How to Decide if Your Family is Ready for a Pet

How to Decide if Your Family is Ready for a Pet

Deciding to get a pet is a big deal. They provide companionship, love, and sometimes exercise! But they also come with a price tag. Today I’m going to break down the hidden costs of owning a pet.

Over the weekend, it looked like my dog had stuck his snout in a fire ant hill. His mouth and nose were covered in bumps, and the skin around his eyes started to dry out and flake. When we took him to the vet, we were informed that he has a non contagious form of mange that appears like an allergic reaction. 

The solution to this issue is a special medicine he will have to take every 3 months for the rest of his life. This special medicine is about 3x as expensive as the flea & tick medicine we had been giving him previously. On top of that, the vet bill was over $200. If we had not prepared ahead for expenses like this, it could have thrown off our whole budget! But instead of panicking, we were prepared for a situation like this. 

Over the course of their lifetime (or your ownership of them) a pet can cost you thousands of dollars. And that is if they are healthy! The average dog lives 10-13 years. A cat can live up to 18! That is a long commitment that should not be taken lightly. There are many factors to consider when bringing a new animal into your home. Below we will take a look at some things to consider if you are ready for a pet. 

What if You Already Have a Pet?

All of the tips mentioned below are still worth considering, you just now know that a budget IS necessary, rather than hypothetical. Look back over three months worth of banking statements. This will give you an idea of how much you are actually spending on your pet each month. Follow the other tips to make sure you have a safety net in place for your pet. 

Look at Your Budget

How much money do you have left over each month after your bills and savings? Is there a certain amount you are comfortable spending on a pet each month? What would be too much? Can you realistically afford to buy food and toys every month? What about those odd months when they outgrow their collar or need a cone or new leash? Have you looked into the price of grooming tools or bedding?

PS: We have used a crate similar to this crate since my dog was a puppy and it is a workhorse. We’ve schlepped it on multiple trips and it has held up incredibly well!

Gather Information

• How much do you want to spend monthly on food? Toys? Medication?
• Is there a special brand of shampoo you need for your cat’s sensitive skin?
• Does your pet require new nesting materials (gerbils, hamsters, ferrets, etc…)?
• How much would it cost if you need to board your pet during a vacation?
• If you travel with a pet, does that mean they will fly with you? Drive? 
• How often do they go through toys? We have a lab and he chews through soft toys in 2-3 days. The more durable toys cost a bit more, but tend to last longer. 

Know How Much You Are Willing to Pay For an Emergency

Some people would pay any amount to save their pet after an accident or negative veterinary diagnosis. Others, not so much. You need to determine how much you are comfortable spending if something happens to your pet. While we never want to dwell on the possibility of our pets getting hurt or dying, it is a very real possibility that you should prepare for in deciding if you are ready for a pet. 

If your pet pig needs a $6,000 surgery, are you willing to cover that cost? If your cat needs a special prescription for a tear duct issue, are you willing to continuously pay for it? What amount would make you consider rehoming your animal, or avoiding getting one altogether?

Be Prepared to Discuss Death With Your Kids

I mentioned it above but it warrants repeating. At some point, your pet will pass away. You need to be prepared to have a conversation about death with your children in a loving way. If you are unable or unwilling to do this, you need to consider whether having a pet is right for you. Although death cannot be avoided entirely, it is an uncomfortable topic for many people. This is a factor that should be seriously considered when deciding if you are ready for a pet.

Be Prepared to Be a Responsible Pet Owner

Many dogs like to escape and wander, which can put them in harm’s way. Making sure you can contain your pet is important.

Cats and dogs that are not neutered or spayed can make babies. If you are unwilling to take on 8 puppies or 10 kittens, be prepared to have your pet fixed so that it’s offspring does not burden your community (and/or humane society!).

Do you realistically have the time to take care of a pet? If it is going to be your child’s pet (specifically, with the child being responsible for it), you need to be aware that as the adult, you may have to take responsibility if your child is unable to do so.

Create a Plan With Your Partner

My husband and I have very different opinions on how much is reasonable to spend on an emergency. If we had never discussed it, we would have been super stressed out in the middle of an emergency. Creating a plan also keeps you from spending emotionally during a crisis.

When we first brought our dog home, we decided that we wouldn’t not spend more than $3000 on a pet related emergency. How did we come to that number? It was the maximum amount of credit available on my credit card at the time. I don’t recommend this method, but it did put in perspective what we were willing to agree on spending for our dog.

Execute

Do you need to create a sinking fund prior to bringing your pet home? What about a pet emergency fund? 

Once you bring your furry friend home, you will need to add a line item to your budget each month for regular expenses. For instance, a 35 lb. bag of food for our dog is $55. There are other brands that are cheaper, but to combat his skin issues, we have a preferred food for him. One bag lasts about a month, maybe a little bit longer. We also have to buy a special shampoo, treats, and the occasional toy for him to annihilate. 

Whether you are looking to add a pet to your family or just prepare as your current pet’s age, it is always a good idea to map out where you money is going. It also gives you clarity when you may be emotionally vulnerable. Whatever amount you decide to spend or save for your pet, make a fully informed financial decision. 

Side Note: If your dog is a shedder like mine, you need this. The amount of hair this thing picks up is incredible!

Do you have a budget for your pet? What made you decide that your family was ready for a pet? Let me know in the comments below what your monthly pet budget is!