Managing the cost of a pet

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How much does it cost to own a pet, and why is it a long-term commitment?

David McCullagh 0:01

I'm joined in studio now by VET Sarah Boland. Morning Sarah. Thanks a million for coming in. Uh lots of questions in here for you, uh which people can still uh get in. WhatsApp O eight seven oh thirty two thirty two thirty two or text five one five five one. But we wanted to start uh talking about the cost of a pet because there is a big financial commitment, isn't there?

Sarah Boland 0:22

There is, absolutely, yes. And like everything I suppose we're seeing the costs increase and As ma medicine develops, the cost of what's available is also increasing. We can now do joint replacements on pets. So um yes, it is something that is a big commitment.

David McCullagh 0:37

Okay.

How can you save money on pet food without sacrificing a balanced diet?

David McCullagh 0:38

And the most obvious cost I suppose is food because animals have to eat and uh you know, fish flakes, rabbit pellets, dog kibble, cat food, it all uh adds up. Is there a way to keep that cost down but still provide a well balanced diet?

Sarah Boland 0:50

So a lot of the food companies actually now provide like loyalty cards. So similar to what a coffee shop does. So, you know, you buy a certain number of bags and you can get another bag free. Um, I would always say buy the best you can afford. There's a huge range out there and all of them will have better different benefits. There is prescription food available for dogs and cats that have specific health requirements. But other than that, you know, typically a dog food that's appropriate for their life stage, so either a puppy food or an adult food or senior food is appropriate. Um Some vet practices now have um pet plans or wellness plans. that actually would give a discount as well. So they might have a ten or twenty percent discount on your bags of food that you buy through them.

Sarah Boland 1:35

And um as well as that, a lot of people and a lot of brands they there's a lot of frills that you necessarily you don't need. Um so complete pet food is what you need. Usually the dry kibble is enough. You don't need to go buying tins or um mints or chicken to add in. And um those additives, those wet foods and uh meats, can actually make your pet become overweight as well, which can add to their own. Yeah, which is a big problem. Yeah, which is gonna be a problem.

David McCullagh 2:02

Absolutely. What a load of nonsense we used to feed our dog with the with the leftovers. Oh

Sarah Boland 2:12

yeah. Yeah. And that was very, very common and I suppose, you know Mm pets are now more in the house, so if there is a tummy upset it happens in the house. Um if there is a lot of dental disease, they're sitting up on the sofa with you. They might be sleeping in the bed with you and that bad breath is now in your face. So we are becoming much more aware of the impact.

David McCullagh 2:31

Now you mentioned um some vet practices have the the um the

Sarah Boland 2:34

plans.

Why should pets get an annual veterinary checkup, even when they seem healthy?

Sarah Boland 2:35

The plans. The

David McCullagh 2:35

plans, which is obviously going to be helpful with your medical expenses, which can Adam, I would you recommend even a healthy pet should get a checkup at least once a year?

Sarah Boland 2:42

Oh absolutely, yes. Like pets age a lot more than we do in twelve month period. So getting a check up in twelve months for a pet is actually less than us having a j a doctor's check in in twelve months. And um like I I always say to clients that a vet is also your dentist, it's your dermatologist, it's the hairdresser, you know, they they do everything. So you'll get a full head-to-toe check, they'll check their teeth, their ears. Years, um, lymph nodes they'll check for lumps and bumps, things that you might not have noticed because when it happens slowly in front of you, you sometimes don't see it.

David McCullagh 3:16

Absolutely.

Is pet insurance worth it when unexpected veterinary bills arise?

David McCullagh 3:17

Um would you rec do you recommend pet insurance? Because, you know, everybody hopes they will never need insurance, but when you need it, my goodness, you need it.

Sarah Boland 3:24

Absolutely. Well, to put it into perspective, both my dogs are insured.

David McCullagh 3:27

Okay.

Sarah Boland 3:28

Um so I can do my consultation myself for free. But um if God forbid they had a big health problem or they got hit by a car, broke a leg, you know, there is a big cost involved in what's now available in terms of plating legs and hospitalization intensive care. So absolutely.

David McCullagh 3:46

Okay, so uh we've talked about food, medical expenses, insurance, and then there's training, there's grooming, there's minding uh when you're on holidays.