Having a family pet can come with hidden costs, and you really need to be aware of them BEFORE you bring your pet home and this collaborative post might be helpful and give you some things to think about as you decide if a pet is the best choice for you and your family.
Today, we will be taking a look at 5 overlooked costs of having a family pet. A family pet is a great addition to any household. They offer a different kind of love and reassurance than your human family members, and their unconditional love can help us in many ways that we don’t always notice. However, a family pet comes with a lot of responsibility. They deserve just as much as any other member of the family; they just don’t have a voice to tell you what they need. Before you take the plunge, you need to weigh up the costs of your new furry friend, so you know whether you can afford them.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is an often-overlooked cost of owning a family pet. For a small monthly fee, some of your vet bills will be covered if your pet requires any unexpected treatment. You can use this tool to find your insurance – they make the process super easy by comparing providers to find the cheapest quote. Once you have carried out a pet insurance comparison, you can take out cover online or over the phone.
Vet Bills
Unfortunately, some vet bills won’t be covered by insurance, such as neutering your pet, annual vaccinations, and health checks. Some people may think these aren’t necessary, but in order to be a responsible pet owner and have a happy and healthy pet, you must consider these costs. You must be prepared to pay for unexpected vet bills that may not be covered by your insurance provider.
Pet Supplies
Pet supplies are a recurring cost when it comes to owning a family pet. As they grow, the supplies will need to grow too. When pets are young, they will go through stages of being destructive. You will need to be able to afford their diet, especially if they require a natural diet due to allergies. Other supplies include toys, treats, and books for you to read on ownership and training.
Grooming
Any pet with fur will require grooming. This will keep the house clean, allow your pet to feel more comfortable, and keep them looking clean and tidy. If your pet has long fur, regular trips to the groomers are essential. This will reduce the risk of them matting, which can lead to your pet getting sick or sore from too much tangled and dirty fur.
Flea Treatment
Even if your pet is regularly groomed, they will still be at risk of catching fleas or worms if they haven’t had preventative treatment. Ideally, your pet should be treated for fleas and worms on a monthly basis. Certain medications prescribed by vets will require less regular treatment and will most likely be more effective. Preventing fleas will be much cheaper than trying to get rid of them.