1New Pet Expenses

Bringing your new pet home is certainly an exciting time for a new pet owner.

However, there are several expenses you will be faced with right away.

Costs of Owning a Dog

• Your new dog is going to need a well-fitting collar, a leash, and identification tags so that he can be returned to you in case he gets lost.
• He is also going to need a water dish, a food dish, and food to go into it!
• A comfortable bed or basket and an assortment of toys to stave off boredom are additional expenses.

Additional Expenses for a Puppy

If you are bringing home a puppy, instead of adopting an older dog, you will need to consider the initial expenses that are involved with house training your dog.

• Do you plan on using a crate?
• Do you plan on sequestering your new puppy in the kitchen or bathroom? (If you do, then you will need to consider a safety gate and safety latches on your cabinets in order to keep your puppy from discovering potentially toxic cleaning supplies in your cabinets).
• If your home has extensive carpeting on the floor then you may need to invest in a small hand-held carpet cleaner and something to clean up the accidents that are sure to happen until your puppy is trained.

Costs of Owning a Cat

While it can certainly be somewhat more budget-friendly to bring home a new cat than it is to bring home a new dog, there are still considerable expenses to related to your new family member.

• First and foremost you will need a well-fitting collar with identification tags for your cat.
• A litter box, or two, with a selection of cat litter in case your new family pet has a dislike for one that you try is an absolute must-have!
• Your new cat will require a carrier for trips outside of your home, and for providing him with a safe and secure place to hide until he is more comfortable in your home.
• A comfortable bed or basket is a must-have for cats who love soft places to take naps.
• Toys and scratching posts will not only help to stave off boredom for your new cat but will also help to prevent destructive scratching behavior.
• A water and food dish, along with an age-appropriate food is another additional pet expense! Remember that the nutritional requirements of a kitten will differ from those of an older cat!

2Vet Expenses to Consider Before Pet Ownership

If you have adopted your pet from a rescue group or animal shelter then there is a good possibility that he is already neutered and current on his required vaccinations. However, as a responsible pet owner it is your job to ensure that your dog or cat continues to remain healthy and happy. Routine veterinary trips can quickly add up to be a considerable and unexpected expense, especially in the event that your new pet has not yet seen a vet.

There are many pet clinics that offer services to pet owners who may be on a tight budget; including a low-cost option for neutering and the basic state required vaccinations – like rabies.

• Unexpected Illness & Injury

  It is important to realize that pets do fall sick or get injured, regardless of if they are indoor-only pets. A cat who is never allowed outside may still wind up at the vet for costly surgery on an ear hematoma or other self-inflicted injury. If you have multiple pets, they may inadvertently injure one another while playing – it is important to expect the unexpected expense when it comes to pet ownership.

• Aging Pets

  As your beloved pet ages he is going to require a lot more specialized and routine care in order to ensure his optimal health is maintained. Older pets are prone to developing diabetes, cataracts, problems with their joints, and are even more prone to developing cancers that are costly to treat.

• Food & Environmental Allergies

  Many breeds of dogs, and cats, are prone to developing allergies related to their food or to something in their immediate environment. Not only can the treatment for their allergies run up a large bill at your vet’s office, but the cost of allergen-free food for your pet can put a serious crimp into any budget! While there are lower-cost alternatives, it is still a factor that you should take into serious consideration.

3Obedience Training & Socialization

Another important part of getting a new puppy is giving them some form of obedience training and socialization with other dogs.

It is important to take him to obedience training classes.

Without obedience and socialization training you are running the risk of raising a dog that is destructive, does not walk on a leash, and potentially even a dog that develops serious negative behavioral issues...and that is not responsible pet ownership.

4Pet Care Costs

If you travel extensively you may need to consider the costs of boarding your pets or putting them in doggy daycare for day trips. Most boarding establishments will not permit animals in their facilities unless they are current on all of their vaccinations, including distemper and kennel cough.

To ensure the safety and health of your pet it is important that you board them at a reputable boarding location. Opting for a lower-cost facility that may not have tight rules related to vaccinations is generally not a good idea. If they are willing to compromise on the health of their guest pets what else are they willing to compromise on?

If you often work long hours in the office then you may need to consider hiring a pet walker to come in during the middle of the day to take your dog for a walk. This is a great service that will certainly benefit your dog. It will also benefit you because your dog won't be so wound up when you return home. However, it can also add up to being a somewhat costly service over the course of time.

Whether you live alone and are looking for a companion to come home to, or you are looking to include a new pet into your already busy family, owning a pet is a huge responsibility. Make sure you consider the costs of owning a pet to be sure you can afford them before you bring them home to be part of the family.

Are there additional costs of owning a pet that we don't have on our list?