Average Cost of a Pet: How to Save Money on Pet Care

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Questions

  • How Much Does it Cost to Own a Pet?
  • How Much Does Pet Care Cost Per Month?
  • What is the Average Cost of Pet Insurance?
  • How Much do Pet Vaccinations Cost?
  • Cost of Pet Food Per Month
  • Get the Latest Pet Food Deals
Having a pet that you can love and cherish is one of the best things in life, and something that is incredibly fulfilling. However, these are austere times and the average cost of having a pet is high, which is why we are constantly looking to offer the best possible value to animal owners. 
Before you consider purchasing a new fluffy friend, you must first make sure you can afford to meet their every need, starting with the basics; pet supplies, proper nourishment and hygiene (if you’ve got a new puppy, here’s a handy checklist to get you started).
Carry on reading for several ways you can save money and plan for the future - don't worry, we're here to help.

How Much Does it Cost to Own a Pet?

Experts say you should budget at least £12,200 for a dog, but depending on the breed and any external factors that arise, the cost of keeping a pooch safe and healthy over its lifetime can be significantly higher.
The annual cost of having a cat is around £1,500 (according to Battersea.org.uk); cats normally live for about 18 years, so it's important to think about these costs before getting one.

How Much Does Pet Care Cost Per Month?

The average monthly costs of pet ownership can be broken down into different categories:
Vets - Vet visits can often be the highest one-off costs and are difficult to budget for, as accidents and illnesses, unfortunately, can happen at any time. A routine trip to the vet can typically cost between £40 and £60, but the cost of treating injuries or illnesses can go a lot higher than this. You will want to make sure you look after your pet’s health to prevent having to go to the vets too often.
Food - The cost of food can quickly mount up, particularly if your pet has a penchant for more premium brands. It always pays to keep a close eye on Jollyes latest offers on pet food.
Accessories - Who knew that you’d need so much stuff when you got a new pet?! Whatever animal or breed you have, you’ll need beds, toys, bowls and equipment to walk and transport them
Day care and/or kennels - Owning an animal is a major responsibility and a decision that you simply cannot take lightly. You still want to retain your independence, so the odd trip to the kennels is unavoidable (unless you’re lucky enough to have hospitable friends or family who won’t mind looking after your pet!)

What is the Average Cost of Pet Insurance?

As there is no NHS for our fluffy friends, we advise getting pet insurance so that if unexpected mishaps happen, you don't get any scary bills.
Dogs are generally more expensive to insure than cats. On average, dog insurance costs around £11.33 a month and cats around £6.14 a month.
Vet bills can vary depending on the breed or size of your pet. Our top tips to cut the costs are:
  1. Charities - Check if your pet is entitled to free treatment, the PDSA offers support on sick or injured animals and the Blue Cross does emergency care if you receive financial support from the state.

  2. Take extra precaution - Taking care of your pets' health, ensuring they have the right vaccinations, worming, looking after their diet and dental health will save you a fortune in the long run.

  3. Research - Compare quotes for insurance providers; your bank or work may have some schemes in place to help you.

  4. Pharmacies - If  you need a prescription for your pet, ask your vet if they have it at the pharmacy instead, as they buy in bulk and tend to be cheaper.

How Much do Pet Vaccinations Cost?

When you initially purchase a kitten or puppy, the cost of their vaccines is one of the greatest outlays. To give your new friend the best chance of a long and healthy life, ensure that they receive both their initial vaccines and regular boosters.
You should be knowledgeable about the necessary immunisations, flea and worm treatments because doing so will help to avoid health issues in the future.
Clean teeth are also key! It's thought that around two-thirds of dogs over the age of three suffer from periodontal disease (infection around the teeth), so make sure you're brushing those pearly whites!
So how much does it cost? On average, the cost of the primary puppy vaccination package is £68 and the average cost of fully vaccinating a cat or kitten in the UK is £73.

Cost of Pet Food Per Month

We love treating our beloved companions and we want to make sure what they're digesting is full of yummy nutrients, but you also want to make sure you can get affordable pet food.
With the increase in the cost of living, many are worried about being able to feed their pets. The RSPCA, an animal welfare organisation, reported that 19% of 4,000 pet owners are worried about rising costs.
We recommend buying in bulk for dry cat and dog food, as it's cheaper. The most crucial thing to remember is that your pet is getting a well-balanced diet.

Get the Latest Pet Food Deals

For the best deals on pet food, check out the following links:
Read more articles for tips and tricks to help you look after your pet.