If you’re thinking of getting a pet, then you are more than likely researching the various aspects of pet care that you need to budget for. There are the obvious aspects such as dog food, vaccinations, grooming, and accessories.
Despite these costs there are several other expenses or little technicalities that people usually don’t tell you about. This might be because these costs vary depending on the pet, type of insurance, and pet’s preferences. We look at a few of the more common aspects of pet budgeting that you may not be aware of.
There’s a Difference Between Pet Deposit, Pet Fee, and Pet Rent
If you’re renting, you’ll be very lucky to find a pet-friendly home. What you may not always know is that a pet-friendly home comes with some financial considerations. One of the most significant of these is understanding the differences between pet deposit and pet fee or even pet rent.
Here’s what you need to know about these potential costs:
- Pet deposit: This is an upfront amount that you pay to your landlord to cover potential damages caused by your pet during the lease period. This isn’t a set fee and can vary depending on the number of pets you have, the types of pets, the area of the home, and the current condition of the home. This amount needs to be paid in addition to your regular security deposit and is refundable if the home is undamaged at the end of the lease.
- Pet fee: This is a one-time payment for the duration of the lease and covers the general property maintenance associated with having a pet. Carpet cleaning is a common example of this type of maintenance. This payment is non-refundable but can be regulated by local laws.
- Pet rent: In addition to your pet deposit, you may also be charged an additional monthly fee for having a pet in the unit. Essentially, your pet is paying rent. This fee is added to the monthly rental and is non-refundable. This amount isn’t regulated and can be charged at the landlord’s discretion.
Ensure that any fees paid to your landlord are documented in the lease agreement. Be sure to have an understanding of what this covers as well as whether or not it’s refundable. Take detailed pictures of the home before you move in, as you may need to prove that some damages were not caused by your pet.
Dog Food May Not be Be as Affordable as You Think
When you’re working on your initial budget, you may settle on an average cost for a reasonable quality dog food. What you may not know is that there’s a very strong possibility that your pet may have food allergies or a sensitive stomach, making it impossible for them to eat the cheaper foods in the grocery store.
In this instance, you will have to opt for a special diet, and many pet owners even resort to making homemade meals to accommodate a pet with one of these conditions. Unfortunately, you will usually only discover these conditions after buying several food types that all make your pet sick. Not only will you have to deal with the excess cost of finding the right food, but also the associated medical costs.
Some pets also need to take supplements, which, depending on the type needed, can be quite costly. Fortunately, these are only really needed for older pets or those who may be recovering from allergies or gastrointestinal issues from eating the wrong foods. Avoid this as much as possible by ensuring that your pet always has a balanced diet. Speak to your vet about natural ways to incorporate the needed vitamins and minerals.
All Those Sundries Add Up
It’s one thing to have a general budget for the basics, but you should be aware that there will always be a bunch of extra costs that will eventually add up. Tick and flea treatments and deworming medications are common examples of sundries that people often forget to mention.
As with dog food, there’s also a chance that your pet will develop an allergy or skin sensitivity to the type of shampoo that you’ve chosen. Hypo-allergenic shampoos are usually more expensive, but avoid the surprise by budgeting for these options from the get-go. Compare home grooming costs with those of a local service to get the most objective guideline.
Final Thoughts
It’s essential to do comprehensive research on as many aspects of pet ownership as possible. Don’t only read the fun articles that highlight the cute toys, jerseys, and fun days at the park. Speak to people who are in a similar situation as you such as fellow renters. It’s also important to get specifics on your dog breed rather than looking at the general average. This will go a long way toward giving you a clearer picture of potential costs.