European shorthair
European shorthair

10 Most Unexpected Costs of Adopting a Pet

Most soon-to-be pet parents know that food and vet visits add up, but it’s actually quite common to underestimate just how much their dream pet will really cost. Taking a little time to prepare yourself for the possibilities of hidden expenses will help you be the best pet parent you can be.

10 – Food and Nutrition

Everyone knows food costs money, but the answer isn’t as simple as getting the cheapest brand you can; balancing nutrition and tailoring your pet’s diet to their specific needs, including allergies, is important. Treats and supplements can also help fill in the gaps. Either way, investing in their diet is crucial for the foundation of their health.

09 – Transportation Costs

If you don’t adopt from a local shelter, you may also face additional costs in transporting your new pet home. For example, if you fly to another state and intend to fly the animal back, you’ll need TSA-approved equipment and to pay an additional fee with most airlines. All of this could add more than a hundred dollars in addition to the cost of your flight.

08 – Check-ups and Treatment Costs

Young pets need a round or two of vaccinations as well as other forms of preventative care to ensure they grow up with healthy immune systems. Many shelters and reputable breeders take care of this initial round, but you may have to pay for additional treatments when they’re a little bit older. Planning ahead, pet insurance, or adopting an older animal can help mitigate all of these costs.

Jack russell
Jack russell

07 – State License and Rental Deposit

Most states require you to license your pet so they’re easy to return if they get lost. Annual costs are usually negligible, especially if your pet has been neutered or spayed. Landlords will also charge a pet deposit in most cases, the amount of which varies by state and property. Homeowners may also have to disclose their new pet to their insurance provider depending on their policy.

06 – Socialization and Training

How well you and your new pet bond depends highly on how well they’re socialized and trained. For example, enrolling a young pup in an obedience class trains them to listen to your command and feel confident in their day-to-day actions. Moreover, it addresses potential concerns like reactivity or excessive barking. Costs vary depending on the school or program, but all pet parents should prioritize this expense for an improved quality of life.

05- Bedding, Bowls, and Toys

Once your pet is home, they’ll need somewhere to sleep, eat, and entertain themselves. For example, a dog would benefit from chew toys or puzzle feeders to keep themselves occupied, while cats could make use of catnip, scratchers, and cat trees. You might also opt to buy safety items, such as indoor enclosures or barriers for an indoor cat or baby gates to keep your dog out of a particular room.

04 – Pet Sitting

Sometimes you need to get away for a little while, and you’re going somewhere that your furry friend can’t go. It’s too common to forget that daycare and boarding services are an additional cost to consider when your neighbors or friends can’t step in while you’re away. It’s easier to find these facilities in larger cities, but costs vary widely based on the market and your pet’s needs; expect to pay more if you have a dog who needs frequent walks versus an independent cat.

Adorable dog
Adorable dog

03 – Grooming

It’s also common to forget to factor in the cost of grooming services when they bring home their new friend. Long-haired dogs in particular will require frequent detangling and de-shedding services to keep their coat comfortable. All animals will require nail clipping, ear cleaning, and certain other means of upkeep as well. As ever, costs vary, so shopping around and planning ahead are key.

02 – Potential Health Issues

As with all of us, life and health can be a big roll of the dice. For some pets, certain health problems arise more prominently than they will for others. While there is no guarantee one way or the other, some breeds are more susceptible to specific health issues; it pays to do your research ahead of time to prepare for any potential surprises before settling on any particular breed of pet. Pet insurance can also help mitigate unexpected costs down the road.

01 – Your pet’s lifespan

It’s not unusual for a furry friend to live well into their teen years! Regardless of how you come to have a new pet in your life, understand that you’re hopefully making a long-lasting commitment, so plan ahead.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Pet Insurance Offers