How Much Does It Cost To Own a Pet?
Too many of us rush into buying or adopting a pet without considering how much it will cost and the commitment it requires. Whilst the total first-year cost of owning a dog or cat differs, generally speaking, it really is quite significant. How so, you ask? Well, there are numerous other expenses you need to factor in other than just pet food, including training and an initial medical exam. Whilst short term Wizzcash loans are available in a financial emergency, dictating whether you can afford a furry friend prior to adopting them can help save a bulk load of hassle. Here, we’re taking a closer look at the costs of owning a pet you need to consider. Make sure you have the adequate budget before adding a furry friend to the family!
Vaccinations
Vaccination fees alone are significant, let alone the price of off the shelf medication and neutering or spaying. To give you a better idea, cat vaccinations generally cost $25 for the two injections against cat flu and feline enteritis. Whilst spending $25 doesn’t necessarily sound as though it will break the bank, many forget the annual booster costing $15. Over five years, this will cost a grand total of $75. For dog vaccinations against a range of various diseases, it costs an additional $23 from there each time, meaning that you’ll be spending an eye watering $115 to vaccinate your four-legged companion in the first five years. Just let that sink in. 
Litter
As well as vaccinations, you’ll also need to consider the cost of litter. Thanks to supermarket own brands, you no longer have to fork out $7 for a bag of branded litter. Today, ten litres of cat litter can cost you under $3, and depending on where you shop your weekly goods, you may even find a bag for less! Whilst buying litter isn’t going to break the bank, it’s something that is definitely worth considering. You can save money on all of your pet supply purchases by using a PetSmart coupon code.
Grooming
Not to mention the cost of grooming! The likes of brushes and nail clippers can easily add up to more than $25, forgetting everything else that is required to keep your pet looking fresh. Due to longhaired breeds spending a lot of time outdoors, they may require the services of a professional groomer to untangle fur. You can expect to pay anywhere between $40-$100 for standard grooming, depending on the size of your pet and as you can imagine, arranging this service on a regular basis can create quite the dent in your pocket!
Microchipping
Many of us decide to get our pet microchipped, but of course, this comes at a cost. If you’re not already aware of the purpose of microchipping, it simply means that your pet can be more easily tracked if it gets lost. It’s not just dogs and cats that can be microchipped either. Today, ferrets, rabbits and tortoises amongst an extensive list of creatures can be added to the database.
A pet is for life, not just for Christmas, and so when considering whether to expand your family, take into account the costs associated with having a furry friend. From microchipping, to grooming, the costs of owning a pet can quickly add up!
