The holidays are a popular time to gift a puppy or kitten to family, friends, or loved ones. While a pet may seem like a great gift idea there are a lot of expenses and responsibilities that come with owning a pet. Before you gift a new vet to someone this holiday season you should have a full understanding of what the costs of owning a pet actually are. From surprise pet visits to illnesses and hereditary diseases, this is what you need to know.
Additional HOA or Pet Fees
Depending on where you live, whether you rent or own, there can be additional fees you may incur for owning a pet. Pet fees can be as small as $30 a month to as much as one-time annual fees of $1,100 or more a year.
Additional Insurance Cost
You have health insurance, car insurance, life insurance, and with a pet you’ll definitely need pet insurance. Certain breeds, especially certain pure breeds, come with extensive medical issues. These costs are unavoidable and can cause frequent and high pet bills. Pet insurance helps to offset the cost of some of this.
Replacing Damaged Items
Let’s be honest, pets can be destructive; especially puppies and kittens. Even adult pets can have destructive episodes when in a new environment. Replacing new carpet, flooring, and furniture is not totally uncommon. This can be especially stressful if you are renting or have just purchased new flooring or furniture.
Boarding Costs
Do you love to travel? Do you often spend your weekends exploring new cities? If so, you might have to consider boarding your pet while away. Friends and family can pet sit but you only get so many opportunities to have pets and family watch your pet(s). Boarding can cost anywhere between $30-$100+ dollars a day. The advantage to boarding facilities is that your pet will be cared for by professionals who have access to vets and emergency pet professionals in the unlikely event something were to happen. Boarding also encourages pet socialization and can be a really enjoyable experience for them.
Grooming
Depending on the breed and size of your pet you may need to take your pet to a professional groomer once or multiple times a year. Grooming can cost as a little as $25 to as much as $100 dollars or more. Grooming can include baths, nail trimmings, de-matting, etc.
Annual Vet Visits
Just like you, your pet needs its annual physical. Visits can have a base cost of $90-$200 dollars. This does not include the cost of any additional testing, shots, medications, or grooming that may be required during their visit. The benefit of annual vet visits is that you can factor this cost in to your monthly or yearly budget.
Toys and Engagement Tools
Pets are incredibly clever and intelligent animals. Because of their intelligence, they require engagement toys and tools. While some of their toys may be relatively inexpensive (>$10) other toys can be extremely costly.
Flea, Tick, and Other Preventive Medications
No matter how great you are at grooming your pet fleas and ticks can sneak up on you. Preventive medications like flea, tick, and heartworm medications can cost you $60+ dollars a month. This is a cost that you do not want to skip as it can have a dramatic effect on the overall health and lifespan of your pet.
So you got a pet for Christmas….
Getting a pet is a really big decision and a decision that you have to live with for the entirety of the pet’s life. If you got a pet for Christmas, don’t stress. Kinn Kleanbowl can help you keep your pet’s oral health in check. When pets smell a 100% germ-free, bacteria-free, and virus-free bowl they are more likely to drink water more frequently. Additionally, clean bowls encourage higher-quality nutrition because pets WANT to eat all of their food. Shop Kinn Kleanbowl starter kits and more at www.kinninc.com
