Raising a pet is an exciting and fulfilling journey, filled with entertainment, companionship, and plenty of snuggles. However, pet ownership can also be costly, and pet owners should be financially prepared for the responsibility that comes with caring for a pet throughout their life. Our team at The Pony Express Veterinary Hospital takes a look at the financial side of pet ownership to help you learn how to navigate pet care costs. 

The cost of adopting or purchasing a pet

The initial cost of adding a pet to your family depends on where you get your pet. Typically, shelter adoption fees are lower compared with the price of purchasing a pet from a breeder, especially for purebred or designer breeds. Shelter adoption fees can range from $50 to $500, depending on a pet’s age and species. Cat adoptions tend to cost less than dog adoptions. However, breeders’ prices can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

The cost of pet supplies 

The initial adoption or breeder fee is only the beginning. While you don’t need to buy out the pet supply store, you should ensure you have the essentials, which can cost $500 or more. Before bringing home your new pet, you’ll need to prepare for their arrival by purchasing the following supplies: 

  • Pet food
  • Food and water bowls
  • Leash and collar
  • Pet gates
  • Comfortable bed
  • Treats 
  • Chew toys
  • Grooming supplies

The cost of feeding your pet 

Proper nutrition is vital to your pet’s overall health. Investing in a high-quality diet may cost more upfront but can save you money over time by preventing health problems that nutritional deficiencies can cause. Pet owners typically spend between $500 and $1,000 per year on treats and food. With so many pet foods on the market, choosing the best diet for your pet can be overwhelming, and our team can answer any question and help simplify your decisions regarding your pet’s nutrition.

The cost of veterinary wellness care 

By investing in routine wellness care, you can prevent many illnesses and diseases in your furry pal, reducing overall costs. Wellness care includes regular nose-to-tail examinations to search for abnormalities that may indicate your pet has a hidden disease. By detecting disease in its earliest stages, we can provide less intense and more economical treatment, while giving your pet a positive prognosis and good quality of life. A condition that is not diagnosed until a late stage can be difficult to manage, taking a toll on your pet’s health and happiness, and expensive, taking a toll on your budget. According to this Synchrony study, veterinary expenses, including routine wellness care, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care, and prescriptions, can range from around $400 to $1,300 per year. Wellness care services and costs may include the following:

  • Spay or neuter surgery — Spay or neuter surgery ranges from $50 to $600 for dogs, and from $50 to $500 for cats.
  • Microchipping — Microchipping your pet costs about $50.
  • Vaccinations — Annual vaccination costs range from about $115 to $230.
  • Parasite prevention — Depending on the medication and your pet’s size, yearly parasite prevention costs from $120 to $440.
  • Exam fee — Your pet’s annual wellness checkup will cost from $50 to $250 and can potentially be more expensive if your pet needs blood work, dental work, or other diagnostic tests.

The cost of unexpected pet injuries and illnesses 

Veterinary care’s many technological advancements offer your pet treatment and diagnostic options, such as chemotherapy, radiation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and laser treatments, which can improve your pet’s longevity and quality of life. However, unexpected expenses related to illnesses and injuries can be costly. If your pet is injured or becomes ill, you may have to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for their treatment.

Ways to decrease the cost of pet ownership

Pet health insurance and care plans can make a big difference when trying to manage pet care’s financial responsibilities. Whether you would like to save money on routine veterinary care or want a safety net in case your pet has an injury or illness, the right plan can help you keep more cash in your wallet while you support your pet’s health and well-being. Pet insurance premiums can range from $20 to $50 per month on average. Typically, premiums are lower for young, healthy pets, and increase as pets age, so purchase insurance before your pet develops any pre-existing conditions that will limit their care coverage or increase your monthly premium. 

Owning a pet is expensive, but your bond with them is priceless. By budgeting for your pet’s expenses, you can ensure they receive the care they need when they need it. Schedule your pet’s next wellness exam with The Pony Express Veterinary Hospital team to help ensure you and your furry pal enjoy a happy and healthy life together.