How to Cope With the High Cost of Pet Care

Years of sustained inflation are putting pressure on Canadian wallets. Food and shelter are markedly more expensive — for humans as well as our four-legged friends.

A majority of Canadian pet parents (87%) have observed increasing pet-related costs over the past 12 months, according to a recent survey conducted by Rover, an online pet care marketplace.

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The top three drivers of increased financial pressures are vet visits (56%), pet food costs (45%), and medications (27%), according to the survey.

Relinquishing a beloved pet due to cost of care is a difficult decision that hurts everyone involved, and it can put added pressure on your local shelter’s already-limited resources.

There are several ways to avoid this potentially heartbreaking situation, though, including budgeting, cutting costs and availing yourself of local charities dedicated to keeping pets where they belong: in a home with a loving family.

Research and budget — before choosing a pet

Pets often catch their owners off-guard in two ways: by making us feel more love for an animal than we ever thought possible, and by costing us far more than we anticipated.

There’s no preparing for that first shock, but it’s critical to plan for the second if you’re serious about living with a pet long-term.

The estimated annual cost of owning a full-grown cat in the province is more than $2,800, while the average cost of owning a dog is around $4,100, according to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association.

If your heart is set on a kitten or puppy, expect to spend extra in the first few years.

Vet costs vary from clinic to clinic, so it’s a good idea to call around your community and compare how much you might have to pay for regular procedures like examinations, vaccines, blood work and dental care, says Heidi Marston, executive director of the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk, Maine. Keep in mind that some clinics might not be accepting new patients.

“It’s also a good idea to research species and breeds prior to welcoming a pet into your life,” says Dr. Matthew Richardson, chairperson of the OVMA and a veterinarian/practice owner in downtown Toronto. “Certain breeds are more prone to health concerns, and being aware of the potential expenses over the life of the pet is important.”

Richardson also encourages prospective pet owners to start a dedicated savings account for paying unexpected expenses and to consider the benefits of pet insurance.

“There is a fee, but it allows your pet to get the best medical care when needed without worrying about the cost,” he says.

Another option to consider, particularly when shelters are overwhelmed, is to foster an animal rather than adopting or purchasing one. You’ll get a sense of the responsibilities involved with pet ownership without making a long-term financial or emotional commitment you may not be ready for.

Find creative ways to reduce costs

When you’re ready to welcome a pet into your home, there are a number of things you can do to keep costs under control, such as:

When it comes to lowering vet costs, the experts agree: preventive medicine is the most effective method of avoiding large vet bills. Vaccinating your dog or cat against parvovirus, for example, will be cheaper than treating it. Regularly cleaning your pet’s teeth and getting it spayed or neutered can also nip future expenses in the bud, as can regular check-ups.

Cutting back on food costs, another major expense, doesn’t necessarily mean opting for low quality kibble. Among Canadian pet parents surveyed by Rover:

“Feeding your pet a healthy diet doesn’t have to be expensive,” Richardson says. “To decide if a certain food fits your budget, consider the cost of feeding per day, not just the cost of the bag or can. A veterinarian can suggest a food that is suitable for your pet with your budget in mind.”

If things get rough: Avoiding the shelter system

There’s only so much you can do when battling high prices — just ask the world’s central banks. If you’ve exhausted every reasonable option and still can’t afford to give your pet the life you feel it deserves, consider asking for help.

Seek out local food banks and see if they run food assistance programs for pets. Your local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or Humane Society may also provide free or low-cost food. Marston also suggests visiting Pet Help Finder to find affordable food and pet care alternatives.

Your province may also be home to charities that aim to help keep families and pets together. The Farley Foundation, for example, subsidizes vet care for families in need in Ontario. Ask your vet if similar charities exist near you.

If all else fails, consider trying to rehome your pet yourself.

Finding a new home for your pet can be stressful too, especially if you’re rehoming a breed that might need special care. Richardson says many dog and cat breeds have breed associations that can help place the pet in the care of someone who’s familiar with the breed, increasing the chance of finding a forever home.