How much does it cost to keep a dog? How much does it cost to keep a cat?
According to a recent news article in the Adelaide Advertiser it costs the average Australian family $746 a year to keep a pet dog and $583 to keep a cat. The annual costs of keeping a dog include:
1. food
2. flea, worm, heartworm and tick control (buy online at VetShopAustralia.com.au – its cheaper :) )
3. vet visits (pet insurance can help)
4. a toy or two
5. grooming fees
6. brush & shampoos/conditioners
7. collar and lead
8. council licence/registration fees
9. pet sitting/boarding
This is all on top of the initial costs of getting a dog including the price of the dog (consider a shelter dog), vet check, vaccinations, bedding, food and water bowls etc.
If you’re thinking of getting a cat, you’ll be up for the same sorts of expenses (although generally because cats are smaller than dogs, there are cost savings).
Although Australia has a very high proportion of pet ownership (there are more dogs and cats in Australia than humans!) the incidence of pet ownership seems to be declining a little, and cost does appear to be one of the factors. There are ways of saving money owning a pet, but you need to remember to keep these costs in mind.
Of course, there are benefits (including costs benefits) to owning a pet. For example:
- pet owners visit the doctor less and get sick less often
- pets (especially dogs) deter theft and break ins
- exercising your pet at the park saves on gym fees
- playing with your pet is cheap fun for you (and the kids!)
We certainly think each one of our pets is worth the cost!
1 comments
But the love you get is worth every cent!
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