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Pet Ownership Costs

Understanding the Lifetime Cost of Pet Ownership

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Whether you have a Fido the dog, a Fluffy the Cat, a Thumper the rabbit, or a Sprinter the pony (or any less usual pet including lizards, birds, fish, rodents, or llamas) the cost of their care, feeding, and vet bills over their lifetime can certainly add up.

The lifetime cost of owning a dog, for an easy example, will certainly depend on the type and breed of the dog, its size, and life expectancy, with larger dogs costing more and often living longer – however, the bulk of certain costs will occur in the first 12 months of life, when most shots and basic needs like neutering or spaying and microchipping are done and capital costs for carriers, beds, shelter, and other instant needs are accepted.

After that, it’s a known quantity for food, plus an unknown quantity for vet care. Food can range anywhere from $150-$1500 per year depending on the size of the dog; health care will vary wildly depending on the health of the animal, any accidents, and where in the country you live.

Other potential costs include pet sitting, pet walking, pet grooming, and other incidentals like toys, treats, outings, leashes and collars that have to be replaced, items for travel and car rides, and more.

Cats have slightly lower costs, but veterinary care is often higher – although cats may not get as many off the cuff injuries as dogs, they are susceptible to more kinds of illnesses and ailments as they get older which can rapidly rack up vet bills.

Exotic pets can cost a pretty penny at the vet as well. Unless you have a local vet who treats exotics, travel time will have to be factored in.

With the Pet Benefit from 2BenefitU, at least the veterinary portion of your lifetime pet responsibility budget can be cut down, as well as some of the ongoing costs for replaceable items that wear out, and services your vet may offer that aren’t directly health related- and you can even take advantage of the ID tag and pet finder system.

With this benefit, you can enjoy:

  • 25% off medical procedures at participating veterinarians
  • 10% to 35% off pet services and supplies
  • Free ID tag and 24-hour pet location service

Vet not in the network? You can nominate him or her and get the savings, and get them more business, too. Caring for a pet lasts their lifetime, so it only makes sense to get as much savings as you can.

Considering Becoming a Multi-Dog Household- Be Prepared with these 9 Tips

Considering Becoming a Multi-Dog Household? Be Prepared with these 9 Tips

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Dogs can be amazing companion animals, and it’s easy to want more than one. However, adding a new dog to a home where another already rules the roost should be done carefully. These guidelines can help you safely introduce a new dog to your existing one!

  1. Consider your current dog’s temperament. Does he get along with other dogs? If you aren’t sure, try taking her to a dog park to play. If that goes well, ask a friend who owns a dog to bring theirs over to visit so you can see how territorial your own is. If that goes well, your dog will probably accept another dog.
  2. Consider the kind of dog you are going to get. If you have a rowdy Labrador, a tiny Pekingese might not be the best second dog – she’d be outmatched even in a playful game of roughhousing. If you have an older dog, a high energy puppy might not be appreciated.
  3. Consider your time. It’s not fair to your existing dog to ask him or her to share you if you are already only around a few waking hours of the day. Make sure you have the time as well as the emotional reserves to handle dishing out love to those under your roof!
  4. Once you’ve decided on your new dog, plan on bringing her home early on a weekend or during a few days of vacation so you’ll be around to ease the transition.
  5. Choose a neutral space for the initial meet, like a park, or – if you are adopting from a shelter – see if they have a socialization room you can bring your dog to in order to meet his prospective new roomie.
  6. Feed both dogs before you introduce them, and spend some time petting each one so they can feel loved and safe. Go back and forth between them in separate rooms so they can smell each other on your clothes.
  7. When you bring your new dog home, bring your current dog outside to meet her before taking them both inside. This will cut down on territorialism.
  8. Make sure your current dog has a safe space of their own they can retreat to and not be bothered, and prepare to help them defend it if necessary against the newcomer.
  9. Give your dog a few days to get used to the new dog in the house, and be sure to provide plenty of love, pats and treats so he knows he’s not being supplanted.

Remember that if the worst happens, and your two dogs get in a scuffle, that your Pet Care Benefit from 2BenefitU covers all of the pets in your household. You can always bring your new pet in for her shots and any other needs, and she’ll get the same great care and discount. They’ll be best of pals in no-time!