How To Budget For a New Pet

A house without a pet does not always feel like a home for some. However, when taking in a new animal companion, there must always be some financial planning and budgeting. Depending on your income and monthly expenses, adopting a pet may bring in additional fees that you might have to adjust to. Budgeting your finances is essential when you have a new family member to provide for.

Like humans, pets require food, bedding, and medical care. On average, Americans spend at least $500 a year on their pets’ needs. To ensure a long and happy life for your new companion, you must be financially prepared to provide for their daily needs. A thorough planning ensures that you can support a new family member in your home. Here are some tips on how to make a financial plan for pets:

Be Familiar With the Adoption Costs

The adoption process for dogs and cats often varies but is rarely free. Certain animal shelters may require you to pay for the spaying and neutering of your chosen pet. Additionally, there may be vaccination fees that you must settle before you can take your new companion home. It pays to talk to your chosen shelter first and determine the total expenses before getting a new pet.

Make a List of All the Pet Supplies You Need

Depending on what kind of pet you are preparing for, you must list all the supplies they will need while living in your home. Specialized food, bedding, treats, and toys tend to be costly items that require regular maintenance. Before welcoming your new animal companion, you may opt to do your research on how much certain food brands and pet supplies will cost you per month.

Consider Your Day-to-Day Expenses

Specialized food is something you might have to purchase regularly for any pet. In the case of cats, however, you will also have to spend on cat litter frequently. Before you take in a new animal companion, you must consider how you can afford their day-to-day expenses. Prior research and budgeting are helpful to ensure that you will not overspend.

Plan for Veterinary Care

If your pet has never been checked by a veterinarian or has never received any vaccination, getting an initial evaluation must be considered. While medical care for animals requires additional fees, it will help ensure that your new companion will be free from parasites and health problems. Upon receiving an initial assessment, you may talk to your vet about annual checkups and their fees.

Get Low-Cost Credit for Your Pet Expenses

After doing the planning and budgeting of expenses before welcoming a new animal companion, you might want to apply for a loan or get credit for their initial needs. If you are looking to make a financial plan for pets, 1st Community Credit Union can provide you with the resources that you need. Contact us today!