The real cost of owning a pet in South Africa
Bringing a pet into one’s home is exciting but a significant financial commitment.
“It’s essential to have a clear understanding of these costs before bringing a pet home. Keeping your ‘fur-ever’ friend healthy and entertained costs a lot more than you may expect,” said Sarah Nicholson, operations manager of JustMoney.co.za.
For those who want a rare breed, the price tag may be hefty.
For instance, a pedigree lilac French bulldog can cost R85,000 to R95,000, including microchipping, health and vet certificates, registration papers and other documents.
However, buyers must be careful when buying dogs. Scammers often use fake logos of reputable organisations that register pedigreed cats and dogs to mislead buyers into believing they’re dealing with legitimate, ethical breeders.
Adopting an animal offers several other advantages, including cost, as rescues are usually more affordable than what is found at breeders of pet stores.
Rescue animals are vaccinated and spayed or neutered by the organisation in question, offering additional savings.
Spaying a female dog can cost R2,360 to R3,450, depending on its weight, and neutering a male dog can cost R1,800 to R2,250.
Neutering a cat costs R1,750 for a female and R1,200 for a male.
That said, there are possible drawbacks, such as limited breed options and unexpected health issues that require time and money to address.
“When adopting, deal only with a reputable animal organisation that has a thorough, transparent adoption process. This may involve filling in detailed application forms and undergoing interviews and home checks,” said JustMoney.
Home and food purchases
In addition, setting up a home that suits the needs of an animal can be costly.
Setting up a home for a kitten may require a cat litter tray (R80) and/or a starter litter kit with a tray and scoop (R175).
Litter ranges from R50 for a standard 2.5kg bag to R863 for 10kg, but costs depend on the litter brand and texture.
A puppy, on the other hand, may need housetraining aids, such as an artificial grass training pad (R190 to R800) or a fabric, metal, or plastic crate (R370 to R1,850).
Food and water bowls can also cost around R100 each.
A standard, branded dog collar costs R132, while harnesses range from R250 to R800.
Food costs also vary depending on the pet size, dietary needs and bread,
Kitten food ranges from R300 to R1,000 for a 1.5kg to 7kg bag, and a 15 kg to 16kg bag for a large puppy costs R1,500 and R1,600.
Toys can also limit destructive behaviour. A chew toy for a dog costs R160 to R300, and a scratching post for a cat costs R300 upwards.
Regarding grooming, brushes start at R150, shampoo costs R132, and nail clippers range from R200 to R400.
Professional grooming services for a large, long-haired dog cost roughly R245 for a basic wash, dry, and nail clip and can increase to R310 when including a summer or winter shave.
Vet costs
Vet care is not only for when a pet is ill but also to help prevent diseases from developing.
A standard consultation costs R610, a check-up and vaccination for a dog of any age is R660, and around R770 for a cat.
Depending on the dog’s weight, dog deworming tablets cost R22 to R66 a pop. A decent cat dewormer will cost roughly R85.
Pet insurance can also help mitigate the potential high costs of vet care, ensuring that pets receive prompt treatment while minimising the financial strain on owners.
JustMoney said that, depending on your policy, you usually receive a refund of 60% to 80% on a claim.
“Shop around to ensure the coverage meets your pet’s needs and your budget,” said Nicholson.
“Compare policies from reputable insurers. Focus on coverage details such as deductible amounts, reimbursement percentages, and annual or lifetime coverage limits. Assess whether the policy covers accidents, illnesses, and hereditary and chronic conditions.”
Moreover, budgeting for doggy daycare while you’re at work or on holiday also involves careful financial planning to ensure that the pet receives good care without straining the budget.
Budgeting tips
Nicholson urges pet parents on tight budgets to focus on priorities and be creative. She offers the following tips:
- Check out second-hand stores: Visit charity shops for kennels, pet toys, and accessories.
- Use repurposed items: Upcycle household items, such as old blankets or pillows, to use as pet bedding.
- Opt for DIY grooming: Learn basic techniques like fur clipping and nail trimming.
- Benefit from bulk buying: Purchase pet food and supplies in bulk when there are sales or discounts.
- Make homemade treats: Find pet-safe recipes online that use ingredients such as peanut butter, oats, and chicken broth.
- Focus on regular exercise: Keep your pet active with daily walks and play sessions to maintain their health without costly equipment or memberships.
- Create DIY toys: Make toys from household items such as cardboard boxes or old socks.
- Use community resources: Research low-cost animal clinics and non-profit organisations that offer dipping, deworming, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering services.
- Pet programme perks: Several retailers, including Absolute Pets, Woolworths, Investec, Pick n Pay, and eBucks, offer some form of reward programme for pets.
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