Preparing for a new pet: The costs to consider

So, you’re thinking of adding a fur baby to your family? Exciting! You’ve probably spent loads of time debating what type of animal is right for you, and then even more time on deciding the all-important name (if they don’t have one already, of course).

There is plenty to think about when taking on a dog or cat, and it can soon start to add up cost-wise. Before you head out to bring a new furry friend home, it's a good idea to take some time to prepare your finances. While we can’t give you tips on how to help your new pet settle in, we can share a few tips for managing the expenses that will come along with your new housemate.

Costs to consider

General care and health

When it comes to keeping your pet happy and healthy there can be some costs that get overlooked, especially in the first year if you get a puppy or kitten. As well as feeding your new pet, you need to be prepared for regular vaccinations, monthly flea and worming treatments, registration with your local government, microchipping, de-sexing or sterilisation, and of course unexpected vet visits.

We know that vet costs – and pet insurance - can be hefty, but good preparation goes a long way to avoid being caught short in the weeks after your vet visits. Set up a separate savings account to prepare for unexpected vet bills, and utilise Pay&Save on your & Transaction Account to help your pet-fund grow without you even thinking about it.

Making your pet feel at home

As well as food, other essentials such as a bed, water and food bowls, toys, a collar and a leash or harness (for the dog in your life) can quickly add up. Plus, depending on the type of fur baby you get, the training needs may vary. For indoor pets, you may need to budget for toilet training mats or litter trays, baby gates or animal crates, and animal obedience training is good for puppies and dogs.

Make the most of your money, and ensure you shop around for the best deals on your pet consumables like food, toys and even regular flea and worming treatments. Convenience can often win over, and you may be willing to pay a little extra in price to save the hassle of going from shop to shop, but with lots of online retailers offering fast delivery and competitive pricing, you don’t have to comprise too much if you’re looking for the best value for money.

More to think about

Grooming your pet can get expensive. Consider washing your dog at home as this can save you lots of money compared to using a groomer, or even paying to use the dog wash facilities at your local pet store.

If you like to travel, especially overseas, bear in mind the added cost of boarding for your pet if they stay behind. If you have a family member or close friend that is happy to pet-sit, then that’s great, but you will definitely need to factor in kennel or cattery costs to your travel budget if not. With up to 45 days interest free on purchases, a P&N Bank credit card could help you cover the added costs.

Regularly walking your dog, visiting a dog park or going to the beach are all great, free ways to keep your dog exercised and healthy, but to be a responsible dog owner, you’ll need to have poo bags on hand. Just like babies and nappies, you may be quickly surprised by the amount you use, especially if you have more than one dog at home!

If you want to be prepared and make the most of your savings for your new arrival, then make sure you’re using our mymo app. Budgeting has never been easier thanks to the ability to set budgets by category and track where and how you're spending your money, all in one easy-to-use place.