Most people consider their pets to be members of the family, so they don’t think twice about the cost of looking after them. But the challenges posed by the pandemic have caused many to fall on hard times, and pets have sadly been abandoned when their humans are no longer able to afford to keep caring for them.
It is, therefore, crucial to examine some of the expenses that come with caring for an animal. The following assumes they are common household pets such as dogs and cats, not exotic choices that come with higher costs.
Initial costs
Depending on the breed of the pet and the reputation of the breeder, purchasing a pet can be expensive, ranging from a few hundred to thousands of ringgit.
Adoption is the preferred and more affordable way of getting a pet. Shelters are always looking out for would-be adopters, and usually require a small payment related to deworming, neutering and vaccinating the animal, or to contribute to operational costs.
On the downside, pets at shelters might have certain illnesses that could prove costly in the long run, such as having to pay for dialysis if the animal has kidney failure. Also, as abandoned animals usually have a history of abuse or neglect, training classes might be required.
Furthermore, certain types of pets may require licences from your municipal council.
Food
Food makes up a significant chunk of pet-related expenses. The larger the pet, the bigger the food budget. Depending on the animal, the type of food required can range from leftover meals to specialised feed.
On average, cats and dogs consume anywhere from RM50 to RM300 monthly, depending on the grade of food. Buying pet food in bulk can help you save money, but watch out for expiry dates.
If you are a busy individual who does not have time to prepare food for your furkids, there are services that start from RM40 a month that will prepare pet meals and deliver them to your doorstep. They will cater to your pet’s preferences, making sure all nutritional needs are met.
Toys, treats and accessories
A pet will need playthings to occupy its time. Toys can help create a healthy relationship and strengthen the bond between pet and owner.
Getting the right accessories such as pet beds, food and water bowls, playpens and kennels, toiletries such as kitty litter and pee pads, as well as collars and leashes can mean a lot to your pet’s wellbeing.
Luxury pet items can cost a lot if you are not cautious about your spending. Focus on the necessities first, before splurging on items that aren’t essential.
Medical care and supplements
Taking care of a pet’s health can be expensive and time consuming. Getting regular checkups is crucial to prevent illness and disease.
Veterinary care can start from as low as RM35 to as high as RM200, depending on the establishment and the requirements of the animal. Vaccinations, boosters and supplements can be as much as a few hundred ringgit to keep your pet in tip-top condition.
If your pet suffers an illness, then diagnostics, medicine and treatment can reach as high as thousands of ringgit. This type of emergency expenditure can be burdensome, so pet insurance has become important to those seeking to offset potentially exorbitant amounts.
Alternatively, set aside an amount of money each month to be prepared for the unexpected.
Pet-sitter or boarding services
If you plan to travel, services such as a pet sitter or boarding will ensure your pet’s needs are covered when you are away. These can cost a few dozen ringgit a day to a few hundred, depending on the service.
Animal boarding can get really expensive depending on the quality of stay, including meals and exercise that might be included in the package. An alternative is to hire a pet sitter who comes over to check on your furry or feathered friend and look after their needs.
In conclusion, sharing your home and heart with animals can be expensive but the rewards far outweigh the costs. Pet owners should keep themselves abreast of the best ways to save on petcare so it does not become a financial burden.
That way, both two- and four-legged species can enjoy quality of life and quality time together.
This article first appeared in MyPF. Follow MyPF to simplify and grow your personal finances on Facebook and Instagram.