The price to buy, however, puts you in a whole new ballpark. Depending on the breed, you should expect to pay anywhere from $1000-$3000 for a dog, and anywhere from $300-$1000 for a cat. Not only is buying expensive, but you generally should expect a higher maintenance pet – at least in the beginning.
However, cats are ultimately more cost-effective than dogs, even though they usually live two to three years longer.
MagnifyMoney might be able to help, at least where your budget is concerned. We broke down the costs of owning a cat and a dog, so you can decide which of the most popular pets in the U.S. you’d like to bring home next.
You may feel prepared to welcome a cuddly companion into your home, but you’re undecided between a dog or a cat?
If cost were a deciding factor, cats are far less expensive than dogs; over their lifetime, they can cost anywhere from $13,625 to $17,510, while dogs can cost anywhere from $16,607 to $22,423
We based the lifetime costs on the average lifespan of dogs (10-13 years) and cats (12-15 years).
Prepare for the Unexpected
The last thing you want to consider when you bring your new pet home is that they may suffer a tragedy or serious illness, but it’s crucial to be ready for it. Even if you develop healthy routines like regular exercise, you should budget for unforeseen veterinary expenses.
After you become a pet parent, you might discover that you will stop at nothing to save the life of your dog or cat, even if it means jeopardizing your credit. Even though many pet owners believe that the sacrifices required for their pet’s well-being are worthwhile, putting money aside for a rainy day can help offset some of the costs associated with an emergency treatment or an unforeseen illness.
Putting money aside for unexpected pet expenses is a good idea, but it’s difficult to save enough to cover a major medical bill—especially if you’re paying off existing debt at the same time. A diagnostic procedure alone can cost up to $2,000. And common medical conditions, such as orthopedic surgery or removing a foreign body can cost $7,000. If your pet has a chronic condition requiring regular follow-up visits or medications, your pet could rack up tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
Plan for the worst by getting pet insurance rather than putting yourself in a position where you have to choose between the health of your pet and your finances. It can be tempting to skimp on pet insurance because of the mounting costs, but the peace of mind it provides is priceless.
Ways to Save Money on Your Furry Pet
If you’re not careful, pet expenses can easily spiral out of control. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to reduce the cost of pet care.
Getting your pet neutered or spayed should be one of your top priorities, unless you’re a breeder. This action not only helps you avoid unwanted litters of puppies or kittens, but it can also save you money over time.
Creating a budget for your pet’s expenses will help you stay away from overspending on pointless purchases. Begin by keeping a record of the monthly amount you spend on pet care. Use this information to set your budget for these costs.
Buying your pet supplies in bulk can help you save a substantial sum of money all year long. Many varieties of pet food have a shelf life of up to 18 months when stored properly.
The greatest method to reduce your pet’s medical costs is to spend money on preventive care. Avoiding expensive medical bills later on can be achieved by scheduling routine examinations, including dental care, and making sure your pet has received all required vaccinations, including those for heartworm and fleas and ticks.
You can groom your pet at home for between $200 and $400 less than you would have to pay for professional grooming services. After spending about $50 on the initial supplies, you can groom your pet at home for a lot less money.
FAQ
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