Tag Archives: pet

What to Consider Before Adding a Furry Family Member

pet

As we’re all obsessed with the adorable puppy pictures on Instagram and kittens in cups, it’s easy to understand why we’d want one of our own. However, whether you’re looking to teach your children about responsibility or just want a furry family member, there are a few things you should consider before making the addition.

Can you afford it?

According to the SSPCA, vaccinations, medications, litter, collars, food, checkups and grooming can add up to a bill of at least $1,000 a year. This doesn’t even include toys, a dog house, fencing for your yard and so on. Be prepared to budget out your funds, so affording a pet doesn’t overcome your finances.

Do you have the time?

Even though you’d love an animal to snuggle up with at night, you must think about the amount of time it takes to care for it. Your lunch breaks will have to be spent going home to let the dog out, you need to add time to your schedule for walks and take less vacations.

Do you have a kennel and/or dog walker on hand?

If you travel, you will have to have someone care for your pet. A kennel will be a solution for housing your pet, but this will cost you. Pricing for overnight boarding can be anywhere from $25 – $45 a night. A dog walker is also another option to take care of your pet while you’re at work, but they charge anywhere from $15 – $30 for each walk.

What breed fits you?

A large yard and house means you can easily care for a big dog, but be sure to consider your animal’s size before trying to fit a large Labrador into a 200 sq. ft. apartment. Puppies are cute and small, but they can grow to be more than you can handle. Find a docile animal to fit your child’s personality or a hyper animal if you’re looking to have a companion ready to be on the go.

How much is grooming worth?

Depending on the breed you choose, you could be looking at a hefty grooming bill. As professionals charge $50-$100 for their services, your puppy will start to add up. Taking care of your pet is important, so you can’t skimp on grooming them regularly.

Do you have an emergency fund?

Let’s face it, pets have accidents too. Whether you need an emergency surgery or have to get Sparky fixed, these costs will add up. Preparing for the unexpected will help ease the financial stress that could be caused by unexpected bills.

Getting a pet is an exciting adventure – but remember all of the financial responsibility that follows. If you’re looking to add a furry member to the family, contact us today to set up a savings account for your pet’s emergency fund!

The True Cost of Owning a Pet

Owning a Pet

Seasoned pet owners know Fido and Fluffy add a special element to your family as only a pet can. However, adding another member to your household does come with its costs. From daily kibble, to late night vet calls, be sure you’re financially prepared before purchasing your next pet. Try these five financial tips to keep both your pet and your wallet happy.

Consider Adopting

A purebred pet can easily run over $1,000, while also requiring a hefty deposit in addition to registration fees. Try visiting your local humane society or animal shelter to meet some love-deprived friends that could use your attention. With most adoption costs under $300 total, you can save some green while helping a loving animal in need.

Determine Appropriate Size and Breed

Both your residence and your budget factor into this one! With many apartments posing weight and breed restrictions, there may be additional external factors to consider. When it comes to your budget, be sure to make note of your designated pet spending. If you’re trying to feed a big dog on a little budget, you may be fighting an uphill battle.

Buy Generic

Food is food, and pets don’t care whether their daily dinner is from brand A or B. Choose food that maximizes your pet’s energy without minimizing your savings. Treats can be another tricky topic – find one type of treat to reward your pet with for a job well done. There are several pet stores where you can purchase treats in bulk, and as long as you store them properly, you can save plenty of dollars, without running out of prizes for your pet.

Avoid Frill Expenses

Items such as decorative bowls, pet clothes, and squeaky toys are all fun splurges, but unneeded purchases on a continual basis. Choose a timeline for additional pet items on either a quarterly or biannual basis. You can keep your pet happy and entertained by offering household items such as empty water bottles or old stuffed animals instead of dropping $15 for a new toy each month.

Groom Smart

Every pet is different, some shed, others molt, but no matter what type of animal you have grooming may be involved. Various pets can groom themselves, or require little maintenance, but for the majority of our furry friends, assistance may be required. If you’re up to the challenge, see if grooming is something you can do yourself. Activities such as bathing or brushing can be done at home – just be sure to stock up on towels! If your pet requires frequent haircuts, or other monthly grooming, find a local groomer instead of your veterinarian for a more affordable rate.

 

Give your pet all the love and affection you can while keeping your budget on a leash. If you want to learn more about managing your monthly budget give us a call at (641) 472-3161 or drop by the bank today. We’d love to help you and your furry family make the most of your spending!