4 Pet Expenses That Might Be Wrecking Your Budget
Written by
Emily Fowler
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Pet costs can add up fast, and between routine care, surprise vet bills and those little extras, it’s easy to lose track of spending. In fact, a recent MetLife Pet Insurance survey found that 7% of Americans are carrying debt related to their pets, owing an average of $2,200.
Some costs are unavoidable, but others are worth a second look. Here’s where budgets take a hit — and how to keep expenses under control.
Grooming Costs
Professional dog grooming can be expensive, on average between $25 and over $150 per groom, according to Dogster. While some dog breeds require regular, professional grooming — depending on their coat type — others are lower maintenance and can get by with less regular appointments or even at-home grooming if their owners feel up to it.
Cats are generally easier and cheaper to groom, with professional sessions costing between $30 and $70, according to Catster. As cats are expert at grooming themselves, however, they generally don’t need the same help that dogs do, and routine brushing can be done at home for free.
Unexpected Vet Bills
Four in five pet owners have been caught off guard by an unexpected vet bill, according to the MetLife survey, with the average cost sitting at $1,100.
Pet owner Devin B. learned this the hard way after he and his partner rescued Shilo, a border collie/corgi mix.
“Within the first month, we noticed some bumps on her nose and took her in for what we assumed was a minor issue,” he said. “But after several rounds of tests and treatments, we eventually discovered she had a rare autoimmune skin disease.”
Because they hadn’t signed up for pet insurance early on, coverage for her condition was out of reach.
“Most providers considered it a pre-existing condition, making coverage nearly impossible or unaffordable,” Devin said. “In hindsight, getting pet insurance the moment we brought her home would’ve made a huge difference.”
Without insurance, they had to adapt fast. “We tightened our budget — cutting back on dining out, travel and non-essential spending,” he said. A credit card helped cover medications, surgeries and, ultimately, a life-saving amputation that gave Shilo a few more years.
Medications and Supplements
Though most medications are covered by pet insurance, sometimes owners end up having to pay out of pocket. Whether it’s because they don’t have insurance or the medication is for an existing condition that isn’t covered, it can be cheaper to buy from online pet pharmacies, regular pharmacies or even Costco.
Generic versions of medication and price shopping can cut costs significantly, particularly when it’s for pets on long-term medication.
As for supplements, not all are necessary — talking to a vet about what’s actually beneficial for the animal can prevent unnecessary spending.
Pet Sitting and Boarding
Traveling can be costly enough without adding pet boarding costs or the price of pet sitters. For cats, a stay at a cattery will cost between $15 and $45 per night, per Catster, with dog boarding slightly more expensive at between $18 and $60, according to Dogster. For travelers who like to go away regularly or for longer vacations, the costs can really add up.
It’s always worth considering whether friends, family or trusted neighbors might be able to help for a lower cost, or even as an exchange of favors, which is particularly easy with cats. Many people buddy up with fellow cat owners in their area to check in on and feed each other’s pets.
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