Planning for new pet expenses

You can’t put a price tag on the love and affection you receive from a new pet. However, adding a new four-legged friend to your life does come with some financial investment—sometimes to the tune of hundreds, even thousands, of dollars per pet, plus unexpected veterinary bills from accidents and illnesses.

Here’s what new pet owners can expect from the first year with a new pooch or kitty—and how to keep those costs in control.

Common costs of bringing home a new dog

• Wellness veterinary care: vaccines, deworming, parasite preventives
• Supplies: Collar, leash, bowls, bed and/or crate, safety gear for car rides
• Food and treats
• Licensing fees, where required
• Microchip
• Training classes or private lessons with a trainer
• Toys, food puzzles and other fun stuff

For every item on this list, costs can vary widely, depending on where you live, where you shop, and how basic or upscale the items you buy.

Without taking into account the cost of the pet, first-year costs can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars in the first year. And that’s even before factoring in any unexpected veterinary costs.

Common expenses after bringing home a cat

• Wellness veterinary care: vaccines, deworming, parasite preventatives
• Food and treats
• Licensing fees, where required
• Microchip
• Initial supplies, like litter box, litter, cat tree or scratching post
• Toys, food puzzles and other fun stuff

As with dogs, costs can vary widely, again even without any unexpected veterinary care.

One way to save

Of course, when a medical emergency happens, the cost of caring for your pet be significant. Many people end up going into debt to cover essential veterinary bills when a pet gets sick or injured. Fortunately, pet insurance can help with these unexpected expenses.

Pet insurance provides pet owners with cash back on eligible veterinary expenses for injuries, illnesses and more. That way, their pets can get the best care for their needs, while protecting their parents’ pocketbook.

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