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Costs of Owning an Animal Companion

Everything in life is somehow associated with costs. Owning a pet companion is certainly no exception and has both emotional and financial costs. I deal with the emotional components all through this book, but here I will focus on the financial components.

It is estimated that in 2012, Americans spent $53 billion on our companion animals. Even in a period of sluggish economy, we topped the previous year’s spending by almost $3 billion. Obviously that amount triggers a need to more closely examine this facet of pet ownership.

Before we even get into the estimates (and I must stress that these are only estimates), I want to make it very clear that we choose to have animal companions because we love them, so monetary cost should not keep us from owning and enjoying a pet. However, cost must be considered if you want to be a truly responsible pet owner. Let’s take a look at the general cost categories and considerations.

Breeder or Pet Store

Costs to purchase a pet can range from $50 to $5,000+ depending on the pedigree, your plans to show the pet, and of course the type and rarity of a particular breed.

The caveat here is to research the breed and the breeder. Learn all you can about the characteristics, temperament, and lifestyle needs of the pet you are considering before you visit with a breeder. Ask your veterinarian pertinent questions and do your own internet and library research beforehand. Do not expect pet store personnel to know all the facts on a particular breed. Above all, do not fall for the “mall effect” of how cute is that doggy in the window without knowing what that breed will be like as an adult animal!

Rescue Group or Shelter Placement

Again it is wise to research or ask friends and your veterinarian about various shelters and rescue groups. Many breed-specific groups offer very educational sites online. Even though they may not offer a totally free adoption, they offer many services to a new pet owner, such as knowledge about the breed, temperament of the pet, and any age or health concerns. Do not be offended by the adoption protocols used by these groups. Remember, their goal is to find the best home for these pets. They offer lots of education and use proven methods to match you with a pet that has the best traits and temperament for your lifestyle. In addition, these groups sometimes offer follow-up placement advice, special rates on training programs, special offers on supplies from retail supporters, and special offers on pet insurance. Also the pets are often spayed or neutered and have up-to-date inoculations.

I have adopted pets in many ways including rescue/shelter groups. Realizing that cost is important, I urge all to consider the value of these groups and the many volunteer hours spent to help the adopted pets. Since many of these groups are charitable entities and depend on donations for their existence, please consider giving them a donation in addition to their adoption fee. If at all possible, try to cover part or all of the costs not included in the adoption fee. These are usually veterinary costs. An additional amount of $50 to $100 is so welcome for these groups. The donation may be tax deductible (check this out with your tax consultant) and will be most appreciated.

If money is short you can always ask what they might need in the way of supplies or volunteer help. I have donated bags of food, given my time to help with events, and been a contact for a purebred rescue group to identify and help transport pets from shelters. I even served as the secretary for a breed club health research group. But financial help is always good and I often send monetary tributes to these groups as a condolence for a friend’s loss of a pet.

Estimated Costs for the Necessities

I have listed the critical categories here since these are the items or services that are necessary for the survival and well-being of your companion animal. There are of course tons of other things that you might want to supply, and there are always life’s little surprises that must be dealt with, such as unexpected illness or accidents.

Here is a generic list for your review. The amounts shown are very broad ranges depending on the size of your companion, the number of companions you have, and where you live. Bear in mind, living in the rural Midwest is considerably less expensive than living on either coast or in an urban area.

I strongly recommend that you find current sources of information and costs online and through your vet. Online you will find comprehensive breakdowns of costs by species for small, medium, and large dogs. It is also possible to obtain cost estimations for cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, small mammals, small birds, and fish. The lists below focus primarily on dogs (all sizes) and cats. The broad ranges are shown as estimated monthly costs.

Annual Veterinary Care for Healthy Pet

Veterinary care - $150-$1000+

(annual check-up/immunizations including annual license)

Monthly Breakdown

Food - $30-$100+

Flea control and heartworm prevention - $40-$75

Litter (cats only) - $10-$50

Toys and treats - $5-$50+

Grooming - $0-$100+

Pet insurance - $7-$75

Estimated One-Time Costs for Pet Needs

Spay/neuter - $75-$400+

Collar and leash - $1-$40+

Microchip - $25-$75+

Litter box - $25-$50

Crate or carrier - $40-$150

Scratching post - $30-$150+

In addition to the above, the items listed below are often not considered until they are needed and then come as a surprise to a new animal owner.Please remember, by the time you discover these needs and their costs, you will already have those paw prints on your heart and will have to find ways to pay for these things. It is important to remember that making a mature decision at the onset is always in the best interests of the owner and the companion animal. We can all find ways to stretch our financial resources, so make sure you consider all the present and future needs so you don’t find yourself “stretched to the limit.”

Some Additional One-Time and Annual Costs to Consider:

Training classes (highly recommended) - $50-$350

Bed - $10-$200

Fence - $750-$2000+

Bowls - $1-$50

Car restraint - $20-$75

Grooming tools (annually) - $10-$200+

(including shampoo/eye cleanser/dental products)

Costs That We Rarely Think About Until the Need Arises:

Day care costs - $5.00–$100.00 per day

Boarding costs - $7.00-$100.00 per night

Dental care - $35.00-$250.00+ per cleaning

Professional grooming services - $25.00-$150.00+ per groom

Waste disposal - $40.00-$100.00+ per month

None of the lists include emergency care or treatment of long-term illnesses. Unfortunately life is such that we must prepare for the unexpected. Losing a pet or having to withhold treatment that could save a pets life is truly a heartbreaking event. I urge you to plan ahead for these expenses as difficult as it might be. It is part of being a responsible pet owner.

I strongly recommend investigating pet insurance coverage when you initially adopt a pet. Just as human insurers have exceptions and conditions for insuring a person, similar rules may apply for pets.

Not all pets are eligible for pet insurance, but always research this protection online and weigh the costs of the monthly premium with your best estimate of potential long-term costs. There are many companies offering pet coverage and I highly recommend that you consider obtaining or calculating an estimate using your own research.

You will find that the Internet has a plethora of information about pet insurers, how to assess plans, and how to estimate costs for your dog or cat. There are numerous testimonials from clients that represent a comprehensive list of pet insurance providers. I recommend using one of the many sites to find a company that offers insurance in your state and offers plans appropriate to your pet’s needs. The cost of the plan is of course important, but be sure your veterinarian will accept the plan you choose before you enroll.

Money is Not Important to Our Pets

Remember, the thing that costs the least and your pet enjoys the most is your time:

•Take time to talk to them and greet them

•Take time to pet them

•Take time to walk them

•Take time to play. Choose games that do not promote bad habits or undesirable behaviors. (This is as much for you as for them.)

•Take the time to supervise them when they are playing with interactive toys or games until you are sure they will not destroy them or harm themselves

•Take time to nap with them or just watch them nap—there is absolutely nothing more relaxing

•Take time to love them with all your heart because they return it 1,000 times over