Today, France holds the gold medal in Europe… for pet abandonment. It is estimated that around 100,000 animals are abandoned each year. So, to provide your dog, cat (or any other pet) with a healthy and happy life, it is essential to have a clear idea of the budget required for your pet. This article deciphers the average budget for caring for your pet and will guide you through some tips for saving money without sacrificing the well-being of your four-legged friend.
The average annual costs of a pet
It is estimated that the average annual pet costs are:
- For a small dog without health problems: €400
- For large dogs: €1000
- For a cat: €1,000 the first year, then €300 to €700 per year in subsequent years.
Overall, and according to a study by IFOP, the average annual budget spent by a French person on their pet has jumped by 15% over the past two yea
Budget for adopting a pet
Adopting a pet is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. In addition to the financial costs, it’s essential to consider the responsibility and commitment required to care for them for several years.
Fees vary, of course, depending on the type of animal, breed, and where you adopt it.
Cost of adoption from shelters
In shelters, adopting a dog generally costs around €270, and adopting a cat costs €170. These prices are, of course, guidelines and may vary from one shelter to another. Expect to pay a little more for puppies and kittens.
H4 Cost of adoption from pet stores
In a pet store, the adoption price for a kitten is between €300 and €600, and for a puppy between €200 and €1000.
Cost of adopting an animal from a breeder
At a breeder , prices will be higher, ranging from €600 to €2,000 for a cat and from €800 to €2,500 for a dog.
Pets require time, attention, and ongoing expense for their well-being, safety, and development. Before making a decision, consider your circumstances, professional commitments, frequent travel, potential allergies, and whether you have the resources to support the pet.
If you’re unsure, it might be best to wait until the right time to adopt and contribute to animal welfare in other ways. For example, are you familiar with volunteering at shelters like Second Chance? You can also support dedicated organizations like the SPA or the Animal Welfare Foundation.
Costs of Feeding a Pet
Food prices have risen significantly during this period of inflation. On average, French people spend €59 per month on their pets’ food. Despite this price increase, nutritional needs should not be neglected, as this can lead to health problems that will be much more costly.
- Budget for feeding a small dog: around €30 per month
- Budget for feeding a medium-sized dog (with industrial food): approximately €50 per month
- Budget for feeding a large dog: up to €150 per month.
- Budget for cat food: €10 per month and up to €100 depending on the quality and brand
Costs related to your pet’s health
On average, the annual health costs for a dog are between €50 and €300, and for a cat between €150 and €200.
You can estimate the cost of identifying a dog with a tattoo between €50 and €70 and with a microchip between €60 and €70.
The cost of neutering depends on size and weight. It can range from €100 to €200 for a cat and €300 to €400 for a dog.
There are also regular treatments to provide to your animals,, such as:
- Protect against parasites: €5 to €10 per month or €60 to €120 per year
- Dewormers: to be renewed every 6 months on average for a sum of €15 to €,,40 depending on the product and the weight of your dog
All of these treatments are important for your pet’s health and it is important to have funding to provide the necessary treatments.
Other costs
Some accessories are essential.
For one,, cat you will need:
- A litter box: €15 to €100 depending on the model
- A bowl or food dispenser: Allow €5 to €10 for a bowl and €30 to €70 for an automatic dispenser
- A transport cage: From 30 to 60€
- A cat basket: You can add 20,, to 50 depending on the model
For a dog:
- A bowl: Between 5 and 20€
- A brush: Between 5 and 20€
- Necklace: Between 10 and 60€
- A leash: Between 10 and 40€
- A basket: Between 30 and 80€
However, a puppy needs specific accessories that will be adapted to its size. Wait until it has reached adulthood to make the final purchases of essential accessories.
- There are other, less essential accessories: Specialized toys (balls, ropes, educational toys) are not necessarily very expensive (between 2 and 15€ on average), but you have to think about planning a regular budget because they get damaged over time.
- A doghouse if your dog lives,,s outdoors costs between €60 and €200. If you’re a handyman, you can build your own.
- A transport cage for easier travel costs between €60 and €150.
- A clipper is if you want to save money on dog grooming. An investment of €30 to €150, depending on the quality of the clipper.
- If you’re out during the day, you can purchase an automatic food dispenser. Prices range from €20 to €70.
Tips for managing your pet’s budget
Prevention rather than cure
Investing in your pet’s preventative health can save you from large veterinary bills in the long run. A balanced diet, regular exercise, annual veterinary visits, and up-to-date vaccinations can help keep your pet healthy. Regular veterinarian visits also help detect problems early, avoiding costly treatments if complications arise.
Subscribe to special offers..
Many online and brick-and-mortar stores offer pet product subscription programs. By signing up for these special offers, you can save money on kibble, litter, toys, and other essentials for your pet. There are several companies like Elmut, Tai a,, nd Petty Wel ..In addition to reducing your expenses, you’ll avoid last-minute forgotten items by receiving the products you need regularly.
Smart recycling
Consider recycling your toys and accessories. For example, reuse old t-shirts to make chew toys for your dog, or turn an old scarf into a blanket. Find tips for reusing your packaging with Rajapack or creating a dog bed with depuismonhamac.
Home grooming
If you decide to go to a grooming salon, you should spend between €100 and €200 per year, with an ideal frequency of once every 6 months. If this seems too expensive, you can learn to do basic grooming yourself. Regular brushing, nail trimming, and bathing are simple tasks that you can do yourself, thus avoiding professional fees. However, you will need to purchase clippers, which cost between €50 and €150, brushes, and more.
Homemade treats
What’s better than making delicious treats? Not only is it healthier, but it can also save you money. Look for simple recipes online, ke lemagduchien, with healthy, suitable ingredients. Your dog will love these homemade treats, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what he’s eating.
