Having a pet has a number of benefits, from companionship to keeping you active.  So it’s no surprise that in the UK, there’s an estimated 12 million of them. While pets give you a lot of comfort, they can come with a high price tag.  So here are some of the expenses you’ll need to budget for when you decide to get a pet for your family. 

1. The Initial Cost and Equipment 

If you look at websites where pets are for sale, you’ll see there’s a big variation in the initial cost of buying a pet. Small animals may seem cheap.  But they usually need hutches, runs and lots of equipment. Many ‘designer dog’ breeds are in high demand because of the way they look.  However they come with a high cost. Adopting a pet is often the least expensive option, although there are still fees involved you don’t end up accidentally supporting a backyard breeder. 

2. Early Vet Costs 

When you first get a pet, you’ll normally need to take it for an initial check-up, vaccinations, neutering and microchipping. In some cases, such as if you adopt an animal, this may already have been done for you. Find a trusted local vet such as Heart + Paw, and they’ll be able to give you the estimated prices for these essentials, as well as sending you regular reminders for things like boosters, flea and worm treatments.  

3. Monthly Costs 

From food to poo bags, the monthly cost of a pet will vary quite a bit. For example, if you have rabbits, they’ll need straw and hay, lots of veggies and a few treats, which doesn’t cost a lot if you have some good farm shops nearby. If you’re considering exotic creatures such as lizards, then you’ll have expenses such as live food and regularly replacing their UV bulb. Price up your pet’s monthly needs and factor it into your budget.  And don’t forget those big one-off expenses, such as replacing outgrown cages or broken hutches. 

4. Pet Insurance 

Vet bills can potentially run into the thousands — with an out of hours emergency or surgery being especially expensive. It’s important to get your pet covered for all eventualities.  Paying a small premium each month is much better than ending up with a massive bill because your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, or because the cat has got into a fight. 

5. Pet Sitting or Kennels 

Having a pet is a big commitment.  One that doesn’t go away when you go on holiday, visit family or have a weekend away. While small animals can often be left at home with a responsible pet sitter to come in and take care of them, it can be harder to find care for dogs. If you’re lucky enough to have family nearby who can take on a dog for a week, then this can work well.  Otherwise, you may have to add the cost of kennels to any breaks you take.  

Pets are great fun.  But it’s important to understand all the costs involved so that you don’t end up with a big surprise when you take one on.