5 Financial Lessons for Pet Owners

Pet's make us happy, keep us active and make us better humans. I was not fully aware of the commitment when I got my first dog at age 22, but we grew and learned from each other for over a decade. During this time I learned pets excel in routines, I learned what it's like to have another creature who depends on you 100%, and if you're all alone you still have your pet to love you. In addition to maturing with my dog there were some essential financial lessons that I take with me as I embark on another 10+ year commitment and journey with my next dog. I want to share the five financial lessons I learned from owning a pet:

1. Pet Insurance May Save You from Really Tough Decisions: Pet owners may face difficult decisions about their pet's health due to financial constraints. A dear friend found out her dog had cancer and needed a surgery to survive that would cost over $25,000. She had to make a very expensive decision without any time to think it through. If this sounds like a terrible situation that you'd like to avoid, then investing in pet insurance provides peace of mind. For a relatively small monthly fee, you'll know you can afford life-saving medical treatments without compromising your financial security.

2. Food Subscriptions Save You Money: You know you have to buy the food every month, so buying a subscription of your chosen pet food can significantly reduce the cost of feeding your pet. Amazon offers discounts of 5-10% for subscription purchases, you can also get discounts from large retailers like Petco or Petsmart by subscribing to have your pet food delivered to your door each month. This is a win-win, saving you time spent going to the store each month and money.

3. Don’t Neglect Dental Care: Dental care is essential for your pet's overall health, but it's often overlooked by owners until a problem arises. My vet recommends brushing 3x per week for my 12 week old pup. Also don't put off regular dental cleanings. Although costly at the time, can prevent larger dental issues down the road, such as periodontal disease or tooth extractions. Investing in preventive dental care now can save you from hefty dental bills later.

4. Vacations Are More Expensive: Planning vacations as a pet owner involves additional expenses for pet care, such as boarding fees or pet-sitting services. Experience tells me if you don't have a good solution for pet care while you're gone, you may choose not to go on vacation at all. If this isn't a lifestyle choice you intend to make then it's important to figure out what the best place is for your pet when you're gone. Pet's may stay with family, in your home with a house-sitter or a boarding facility. However, these costs can add up quickly and should be added to your vacation budget once you own a pet. Additionally, if you plan to travel with your pet some destinations may have limited pet-friendly accommodations, leading to higher lodging expenses.

5. Cremation Isn’t Free: Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy, and the cost of cremation or burial adds an additional financial burden during an emotional time. For our sweet boy we felt cremation was the best way to honor his long life and commitment to our family. Think about what's important to you and plan in advance so you aren't strapped financially when you have to say goodbye to your beloved pet.

In conclusion, being a responsible pet owner goes beyond providing love and attention—it also involves managing the financial aspects of pet care. Our pets devote their love and attention to us, so it's our job to properly prepare for their health and lifestyle needs financially. By learning these financial lessons, pet owners can ensure the well-being of their beloved pets while staying on track for your household financial plans.