7 Expenses To Plan For If You're Considering Adopting A Pet

I work so my cat can live a good life.

Pet parenthood is one of the most fun and rewarding responsibilities. Four years ago, I adopted my rescue cat from a local shelter, and he quickly made his way into my heart, camera roll, and monthly budget.

Kailey Hansen

Evidence of Ollie's camera roll invasion.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that ensuring your wallet is ready for your new fur baby is just as important as puppy- or kitten-proofing the house. Financial preparation can eliminate heartache and stress and helps you stay on track for both upfront and recurring pet expenses!

Universal Pictures / Via tenor.com

According to "The Cost of Dog Parenthood" report published by Rover this year, first-time dog owners can expect to spend between $1,050 and $4,480 on initial costs. Woof!

Disney / Via tenor.com

First-time cat owners may spend a little bit less than their dog-owning counterparts, but they can still anticipate dishing out $695 to $3,100 on initial costs, according to Rover's "The Cost of Cat Parenthood" report. Start budgeting right meow!

Disney / Via tenor.com

Wondering what makes these numbers so high? Let's break down the essential expenses of a first-time pet owner:

1. The adoption fee

Disney / Via tenor.com

You've been scouring the Internet for the perfect pet and you've finally found them! Now what? If your new bestie is awaiting their fur-ever home at a shelter, be prepared to pay $100–$700 for a dog and $30–$180 for a cat. Factors such as breed, age, and medical needs can affect how high or low this price point is. 

Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is a rewarding, humane, and more affordable option than purchasing from a breeder. There's a special bond that comes with knowing you've given an animal a fresh new start. It may take a little bit of extra time to find the right pet for you — and a little extra love if they've had a challenging past — but it's well worth the work (and the savings too!).

2. Licenses and initial one-time costs

Disney / Via tenor.com

Once you've found your soulmate, it's time to do some paperwork. Adopting a pet comes with a few requirements, which Rover pinpoints as getting your dog or cat microchipped ($80–$100) and registering them with a pet license ($20–$100). We'll also throw their shiny new collar into this category, since most pets require a personalized ID tag with their parents' info in case they get lost ($10–$150 for a dog, $5–$20 for a cat). 

Renters may also run into a one-time dog or cat fee (or, if you are unlucky, a recurring pet rent rate). If you rent, check your lease for any pet requirements before bringing your new family member home.

3. Vet expenses

Disney/Pixar / Via tenor.com

Keeping your precious baby in good health is of the utmost importance. If you're lucky, an annual vet visit will be your pet's only cyclical medical expense, though animals with health conditions may need to visit their vet more often than once a year. 

When you first bring a pet home, it's good practice to find a local vet who can examine your dog or cat and ensure they're up-to-date on vaccines. These initial visits (in the $320–$480 range for dogs and the $200–$500 range for cats) usually include a general physical plus whichever shots the pet has not already received. If spaying/neutering is part of your pet's welcome home experience, you'll want to make sure to plan for the added cost of that as well.

Even if your pet is healthy, it can be a great idea to start a savings fund dedicated to expected pet-related expenses (like annual vet visits or flea prevention meds) as well as any unexpected medical needs. The alternative to this is purchasing monthly pet insurance, which can be a great option for some pet parents, depending on their budget and the needs of their fur baby. To learn more about if pet insurance is right for you, check out this piece where another BuzzFeeder asked an expert aaaaall of the pet insurance questions.

4. Food (and treats!)

Universal Pictures / Via tenor.com

The most prevalent monthly expense you'll encounter is your pet's food! According to Rover, dog owners spend between $210–$2,340 on pet food annually, while cat owners spend anywhere from $150–$750. The type of food your pet eats is going to depend on any dietary restrictions or health benefits you may want to focus on. As a new pet owner, it can be helpful to discuss brands and food options with your vet.

For example, my cat enjoys a lavish life that includes both kibble and wet food. Since he's a long-haired indoor cat, I spend a little extra on higher-quality dry food that promotes hairball control and weight management. If your budget allows for fresh food options, such as The Farmer's Dog, plan to spend more.

5. Home essentials

Disney / Via giphy.com

When preparing your home for a new canine friend, you'll want to plan for the essentials. Most of these things can be considered a one-time cost at the beginning, as you'll probably only replace them as needed. Home essentials usually include a leash ($10–60), food and water bowls ($10–$120), doggy bags ($10–$70), a crate ($10–$330), a bed ($10–$630), dog grooming and cleaning products ($10–$60), and potty pads if your puppy is not yet house trained ($10–$200). 

Rover's essentials for felines include a bed ($10–$70), food and water bowls ($5–$170), a litter box ($10–$560), litter ($10–$340), a carrier ($20–$140), a scratching post ($10–$90), and a brush and nail trimmers ($5–$100). With a world of pet supplies at our fingertips, you can find most of these items at varying price ranges. Assess your pet's needs, research your options, and create a budget! 

6. Toys

Universal Pictures / Via tenor.com

Alright, we've come to the fun category. If you're considering adopting a pet, you've probably already fallen prey to the wondrous world of pet toys marketed toward money-spending humans like you and me. I, for one, am notoriously guilty, as I bought my cat at least a dozen sushi-themed cat toys our first year together.

Since then, I've been able to curb my sushi cat toy obsession, but it's still all too easy to fill your cart with an obscene amount of adorable plush food items that will entertain your cat for literally 45 seconds. 

Whether it's a disinterested kitty or a toy-destroying puppy, pricey toys are probably not the thing to overspend on right away. Rover estimates a wide range for this category ($5–$290), which proves it really varies depending on the pet parent's budget. You'll certainly want to save for your pet's fun new gifts, but consider this your warning against buying a bunch of toys that your pet may not be into. Instead, try a few things and invest in the types of enrichment they enjoy. Determine what is and isn't worth it for you and your pet and go from there! 

7. Additional services

Disney / Via tenor.com

While these expenses may not show up right away, you'll want to ensure that your pet is well cared for in the event you're away from home. Whether it's boarding your pup at doggy daycare or hiring a Rover sitter to housesit or do drop-in visits, make sure to create a travel plan. Additional expenses might also include grooming services or hiring a dog walker.

As you can see, there is no magic number for the amount of money a new pet owner should have set aside. Based on these categories, your pet, and your budget, determine the number that works for you and start saving. Being adequately prepared to welcome your pet home is the best way to begin fur-ever!