Adopting a pet is an important decision that brings a lot of joy, but it also comes with various responsibilities, including financial ones. At Animex, we aim to clearly inform families about the costs to expect when raising a dog or cat in a healthy and responsible manner. In this article, we detail the annual expenses associated with pet care, including vaccines, vaccine boosters, deworming, and sterilization.

The information we are sharing today is subject to change depending on clinic prices, the region, and the current year, particularly due to inflation. 

Why is it essential to understand the costs?

Taking care of a pet is not just about love and time; it is also necessary to plan a budget to meet their daily needs. Expenses can vary depending on the animal's size, breed, age, and health condition, but they generally include:

  • Basic health care (vaccines, deworming, sterilization)
  • Food
  • Accessories (collars, leashes, litter, toys)
  • Preventive and unexpected care (veterinary consultations)

By knowing these costs, you can better plan, avoid surprises, and properly prepare for the introduction of a living being into your life for more than a decade. 

Healthcare-related costs

1. Essential vaccines and their boosters

Vaccines are a crucial step in preventing many serious diseases in dogs and cats. Here are the main recommended vaccines:

  • Dogs :
    • The DHPP vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
    • The rabies vaccine
    • The vaccine against leptospirosis
    • The kennel cough vaccine (Bordetella)
  • Cats :
    • The PRC vaccine (Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus)
    • The rabies vaccine
    • The vaccine against leukemia

Estimated costs : The initial vaccine costs range between $150 to $250 for dogs and cats. The monthly boosters during the first year are less expensive, ranging between 50 $ and 100 $, thereafter, there are annual boosters.

2. Deworming

Parasites can seriously affect your pet's health, especially if not treated quickly. Deworming is essential to eliminate and prevent both external and internal parasites. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as heartworm, while internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, or Trichuris trichiura can impact the animal's health. Veterinarians recommend deworming your pet several times a year, especially if they go outside regularly, travel, or are on certain diets.

Estimated costs : Deworming treatments cost between $25 to $50 per dose, depending on the animal's weight and the product used. On average, expect to pay around $150 to $300 per year for regular deworming.

3. Sterilization

Sterilization is a preventive care recommended to control the animal population and avoid certain health issues (such as uterine infections or certain cancers). It is usually performed when the animal is young, but it can be done at any age.

Estimated costs : Sterilization costs on average 300 $ To 500 $ for a cat and 400 $ To 800 $ for a dog. These costs vary depending on the weight and gender of the animal (sterilization of females is generally more expensive).

Food-related costs

A diet tailored to your pet's age, weight, and activity level is essential to ensure their good health. Food options vary greatly, ranging from budget-friendly kibble to high-quality veterinary or specially formulated diets.

  • Basic kibble : Around 300 $ To 500 $ per year
  • Premium food : Around 600 $ to 1 000 $ per year
  • Specific or medicated diets : More than 1 200 $ per year

Accessories and other ongoing expenses

1. Toys and accessories

City permits, treats, toys, leashes, bowls, litter, or cat trees may seem like minor expenses, but they add up quickly. Some animals have specific needs, such as boots, coats, and carriers. Expect to spend between 100 $ and 500 $ per year.

Veterinary visits

In addition to preventive care, veterinary visits are necessary in case of illness or injury. A consultation with the veterinarian typically costs around 90 $ to 120 $ and much more in case of an emergency. This does not include additional exams or treatments.

Planning your annual budget

In summary, here is an overview of the average annual costs:

  • Health (vaccines, boosters, deworming) : $300 to $500
  • Sterilization (one-time) : $300 to $800
  • Food $300 to $1200
  • Accessories and toys $150 to $300
  • Unexpected veterinary visits $300 to $1000

Estimated annual total: Between $1,350 and $3,800 in the first year, then between $1,000 and $3,000 for each following year. 

How to reduce costs without compromising quality?

  • Bundled vaccination programs : Some veterinarians offer packages to reduce the costs of basic care. Additionally, some vaccines are administered every two or even three years.
  • Buying in bulk : Foods or products like dewormers can be cheaper when bought in bulk, which can help reduce prescription costs.
  • Taking out pet insurance : Pet health insurance can cover part of the unexpected costs.
  • In-Home Services : This can help reduce transportation costs, lower medication related to stress from veterinary clinic visits, and yield better results for certain tests, thus avoiding the need to repeat them. 

Contact Animex for responsible care.

At Animex, we are committed to providing professional home services, which helps reduce medication for stress and optimize the results of certain additional exams, such as blood pressure.
Contact us today for advice tailored to your needs and discuss it with your veterinarian.