Dog owners spend the most, followed by cats and rabbits.
Animal owners spend almost £70,000 on pets over their adult lifetime, according to new research by VoucherCodesPro.
The study polled more than 2,000 adults across the UK. Respondents were asked how much they spent on their pet in an average year, taking everything into account including pet food, cages and housing, accessories, grooming, insurance and trips to the vet.
The average spend on each pet was:
- Dog - £1,900
- Cat - £1,200
- Rabbit - £850
- Goldfish (aquarium or pond) - £510
- Small mammal (such as a hamster or gerbil) - £310
As for lifetime spend, the results look something like this:
- Dog (11 years) - £20,900
- Cat (14 years) - £16,800
- Rabbit (10 years) - £8,500
- Goldfish (10 years) - £5,100
- Small mammal (two years) - £620
They were also asked to share which pets and how many of each they planned on having over their adult lifetime. The average response was two dogs, one cat, one small mammal and two goldfish. From this, researchers calculated that the average person would spend a whopping £69,420 on pets during their life.
Owners make significant sacrifices for their pets, with 42% saying that they probably bought more for their pets than they did for themselves. And 12% admitted that they’d gone into debt keeping their pet previously.
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How to spend less on pets
It can be tempting to break the bank when pampering our pets, but there are some ways you can save money.
Get the right pet insurance
The cost of your pet cover is based on the type of animal, its age, where you live and how likely it is to get lost or fall ill.
Watch out for cheaper policies as they may not be the best value for money. Some will only cover an illness over 12 months or limit the amount that they pay out, which won't be great if your pet’s on life-long medication.
Go for a mongrel over a pedigree
If you're interested in getting a cat or dog, opt for a mixed breed. Not only are they cheaper than pedigrees upfront but they'll cost less over their lifetime. Mongrels are more likely to settle into their new surroundings more quickly and less likely to suffer from genetic health disorders, too.
Adopting them from a rescue centre rather than buying them will save you money too as rescue centres only tend to ask for a donation for animals.
Keep on top of vaccinations
Vet visits can be pricey and at times unnecessary.
The most important thing is to keep up-to-date with your pet’s vaccinations as it can really save you money in the long run. Your pet will need vaccinations during their early weeks as well as in old age and pregnancy. If they get regular jabs it’ll stop infections transferring between them and other animals, and humans in some cases.
Find out more about what jabs your pet needs from the RSPCA.
Buy pet toys from a charity shop
Instead of new toys which are going to get chewed to pieces anyway, why not head over to your local charity shop and pick up some of the more “weathered” kids toys? They’re less likely to be sold and you know they’ll be going to a good home. Just make sure there are no small pieces that your animal could choke on.
Subsidised neutering
[SPOTLIGHT]If you’re on any means-tested benefits like Jobseeker’s Allowance or Council Tax Support, you may be able to get your dog neutered on the cheap through the Dog’s Trust. The offer is location-specific, so check the Dog’s Trust website before you go ahead.
It’ll be £30 in UK regions and £15 in Northern Ireland. Your vet will settle the rest.
Buy pet food, litter and bedding in bulk
Dried pet food has a much longer shelf life so it’s worth stocking up when it’s cheap.
If you’re happy to go online, Pet Supermarket does offers on bulk purchases. Keep an eye out for special offers and freebies from other pet shops, too.
Sign up for loyalty programs
Petsathome’s VIP club has loads of benefits including a 10% off welcome voucher, regular exclusive offers and a bonus on your pet’s birthday.
If you sign up to Pet Supermarket’s newsletter you get exclusive promotions and website discount codes.
Don’t put them in a kennel when you go away
It’s a waste of money! There are websites out there which have plenty of people who will look after your pet when you’re away. Borrowmydoggy.com puts you in touch with borrowers who are interested in walks, pet-sitting and holiday care.
For other pets, head over to animalangels.co.uk.
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