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It is estimated that there are more pets than humans in Australia today. As humans, we talk about finance, mortgages, insurance and savings for ourselves all the time. A pet’s lifespan is shorter and their living costs cheaper so we tend to pay less attention to their financial needs.
Yet many families miscalculate or are misinformed about the reality of pet ownership and the associated costs. So, what costs can you expect to incur over the years of pet ownership?
Here we cover the basics you will need to consider as a pet owner. These do not cover other common needs such as boarding or grooming costs or even good quality food which you might need to factor in.
It is true that the cost of owning a pet varies depending on their breed, state of health and the importance you place on their specific needs. It is our duty of care, as a pet owner, to look after our pet’s physical, emotional and health care as best as possible and as such, these are the items you will need to consider throughout your pet’s life.
1/ Microchipping and Registration
Your dog or cat must be registered with your local council by the time it is 6 months old, unless it is exempt. A list of exceptions can be found here.
Fees vary based on where you live and whether your pet is a cat/ dog/ desexed etc. You must also re-register when moving state. Check your relevant cost here.
2/ Annual Vaccinations
Annual Vaccinations are administered to keep your pet safe from commonly transmissible diseases. Some vaccines are triennial (every 3 years) and others are annual.
Vaccinations for dogs provide protection against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Bordatella that can cause severe or even life-threatening illness.
Annual vaccinations for cats protect against Feline calicivirus, panlucopenia and herpes virus.
Cats can also optionally be given an FIV (Feline Aids) and/or Feline Leukaemia vaccination. This is particularly relevant for cats that venture outdoors as these diseases are spread via cat fights.
3/ Annual Health Check
As part of your pet’s annual vaccination your pet will receive a physical examination. This is an opportunity for your veterinarian to perform a thorough examination of your pet and for you to discuss any concerns, questions or abnormalities that may have arisen in the previous 12 months.
A full rundown of what to expect at your Annual Health Check and why they are so important can be found here.
4/ Other Vaccinations
The leptospirosis vaccination is currently recommended for dogs in Sydney due to a recent spike in this disease in the Sydney area. If your pet goes outdoors and has access to rats or stagnant bodies of water it could be at risk. Ask your vet today about the recent outbreak in Sydney and if you dog may be at risk of contracting this emerging disease.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that causes serious illness in dogs, other animals, and even people. The disease is caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called Leptospires that live in water or warm, wet soil. The disease is largely spread through rat urine which contaminates stagnant water. Dogs can present with many different symptoms ranging from lethargy, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting to kidney and liver failure.
5/ Puppy School
This is a course of 3-4 lessons that will set your puppy on the right social and emotional path from a young age. If you want your dog to be confident in human environments (sports fields, shopping streets etc) and animal social environments (dog parks, street walking etc) it is essential to socialise them from an early age. Speak to our dog trainer John Vella at www.caninewise.com.au for associated costs and the best time to enrol.
6/ Desexing
It is common to desex both male and female dogs and cats. Cats are commonly desexed in Australia between 4-6months of age. The recommended age for desexing your dog will vary depending on the sex and breed of your dog. Your vet will have a detailed discussion with you about the right time for your specific pet and the pros and cons of both.
Costs will inevitably vary depending on the pet so speak to us at The Village Vet for an itemised, customised cost for this procedure.
7/ Dentistry
Most people think bad breath in their pets is normal, however bad breath is the most common sign that your pet has periodontal disease. With early intervention and some simple measures, we can avoid your pet the pain and discomfort of tooth decay. Dental disease is not only painful but can also be associated with abnormalities in the liver and other organs.
Periodontal disease is the number one disease affecting our pet’s mouths after the age of two. Not many people brush their dogs’ teeth on a daily basis so you might be surprised what is going on in their mouth.
8/ Senior Care
Caring for an older animal usually involves more regular (6 monthly) check-ups and therefore some additional costs. A senior blood profile is often recommended to pick up diseases early.
Some health issues associated with senior pets include obesity, arthritis, dental disease, prostate enlargement, renal failure, endocrine diseases such as Cushings disease or diabetes, lumps and bumps of varying types and canine cognitive dysfunction. June and July is Senior’s Months at The Village Vet. Talk to us about accessing seniors dental discounts and more.
9/ Pet Insurance
There are a huge number of pet insurers on the market and it’s not always easy to compare one to the other. Primarily though you should check the following key items:
- Restrictions on pre-existing conditions.
- Any breed specific costs or savings.
- Cover versus lifespan (ie: check if your insurance stops when your pet reaches a certain age.)
- What is included in your basic annual cover.
- You can check out our blog on Pet Insurance here insert something? for full details of what to look out for.
Our blog on Pet Insurance delves deeper into these items and offers questions you should ask before deciding which insurer is best for you and your pet.
Summary
It’s a lot to take in and none of which should be taken lightly.
Our best advice is to do your homework before you take on a pet or add another pet to your family. These are our top tips for moving forward with your financial plan:
1/ Talk to Your Vet.
Always request an estimate for a procedure or treatment before you commit. A good vet will give you options that suit your own personal requirements while still putting your pet’s healthcare first.
2/ Ask questions.
The Village Vet staff will be able to answer any questions regarding your pet’s treatment. We want you to be comfortable with any treatment proposed and confident the chosen treatment is the correct one for your pet and your budget.
3/ Check the Prognosis.
Ensure you are aware of the prognosis (outcome) of the procedure or treatment and the risks associated with it.
4/ Do your research.
Ask questions and seek advice. Understanding comes with greater acceptance and confidence in the expected outcomes.
And remember, we are here to help. Our staff are trained in what is required to keep your pet safe and healthy. We are also trained to advise you and provide options that work within your financial abilities. Call us on 02 9499 4010 and let us know how we can help.
Sources
- Vetschoice.net.au. Article by Dr Alice Marshall, Registered Veterinarian (NSW VSB)
- Dr Martine Perkins – The Village Vet
- Northside Emergency Veterinary Services
