ to pre-pandemic levels and hoping more potential pet owners will decide to adopt. If you are planning to adopt a cat, dog or other animal, you must plan for certain financial expenses.
There’s something special about the unconditional love families receive from their pets. Adding a new member to the family means new expenses for your budget. According to Money under 30‡, the annual cost for a dog can range from $380 to $1,170 and the annual cost for a cat can range from $430 to $870. These costs can cover a wide variety of pet needs.
Veterinary fees
Adopting a pet also means caring for a pet, so you’ll need to make sure your four-legged friend is in good health, which means paying for the services of a veterinarian.
When you neuter or neuter your dog or cat, it can cost between $20 and $300. Some adoption centers offer these services for free. If you’ve already adopted your pet, it’s important to find a veterinarian you trust, and if you’re adopting soon, be sure to ask what vaccinations and tests are included in the adoption fee.
Apart from these expenses, there may be additional emergency visits to the vet if your pet swallows something it shouldn’t have and becomes ill. Be prepared with savings set aside to cover those unexpected medical expenses.
Consider pet insurance
Many companies offer pet insurance to help cover some of your pet’s medical expenses. However, the monthly cost of insurance should be factored into your budget.
It’s important to enroll your pet for insurance as soon as possible after adoption, as no insurer will cover pre-existing conditions. Check with your benefits department for available policies.
Investing in insurance coverage for your furry friend will help alleviate some of the costs associated with owning a pet. It also provides peace of mind knowing you won’t have to worry about fundraising or delaying care for your pet when the unexpected happens.
Pet Food Costs
When bringing home a pet, of course, you will need to budget for food. Depending on the breed and the appetite of the animal, the cost may vary. Money Under 30 reported that the average annual cost of food for a dog can range from $250 to $750 and for a cat from $100 to $200. However, special dietary needs and preferences may alter the actual price.
Also, you should note that this does not include the cost of treats. Depending on your puppy or kitten’s personality, they may or may not enjoy a special treat once in a while. Treats are useful when used as a reward during training, which is especially important for young animals.
The amount of money you are willing to spend on a pet should influence the type of pet you decide to invest in – if any.
Animal training
Although cats don’t necessarily need to be trained, dogs definitely do. Even if you adopt an adult dog, you may need to train it.
Training classes can be expensive, and even if you decide that a puppy class isn’t your style, you’ll need to invest time in the process. Plus, your pup in training is highly likely to cause damage to your home or property that can really add up, like scratched walls or furniture, chewed up crown molding, or unearthed landscape.
Toys and scratching posts
Depending on the personality and playfulness of your dog or cat, you will also want to invest in entertaining toys. From scratching posts to dog bones, you’ll want to have the cash for those extra fun items for your pet’s enjoyment.
When pets are bored, they’re more likely to turn your belongings into toys, so investing in these items now is always a good idea.
Other miscellaneous costs for adopting a pet
Pets have additional needs you’ll need to consider, from beds to carriers and litter boxes. Consider visiting your local adoption center and pet supply store to work out the cost of everything you need to invest in your new addition. This can help you better understand the financial commitment needed for a pet.
Whether you have already added a pet to your family or are planning to adopt one in the near future, it is important to budget for expenses so that you are fully prepared for this new member of your family.
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