Getting a pet is so exciting that you may only want to focus on all of the fun things, but you need to remember that getting a pet is also a big step, and it will require a lot of responsibility on your part.
One way in which you will need to be responsible is to ensure that you have enough money to afford all of your pet’s needs. If you’ve never owned a pet, you might not know which expenses go along with being a pet owner, which is why we’ve put together a list of four expenses you need to financially prepare for when you get a pet.
Pet insurance
Most of us have home, car, and medical insurance, so why not have pet insurance as well? After all, unexpected injuries and illnesses can happen to your pet at any time, and vet fees certainly aren’t cheap, so it’s a good idea to have pet insurance.
Investing in pet insurance is the responsible choice, so have a look at this pet insurance resource if you want to learn more about it.
Pet food
Of course, one of the most important things you need to do when you get a pet is to figure out what food they should be eating as well as when and how much.
Regardless of this, you need to include pet food in your budget. The type of pet you have and what type of food they need will determine how much you will be spending on pet food each month. It can be a good idea to talk to your vet and find out whether there are any affordable brands of pet food that they would recommend. They can also help you set up a feeding schedule for your pet, or you can read this post to help you.
Vet fees
Some pets are pretty low-maintenance and don’t require much in terms of medical attention. Fish, for example, hardly need to see vets.
However, some types of pets will require a visit to the vet when you get them, as they will need to be sterilized, chipped, and vaccinated. They may also have to regularly visit the vet for booster shots, or if they have any medical conditions that require treatment.
You might find it helpful to follow a few budgeting tips so that you can ensure that you have the money needed to pay their vet bills.
Toys
Of course, buying toys for your pet isn’t a must, but some types of pets – mostly dogs and cats – require a lot of stimulation, and if you are often away from home and can’t give them a lot of attention, toys can help to keep them entertained.
Toys are also great for keeping your pets distracted when traveling with them, and they can prevent pets from destroying your house as they will have something to keep them occupied.
So, while this shouldn’t necessarily be a priority, you might still want to put some money aside for pet toys.
