Taking on a new pet is a big commitment, whether you’re adding another rescue cat to the household, adopting a new puppy or getting a hamster for the kids (which you will inevitably be taking care of!). Animals can take up a lot of your time with walks, cleaning, grooming and of course, cuddles! They also come with a financial burden, which if not taken into account, can make pet ownership more stressful than joyful. It’s important to think about how much your pet will cost you throughout the year as well as throughout their lifetime, before taking them on. We have put together a guide to costs you will need to consider before taking on a new pet.
Dogs
The basic set up (beds, crates, bowls, toys, puppy pads, collar and lead)
The price of making your home dog friendly will vary depending on the size of dog and just how luxury you want to go! You can source some items, like crates or doggy gates second hand but most items will need to be brought new.
Food and treats
This will vary depending on your dog’s size and dietary requirements from £20-£60 per month. Look at the price of some good quality ‘complete’ diets and the feeding guides for your dog’s weight (or expected weight for puppies) to gauge how much you will need to set aside for their food budget.
Vaccinations
Initial puppy vaccinations are around £85 and their annual booster is around £55-£85 depending on if you would like the kennel cough vaccination. Annual vaccinations are important as they protect your dog from potentially fatal diseases and your appointment includes a health check so your vet can flag any potential health risks. You can save money on vaccinations with our Platinum Pet Club.
Flea and worming treatment
We recommend dogs are protected from parasites with a monthly prescription flea, tick and worming treatment as well as a 6 monthly tape worm treatment. Prices will vary depending on your dog’s size and your product choice from around £15-£25 a month. Health care plans, such as our Platinum Pet Club save you money on your pets routine health care and you’ll know exactly what to budget for their parasite control and vaccinations each month.
Grooming
If you have a dog with high grooming needs, they may need a grooming session as much as every 6-8 weeks, with an average cost of £40-£50.
Neutering
Castration for males starts at £170 whilst spays for females start at £300.
Training
From puppies to older dogs, training classes can be hugely beneficial and should be included in your budget. Prices will vary depending on the level of training your dog needs. You can even look at some fun agility or flyball classes!
Vet care and insurance
Insurance costs will vary from £20-£100 a month depending of your pet’s age and the type of policy you choose, and it will increase as your pet gets older. Unlike car or home insurance, it is extremely likely that you will make use of your pet’s insurance policy. Financially, you should be prepared to pay for your pet’s fixed excess and possibly a co-payment amount for any treatment they receive. Please visit our insurance guide for more information.
Holidays
Pet sitting or kennelling can vary from and average of £20-£40 a day. If you plan on taking your dog on holiday in the EU, you will need an Animal Health Certificate.
Lifetime care
The average lifespan of a dog is 10-15 years and they rely on you financially for their entire lives.
Cats
The basic set up (cat carrier, beds, bowls, scratching posts, grooming tools, cat flap, toys and litter trays)
Some cats might be happy with one set of bowls, one bed and one litter tray, others might demand a water bowl in each room and their own private lounge area. You can decide how best to make you home cat friendly, a good cat carrier is a must, read our guide to choosing one.
Food and treats
This will vary from £10-£55 a month depending on your cat’s dietary needs (and level of fussiness!)
Litter
Depends on the brand, but on average will cost £20-£30 a month.
Vaccinations
Initial kitten vaccinations are around £105 (including a microchip) and their annual booster is around £60, including a full health check.
Flea and worming treatment
We recommend cats are protected from parasites with a monthly prescription flea, tick and worming treatment. Cats can join our Platinum Pet Club which includes their parasite treatment and vaccinations, a great way to budget monthly for their routine care.
Neutering
Castration for males starts at £85 whilst spays for females start at £135. Unless you also plan on budgeting for a litter of kittens, neutering is a must!
Vet care and insurance
Insurance costs will vary from £20-£100 a month depending of your pet’s age and the type of policy you choose and will increase as your pet gets older. Unlike car or home insurance, it is extremely likely that you will make use of your pet’s insurance policy. Financially, you should be prepared to pay for your pet’s fixed excess and possibly a co-payment amount for any treatment they receive. Please visit our insurance guide for more information.
Holidays
Catteries and pet sitters can vary in price and need to be added into the holiday budget!
Lifetime care
The average lifespan of a cat is 16-18 years and they rely on you financially for their entire lives.
Rabbits and guinea pigs
Budgeting for two!
Rabbits and guinea pigs are social creatures and should always be kept as pairs.
The basic set up (housing, bedding, exercise area and toys)
Just because our small furry friends might be cheaper to buy, it does not mean their needs are less. Rabbits and guinea pigs need large, secure enclosures that meet their needs. Take a look at The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund’s guide for rabbits and RSPCA’s guide for guinea pigs.
Bedding, Food and treats
Budget for around £40 a month for pellets, hay and fresh veggies as well as bedding substrate.
Vaccinations
It is recommended rabbits have an annual vaccination which costs around £80 and includes a nose to tail health check. Guinea pigs don’t require vaccinations but it is recommended they have an annual health check which costs £50-£55.
Neutering
Castration for males starts at £95 whilst spays for females start at £195.
Vet care and insurance
Rabbits and guinea pigs may need veterinary care during their lives and even thought they are smaller, the care they receive is no less than that of a dog or cat. Pet insurance is available for smaller animals and costs will vary from £10-£25 a month depending of your pet’s age and the type of policy you choose and will increase as your pet gets older.
Lifetime care
The average lifespan of a rabbit is 8-12 years and for a guinea pig it is 5-7 years and they rely on you financially for their entire lives.
Hamsters
The basic set up (housing, cage cleaning material, pet carrier, ball, wheel and toys)
Hamsters need a good size and secure cage to live in with hiding spots and enrichment toys to keep them happy. Visit the RSPCA’s guide to housing to help you choose a suitable home, a good size cage can cost £50-£100.
Bedding substrate
This is the stuff your hamster will be spending most of their lives running through so we think it should be top quality. We recommend an absorbent paper bedding as the main substrate and some shredded paper or cardboard as a nesting material. Budget for around £10 a month for bedding.
Food
Hamsters don’t need a lot of food, they are after all, very small. Opt for good quality pellets rather than cheaper muesli at around £3-£4 a bag which should last a couple of months.
Vet Care
Hamsters can get sick and may need to see a vet, though they are unlikely to be suitable candidates for complex or expensive procedures. We would recommend budgeting for £100-£150 for vet fees in their lifetime. This is based on the average amount that is usually spent on a hamster, although it is worth bearing in mind that where there are treatment options, this will set you back more, so this is on the lower end of the scale.
Lifetime care
The average lifespan of a hamster is 2-3 years depending on the breed and they rely on you financially for their entire lives.
Pets are meant to be loved and enjoyed; constantly worrying about the financial burden they place on you as their owner can be avoided if you know the likely cost of owning them from the start. That being said, we are aware that financial circumstances can change for pet owners. If you are struggling with the cost of owning a pet, we recommend speaking to the PDSA or Blue Cross for support.
Call us on 01435 864422 if you would like more information about the cost of veterinary care for your pet.
