Ways to manage costs

What kind of vet care do you need to budget for?

When you become a pet parent (an exciting time!), there are two types of vet costs you’ll need to start budgeting for.

The regular basics

These are the maintenance-type visits – the basic veterinary care every animal needs to keep them happy and healthy. These visits begin the day you bring your pet home, and continue for their lifetime!

Plan for 1-2 ‘wellness visits’ each year
Ideally, your vet likes to see your pet at least once a year, preferably two, even when they’re healthy. (Remember, your pet is ageing faster each year than a human).

These visits include:

  • general health check-up. It’s also a chance for your vet to notice any small problems before they develop into anything bigger.
  • vaccinations. These are critical to ensure your pet is protected against common diseases – some of which are life-threatening. Some vaccinations are required annually, others are every 3 years.
  • worming & flea treatments. Your vet can advise on the best at-home treatment regime, and check that everything working.

Plus extra visits for minor sniffles & scrapes.
When you’re worried about that runny eye, itchy skin, or sore paw – you’ll probably want to get it checked out. (At the very least, contact your vet clinic and explain the issue. They may advise you to bring your pet in).

TIP

Many clinics offer ‘nurse wellness checks’ which are run by veterinary nurses. They’re a great way to check in on the basics such as weight, skin, teeth, ears & eyes.

The unexpected things

Just like humans, pets can face unexpected health issues. They can get involved in an accident, eat something poisonous, or otherwise get injured. Accident or injury may require surgery to mend broken bones, and ongoing care. 

And despite the best care from their owner, they can sometimes develop a disease or health problem. Some pets may need to take medication for the rest of their life.

Both of these things can be costly – so you need to be prepared for this.

The good news is that animals are hugely resilient, and usually bounce back to enjoy a good quality of life.

For a real-life example, check out the story of Lolly, the accident-prone Labradoodle:

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