Bringing home a pet is exciting. You think about the food, the bed, a few toys, vaccinations and all the other basics you’ll need to get them settled.
Then you actually become a pet parent.
Suddenly there are treats, dental care, parasite prevention, replacement toys, grooming supplies and that new bed they definitely needed after deciding the old one was no longer acceptable.
The cost of pet ownership goes far beyond the initial shopping list. And while some expenses are unexpected, many are simply everyday costs that are easy to underestimate.
Knowing what to plan for can help you budget better while still giving your pet everything they need to stay happy, healthy and thoroughly spoiled.
Why does owning a pet cost more than you expect?
Food is usually the most obvious ongoing expense, but it’s only one part of pet ownership.
Your pet’s needs will change throughout their life. A puppy or kitten may need training supplies, toys and different nutrition as they grow. Adult pets have ongoing preventative and everyday care needs, while senior pets may need specialised food, supplements or products that make daily life more comfortable.
Even smaller purchases can add up when they’re needed regularly.
That’s why a realistic pet budget needs to account for more than the food bowl.
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7 pet expenses that are easy to underestimate
1. Quality food and nutrition
Food is one of the biggest recurring expenses when it comes to pet ownership, but the cost can vary significantly depending on your pet.
Their age, size, breed, activity level and health can all influence what and how much they need to eat.
Some pets may also need specialised nutrition or veterinary-recommended diets because of allergies, digestive issues, weight management or health conditions.
And don’t forget the treats. Somehow, they always make it into the basket.
2. Preventative pet care
Preventative care is made up of lots of smaller things that can easily disappear from your budget.
Depending on your pet’s needs, you may need to plan for flea and tick products, deworming treatments, dental care and other preventative products throughout the year.
Keeping up with your pet’s preventative care can also play an important role in supporting their overall health.
If you’re unsure which products are suitable for your pet, speak to your vet before introducing something new.
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3. Dental care
Your pet’s teeth need attention too.
Dental chews, pet-friendly toothbrushes and other appropriate dental products can become part of your pet’s regular care routine.
Dental health isn’t just about fresh breath. Poor oral health can cause discomfort and may require professional veterinary treatment if problems become more serious.
Speak to your vet about an appropriate dental routine for your pet, particularly if you notice bad breath, difficulty eating or changes to their teeth and gums.
4. Toys and enrichment
That squeaky toy might look like an optional extra, but play and enrichment are an important part of responsible pet ownership and your pet’s overall wellbeing.
Toys can provide mental stimulation, encourage exercise and give pets an appropriate outlet for natural behaviours such as chewing, scratching and chasing.
Of course, toys don’t last forever.
Some become household favourites for years. Others meet their end approximately seven minutes after coming out of the shopping bag.
Factoring replacement toys and enrichment products into your pet ownership budget can help you keep your pet entertained without every destroyed toy becoming an unexpected expense.
5. Grooming
Grooming needs vary considerably between pets.
Some dogs may need regular professional grooming, while others only need a good brush, bath and nail care at home. Cats also benefit from appropriate grooming, particularly long-haired breeds or pets that struggle to groom themselves.
Your regular pet-care cupboard might eventually include shampoo, brushes, combs, nail-care products and other grooming essentials.
Understanding your pet’s coat and grooming needs can help you decide what you can manage at home and when professional help may be needed.
6. Walking and everyday essentials
Some pet products aren’t once-off purchases.
Leads wear out. Harnesses may need replacing as pets grow or their needs change. Bowls get damaged. Waste bags run out. Collars mysteriously start looking like they’ve survived an expedition through the wilderness.
Individually, these might not seem like major expenses, but they’re part of the ongoing cost of pet ownership.
Choosing appropriate, durable products can help you get more value out of the things your pet uses every day.
7. Your pet’s changing needs
What your pet needs today won’t necessarily be what they need five years from now. Part of pet ownership is being prepared for those needs to change as they grow and age.
As pets get older, their nutritional, mobility and comfort needs can change too. You might find yourself looking for different food, a more supportive bed, supplements recommended by your vet or products that make eating, walking and resting easier.
Thinking about these changing needs as part of your pet ownership budget can give you a more realistic idea of what caring for your pet may cost throughout their life.
How much should you budget for your pet?
There’s no perfect monthly pet budget when it comes to pet ownership.
A Great Dane and a Chihuahua aren’t going to get through the same amount of food. A long-haired dog may have very different grooming needs from a short-haired cat. And a senior pet’s shopping list can look completely different from a puppy’s.
Instead, think about your expenses in categories.
Regular essentials could include food, treats, preventative care and waste bags.
Occasional expenses might include grooming products, new leads, harnesses, beds and bowls.
Health and wellness expenses could include dental products, specialised nutrition and other products recommended by your vet.
Fun and enrichment covers toys, scratchers, interactive products and the occasional completely unnecessary item you buy because your pet will look adorable with it.
Because a realistic budget should account for the fun stuff too.
How to spend smarter on your pet
Keeping pet costs under control doesn’t mean choosing the cheapest option every time.
It’s about getting better value from what you buy.
Buy according to your pet’s actual needs
It’s very easy to overbuy when there are approximately 400 things your pet would look cute owning.
Start with what they genuinely need based on their age, size, lifestyle and health.
Compare value, not just price
A cheaper product isn’t always better value if you need to replace it more frequently.
For products such as leads, harnesses, beds and toys, consider durability, suitability and how often your pet will use them alongside the price.
Don’t wait until you’ve run out
Running out of food or preventative care products usually leads to a last-minute purchase when it comes to pet ownership.
Keeping track of the essentials you use regularly makes it easier to plan purchases ahead of time and include them in your monthly budget.
Look after the things you already own
Cleaning beds, washing bowls, storing food correctly and looking after leads, harnesses and grooming tools can help them last longer.
Keep preventative care on your shopping list
Some of the least exciting things in your basket can be among the most important.
Staying on top of appropriate parasite prevention, dental care, nutrition and grooming can support your pet’s everyday wellbeing.
A pet budget should include the good stuff too
Being a responsible pet owenrship isn’t only about preparing for expenses.
It’s also about giving your pet a good life.
The treats after a walk. The toy they carry everywhere. The comfy bed they refuse to use because your couch is apparently better. The food that keeps them going and the everyday essentials that help you take care of them.
Pet ownership comes with plenty of costs, but planning for them means fewer surprises and more room in the budget for the things that make being a pet parent so worth it.
From everyday essentials and premium pet food to treats, toys, grooming and preventative care, the Onepet Store makes it easier to find what your pet needs all in one place.
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