The hidden costs of having a pet

Last updated on 5th January, 2024 at 12:47 pm

You love your darling pets, and shower Socks and Smokey in treats and love – but what are the hidden costs you have to keep in mind?

You’re practically guaranteed that no one in your household loves you as much as your pet does – or is as consistently happy to see you (except if you have cats, of course…). Their unconditional adoration and companionship are scientifically proven to help lower stress, while taking Tjoppie for a walk every day also helps keep you fit. We love our pets and want the best for them, but that can come at a price that you should reckon into your family budget.

Owning a pet is about more than just throwing a ball and picking up poop; the costs can add up quickly, which is why it’s important to do your sums beforehand to make sure you can afford it. Here are some things to take into consideration if you’re planning to expand your four-footed family:

Pet expense #1: Vet visits

Pets are living beings like us, and have medical needs to ensure they stay healthy and happy. Your kitten and puppy will need vaccinations, and you’ll also probably have to take your pet for health checks, especially as they get older. Some vaccinations, like those for rabies, are required by law, so you should factor the costs into your pet budget. “This simple medical requirement will save pet owners a lot of unnecessary expense and heartache,” says a spokesperson for Germiston Veterinary Hospital. Other vet visits can include dental care, microchipping, sterilisation and surgery, which all add up.

If you aren’t sure which vaccinations your dog or cat needs, read this handy guide.

Cost

At the time of writing, SPCA Tshwane charges R320 for a veterinarian consultation and R390 for full vaccinations, while sterilising your cat can cost between R700 and R1 700, and your dog R1 000 to R2 200.

Pet expense #2: Puppy training

Instead of endless days and nights struggling with a puppy who doesn’t quite understand how to do its business outside yet, you can invest in a few weeks’ worth of puppy school. Dog-training classes usually cover everything from puppy training to behaviour modification and obedience classes, and could be well worth the investment if you are strapped for time or patience. Good luck training your cat, though!

Cost

A puppy course at Dirty Paws Dog School in Pretoria costs R1 030 for six one-hour classes, while four one-hour classes at Inge’s Puppy School in Cape Town costs R550.

Pet expense #3: Toys

You need to keep your pets entertained and stimulated, and if they want more than an old tennis ball, the rands can pile up.

Cost 

Dog toys on Pet Heaven start from R55, while a puzzle for your cat clocks in at R560.

Pet expense #4: Food

Whether you choose no-name-brand pellets or organic home-cooked meals, feeding your pet is an extra line on the budget spreadsheet. If you’re adopting a cat that will stay indoors most of the time, you also need to include cat litter on your monthly groceries bill.

Cost

A 1.75kg bag of dry dog food starts at R60, and 10L of cat litter at R65. You can get your hands on a 400g tin of bio-organic wet food starting at R88. A month’s worth of adult dog food will add R1 140 to your bill.

Pet expense #5: Pet sitters

When you go on holiday, you don’t want to worry about your pets’ health and happiness. That’s where hiring a pet sitter can bring peace of mind. Getting someone to look after your pet in your home can be pricey, so be sure to include it in your holiday budget.

Cost

Pet Sitters Cape Town charges from R119 per day, which includes a professional pet sitter looking after your pet and plants in your home, as needed. Team Pet Sitters in Gauteng charges from R89 per visit.

Pet expense #6: Doggy daycare

A great option if you don’t want to leave your dog alone during the day is doggy daycare. Here, dogs play and socialise for as long as you need – a few hours or the full day.

Cost

Star Paws in Cape Town charges R150 for a day pass and R2 500 for 20 days. Koko’s Doggy Daycare and Lodge in Durban also charges R150 per dog per day.

Pet expense #7: Pet medical aid

It’s not just the humans in your household that can have medical cover – pets can benefit, too. When Durbanville-based dog owner Lize May Gade’s puppy accidentally swallowed a grape, she could rely on her pet medical aid to take care of the costs. “Our puppy had to spend the night at the vet for observation, which would’ve cost R4 000. Luckily our pet medical aid benefit took care of the bill!”

Find out what to do in this and other pet medical emergencies here.