Unexpected Health Cost of Having a Pet

So you had to get a pet. Quarantine was getting to you so much that talking to your plants just wasn’t enough. Well, I hope your work-from-home situation is on point, because those little fur balls are super expensive.

There really needs to be some kind of class offered for people who have never owned pets. You probably just think, well, I just have to feed them, right? Basic staples to keep them alive. Well, you’re not, not wrong.

Just the Basics

So to even be allowed to take a pet home you have to have to fill out forms and pay a fee. This could be anywhere from $5 if the shelter is doing a special to try to get some pets adopted out, or up to $100 PER PET just regularly. I know, it’s for the shelters to be able to run and take care of all of the animals, but cheese and rice.

Start Up Costs

Getting a pet for the first time is kind of like starting up a business. There are so many initial costs you probably didn’t think of.

• Pet Bed: $25
• Collar/tags/leash: $25
• Spay/neuter: $100-$200
• Food dishes: $15
• Crate/carrying crate: $50

What Else Do Pets Need

Once you bring your pup or crazy cat into your home, what are some other costs you might find popping up? Well, prepare to pick your jaw back up while we take a look at some pet parent prices.

• Food: on average $200 a year for a dog, $75 for a cat
• Toys: minimum $20 (yeah right)
• Prevention medicine: $75
• Annual checkup: $75
• Treats: $50 (treat yo self applies to them too now)

Surprise, Your Pet Needs Insurance

I don’t have a cute doggo to get a fun Halloween costume for, because 2020 is barely letting me keep myself alive. But holy Beetlejuice Batman, I just found out pets are supposed to have health insurance. Did you know that? I had no idea that was a thing!

Just like your children, your pets are supposed to be under your health insurance. Or have their own plan. That you have to pay for. Doesn’t really seem fair, does it? They can’t go to work to pay for their premiums.

Unless you have a TikTok famous animal who helps pay the bills, you are paying health insurance for a jerk cat who throws up on your bed to let you know he’s still there. So places like Pumpkin Petcare are there to for you to take your dog to the vet every time they get sick from eating your food when you turn your back.

But You’d Die for That Little Butt

Even though you are now just working to keep your pet in fashion heaven (and hey, how come their shampoo costs more than yours??) you wouldn’t trade them for anything. You have a built-in foot warmer, someone who is always happy to see you when you get home, and someone who will annoy the crap out of you until you feed them. You have a companion for years to come, and that’s a pretty adorable thing.

If you are thinking of getting a pal to keep you company until 2023 when we finally get out of quarantine (come on US, get it together!!) you should do a bit of research on all of the other costs that come along with having a pet. Annual check-ups, shots, medication. Not all of your pet’s needs are cute packages that magically arrive on your doorstep.