Australia is a pet-loving nation with an estimated 28.7 million animals calling 6.9 million households home1. But while our pets bring us great joy (and can boost our health and wellbeing, too), owning a cat or dog doesn’t come cheap. At least not these days with most pets falling into the “fur babies” category of the household budget.
According to a report from Animal Medicines Australia, the average annual household spend in 2022 was $4,247 for dogs and $2,718 for cats, with food and vet visits the two biggest expenses1. But there are ways to reduce the cost of owning a pet without sacrificing their comfort and happiness. From food to flea treatments, this is what our pets really need, plus expert tips for keeping expenses down.
Creature comforts
We all want our pets to be comfortable but is that cloud-like orthopaedic bed really worth the $300 price tag? Generally speaking, a pet just needs a bed that’s well-padded, big enough for them to sleep in a variety of positions – curled up, on their belly and stretched out – and easy to wash.
There is an exception to this rule, though, says Dr Suzanne Fowler, chief science officer at RSPCA Australia. “For senior animals that may be experiencing joint sensitivities or arthritic issues, orthopaedic or memory-foam beds that they can easily get in and out of can be beneficial.”
Our pets are cherished members of our families but there’s no need to go crazy with toys and accessories. If cutting costs is your aim, make sure you’re spending within your means on things that will actually be used (hold on the cat lasers and doggie jacket).
Save money on pet food
These days, there are so many options for feeding your pet, from supermarket brands and vet-endorsed dry food to bespoke subscription-based services and even cooking food yourself. The key is to balance cost with optimising your pet’s health.
“Pet food can be a huge expense, especially if you have a large-breed dog,” says Dr Bronwyn Oke, chief veterinarian at RSPCA Victoria. For anyone looking to buy a dog, keep this in mind: “I recommend people look at a budget for food before purchasing certain breeds – a rottweiler, for example, can be the equivalent of an adult human to feed!”
For everyone else, we have some good news: dry pet food is usually the cheapest option and experts say there’s nothing wrong with a diet of quality kibble that’s appropriate for your pet’s life stage. “Most pets don’t need wet food in their diet,” says Dr Oke. Even better: as a non-perishable item, dry food can be bought in bulk to reduce costs. Another option is mixing cheaper kibble with more expensive wet food to make it stretch further. Just make sure you measure the food accurately as overfeeding won’t just put a dent in your wallet – it can lead to conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes, resulting in even bigger vet bills.
Prevention is better than cure
It’s no secret that vet bills can come with sticker shock. And unlike our own medical bills, there’s no Medicare equivalent to subsidise them. But by staying on top of your pet’s health, you can minimise vet time and keep more money in your back pocket.
“Responsible care – including providing a nutritious diet, appropriate shelter and an enriched and safe environment – can help reduce the risk of injury, illness or health conditions developing and reduce the potential cost of vet care,” says Dr Fowler. “Many communities also have local veterinary assistance services or pop-up clinics with reduced fees for essentials like vaccinations and desexing.” And keep worming and flea treatments regular to keep your pet in peak condition and out of the vet clinic.
The ins and outs of pet insurance
Pets have a shorter lifespan than humans, meaning they reach their senior years faster – and with old age can come chronic conditions that require treatment. Planning for this is essential. “As a former emergency vet, I’ve seen the value in it many times,” says Dr Oke, noting that serious injuries or illnesses can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
“None of us can predict what will happen so pet insurance is something to consider well before a pet gets sick,” says Dr Fowler. Insuring your pet as early as possible can help make more claimable conditions available on your policy, as pre-existing health conditions won’t be covered if they were known ahead of purchasing the policy (or occurred within the wait period).
Exercising with your dog
They say time is money and in the case of exercising your dog, finding time for a walk can save you on dog-walking services. Bigger and more energetic breeds need more than an hour of exercise a day but there are ways to fit it into your schedule. Split exercise into morning and evening walks or play a game of fetch to use up some of your pet’s energy without needing to get your sneakers out. And consider how much space you have before bringing home a new furry friend – most large dogs and working breeds, such as kelpies, need a lot of exercise that they will likely struggle to get in a small apartment. A big backyard will give them space to run around between walks.
Protect your pet
For comprehensive coverage for cats and dogs, Pet Insurance distributed by CommBank, offers upwards of 70 per cent back on eligible vet bills.2 Other benefits include:
- Choose from two levels of cover with the option to add Booster Care cover and Routine Care.2
- Get complimentary 24/7 access to VetChat online consults for trusted vet advice anytime.3