Canadians are pet lovers, with about 57% of Canadian households owning at least one pet. If you are an animal lover and finally ready to bring a pet home, you will indeed be in good company.
First things first, though, you have probably already heard that pets do not come cheap. This will be something that will require fore planning and budgeting. Fortunately, you can take a cash advance online to cater for some of the costs.
How do you budget for a new pet?
Pet ownership costs can be categorized into initial one off fees and recurring costs. Here are some of the expenses to include in your budget.
One Time Costs
Pet acquisition
You might either buy a pet from a breeder or adopt one from an agency. Adoption is cheaper than an outright purchase, but it will still cost some cash.
Shelter adoption fees are $250 for an adult dog and $60 for an adult cat. You pay $150 and $250 for a kitten and puppy, respectively. Purchasing from a breeder or pet store will be steeper than this.
Spay or neuter
Spaying and neutering costs vary according to several factors. The size or age of a dog is one. A large animal will cost more than a smaller one. An overweight pet or one in heat will also cost you more. The costs should range between $350 to $800.
Microchip
You always want to be sure that you can find your pet if it ever wanders off. One of the easiest ways to do this is to get a microchip installed. Again, this is a one-off thing with a one-time payment. This will cost you about $27.
Recurrent Costs
Besides the one-time costs at the point of getting the pet, it will have other recurring needs and requirements. Some of these include:
Food
This costs about $450 to $1200 a year. Some pet owners opt to get fresh food delivered, pushing the costs up to $4800 a year. Then there is %50 to % 180 for teats.
Vet Visits
Your pet will need to see their vet routinely to ensure they remain in good health. These should cost between $80 and $150 annually. Factor in dental care entails chews at $45 to $180 and heartworm prevention at between $40 and $115.
Hygiene
These are items or activities that will ensure everyone in the household is comfortable after bringing a pet home. These include things like litter boxes, brushes, shampoos, and so on. These should average $25 to $115 annually.
Despite the costs, having a pet can be extremely exciting and has proven to benefits one’s health. With good planning and foresight, this is something you can execute successfully and enjoy the rewards.
Leave a Reply