7 ways to cut the cost of caring for your pet

Having a pet can be an enriching experience for the whole family. But while animals can bring us joy, owning one requires budgeting for things like vet bills and other essentials such as pet food and toys. With the cost of living rising, Aussies are feeling the pinch. 

In Canstar Blue’s August 2024 consumer research survey, 51% of cat owners and 58% of dog owners cited the ways they have been impacted by rising costs, including having to decline medical care for their pet. So how can you reduce the cost of having a pet without having to compromise on care? Read on with Canstar Blue to find out.

How much does it cost to own a pet?

The cost of owning a pet will vary depending on what type of pet you bring into your family, the size of the pet and other factors. According to Money Smart, if you adopt a pet instead of buying one for example, you could be spending between $29-$800, compared to $800 to several thousand dollars from a breeder. 

According to Animal Medicines Australia, for cats and dogs, their first year with you will set you back $3,000 to $6,000. Following that, a cat will cost on average $1,715 and a dog will cost $3,218 each year.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the costs associated with owning a pet: 

Cats 

• Pet insurance: $60 a month for accident, illness and routine care cover, according to figures in Canstar’s database.
• Cat food: $84 a month on average, according to figures from Canstar Blue’s 2024 pet food survey. 
• Collar, bowls, beds etc: $100 a year
• Registration fees: $15 – $200 a year depending on your state and local council

Dogs 

• Pet insurance: $115 – $123 a month for accident, illness and routine care cover, according to figures in Canstar’s database. 
• Dog food: $90 a month on average, according to figures from Canstar Blue’s 2024 pet food survey. 
• Collar, bowls, beds etc: $100 a year
• Registration fees: $15 – $200 a year depending on your state and local council

Ways to reduce pet costs

With so many Australians having to cut down on expenses to afford necessities, pet owners are finding ways to save. In our 2024 pet food survey, we found that 34% of dog owners and 27% of cat owners have bought fewer or stopped buying extras such as new toys, beds and coats for their pets in response to the increased cost of living. But what are some of the other ways you can save on pet ownership? 

1. Buy pet food in bulk 

If supermarket pet food prices are making a dent in your grocery bill, consider buying in bulk. Generally, the price per portion decreases as the quantity increases, and you might have a better chance of buying while it’s on sale.  

2. Join a pet store’s rewards system or subscription service 

You could be able to take advantage of special deals and savings by signing up to your pet store’s rewards system. Stores often offer discounts on select dog and cat food for members, as well as a loyalty points program, and other exclusive rewards.

3. Make your own pet food

Some Aussies are making the switch to cooking their pets’ food at home, with 18% of dog owners and 9% of cat owners reporting that they have started making their own pet food, according to our 2024 pet food survey. There are plenty of human-grade foods that are also suitable for your pet that can be incorporated into a healthy diet. If you’re one of the 44% of dog owners or 40% of cat owners who have had to cut down or stop buying treats for their pets, you could even start making these at home instead. It’s important to consult your vet or veterinary nutritionist before making any decisions about how you feed your pet, as your pet may not be suited for a homemade diet. 

4. Switch pet insurance providers 

If a large portion of your budget is being taken up by pet insurance costs, it might be worth it to see if you can get a cheaper deal elsewhere. You can compare expert-rated pet insurance policies using Canstar’s free comparison tool. 

5. Groom your pet yourself 

It can cost up to $196 a year for pet grooming, and if you have a pet with hair that requires regular upkeep, it can add up to a lot more. By doing your pet’s grooming such as washing, nail trimming and shaving at home, you could save money on professional grooming in the long run.

6. Buy pet goods at discount stores or second hand

There’s no shame in being a thrifty shopper, especially when it comes to essentials that are sold at a portion of the price. Consider finding items like beds, toys and carriers from your local op shop, discount store or online like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. 

7. Keep up with preventative care 

Keeping up with your pet’s preventative care such as their nutrition, exercise, vaccinations and flea and tick prevention, can save you larger vet bills in the long run. Much like humans, these preventative measures can help reduce the risk of illness and injury. Of course, accidents and illnesses still occur, but this means you can rule out different diseases that your pet has been vaccinated for, and help your vet get to the bottom of what’s ailing your pet faster. 

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