Savings Tip: Reoccurring Pet Costs
Congratulations! You have added a member (or two?) to your family and you’re ready to enjoy life with your new companion. Here are a few recurring pet costs to consider.
1) Food: Your new friend probably loves meal time, and loves you even more for being the one who fills their bowl. Food for your pet is a recurring expense, but there are ways to save. If you buy pet food from an online retailer such as Chewy.com, you can save an extra 5-10% off on select brands when you sign up for auto ship. You can also shop around and try different brands to save some extra money.
2) Toys and Treats: When first starting out with a new pet, treats are a very helpful training tool. They can help reinforce positive behavior and encourage your pet to sit, stay, or remain calm while getting their nails clipped. Toys and accessories (perches for a bird or a cat tree) help stimulate your pet and allow them to feel at home in their new environment.
3) Grooming: Whether you take your pup to a local groomer or bring your cat to the vet to get their claws trimmed, grooming is an important expense to consider. If your pet will allow it, you can save money by doing these things at home, but the cost of pet shampoo, clippers, filters for a fish tank, etc. is something to consider.
4) Dog License: Many towns require residents to register their dog every year. This comes with an annual fee. Check with your town to see how much it will cost to have a dog.
5) Routine Medical Expense: Many pets require yearly vaccines and treatments. Sometimes you can save money (and time) by opting for longer lasting vaccines such as a three-year rabies shot versus a one-year shot.
6) Emergency Fund: You never know when your new pal will have an unexpected medical expense and it will save stress later if you begin budgeting for an emergency fund.
7) Pet Sitting: If you plan to leave town and need someone to look after your pet, it’s important to factor in the cost of a pet sitter or kennel.
8) Dog Walking and Doggy Daycare: If you are away from home for long periods of time during the day, you may want to consider the cost of a dog walker or doggy daycare. Your pet will need to be let out in order to use the bathroom, and to get some exercise.
Having pets can be a very rewarding experience but it is important to factor in the cost of their recurring needs in order to make sure they are happy and healthy.
If you haven’t brought home a new pet yet, read our blog about the expenses associated with planning for a pet.
