Posted on Wednesday December 19, 2018

Adopting a Cat or Dog: How Much Does It Cost?

As the holiday season approaches, many families are likely thinking about adopting a cat or dog. However, although pets may bring joy to a household, it's important to plan ahead for the financial impact of this major decision before proceeding.

1. Upfront costs: adoption, vaccination, basic equipment

First and foremost, it's important to choose a pet that suits your lifestyle and to work with a reputable breeder that's familiar with the personality traits of its animals in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. The cost of adopting a cat or dog varies widely depending on the breed as well as the animal's age and state of health. The following is an overview, according to the AMVQ, of the main expenses to expect during the first year of owning a dog or indoor cat.

2. Health insurance for pets: should I get it?

To minimize the risk of illnesses during the first year, adopt your pet from a reputable breeder as indicated above. However, you may also want to consider arranging basic health insurance for your animal at a cost of around $300 per year, according to Petsecure, Canada's Pet Insurance. This coverage may prove very useful if your feline or canine friend ever develops a chronic illness or food allergy or becomes injured.

3. Are you adopting a puppy or a rescue dog? Plan to pay for some obedience classes or puppy kindergarten.

Puppies are more challenging to raise than kittens, making a certain number of obedience classes or kindergarten days necessary, especially if it's your first pet. In addition to giving your new friend opportunities to socialize, you can learn techniques that your entire family can use. If you're adopting a pet at a shelter, remember that the animal could be carrying some baggage or behaviours from its earlier life. Where appropriate, obedience classes or desensitization sessions with a dog trainer are recommended to help the animal gradually get accustomed to its new family and surroundings. The cost of these services varies widely but generally ranges between $100 and $500 depending on the company and type of service.

4. Curly haired? Long haired? Keep grooming expenses in mind.

Are you not particularly skilled with scissors or a razor? Think of the cost of grooming if you adopt a goldendoodle, caniche, bichon frisé or other curly-haired breed. The same applies to adopting a Persian, Siberian or Maine coon cat or any kind of alley cat with long hair that tends to become matted if not maintained regularly. Most owners of curly-haired dogs recommend getting them shaved every four to five months, while very long-haired cats are generally shaved once a year at the start of summer. Contact your nearest pet grooming salon to ask about prices, remembering to specify the breed of your dog or cat, as the price often varies based on the animal's size.

5. Do you travel? If so, you'll want to consider kennel costs (especially for dogs).

Cats tend to get very stressed when removed from their environment; in their case, it's better to leave them alone at home and ask a neighbour to come by to feed and play with them and empty their litter box. Dogs, on the other hand, can't be left alone for any amount of time; they need either a dog sitter or to be taken to a kennel whenever you are away from home, even if it's only for a day or two. Many veterinarians also offer dog boarding services. The price generally ranges between $15 and $40 a day.

For tips on choosing the dog breed that best suits your lifestyle and needs, visit the Canadian Kennel Club website. It offers a comprehensive list of the dog breeds available in Canada.

For general information on common dog health problems and other dog-related issues, you'll find plenty of helpful articles on the website of the Canadian Medical Veterinary Association.

And before you bring any pet into the house, talk about it thoroughly as a family' because when you adopt, it's for life!